What Can I Bring?

Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. Read about civil penalties for prohibited items.

  • For items not listed here, our AskTSA team looks forward to answering your questions 365 days a year; live assistance is available from 8 am – 6 pm (ET).
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The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

 

Officers may ask you to power up your electronic device, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. TSA does not read or copy information from your device.

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Unused Syringes

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Unused syringes are allowed when accompanied by injectable medication. You must declare these items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to facilitate the security process.

Learn more about transporting medication on your next flight.

Used Syringes

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Used syringes are allowed when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container.

Learn more about transporting medication on your next flight.

Utensils

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Knives, except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives, are not allowed in carry-on bags.

Utility Knives/Knife

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

 Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. These items are required to be placed in checked bags with or without blades.

Vacuum Robots

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Vacuum-sealed bags

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Vacuum-sealed clothes bags are allowed but not encouraged. If they alarm, the TSA officer may need to open them for inspection.

Vehicle Airbags

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Violins

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Musical instruments must undergo screening when transported as carry-on or in checked baggage. Musical instruments transported as carry-on require a physical inspection at the security checkpoint. Inform the TSA officer if your instrument requires special care and handling. Pack brass instruments in your checked baggage.

Check with your airline prior to your flight to ensure your instrument meets the aircraft size requirements.

Virtual Reality Unit

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Please carefully pack your electronics items and make sure all cords are wrapped. While you can pack expensive, fragile electronics items in checked or carry-on bags, we recommend packing them in your carry-on. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Vitamins

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes