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.

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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.

TENS unit

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

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. If your doctor has told you that your specific TENS unit shouldn't go through an X-ray, you should notify the TSA officer so they can conduct alternate screening. To help you get through security more efficiently, remove your TENS unit from your carry-on bag and put it in the screening bin so the TSA officer can get a clear view of it. For more information, see TSA special procedures.

Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.  Most other consumer electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations


Tent

  • Carry On Bags: Check with Airline
  • Checked Bags: Check with Airline

You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. 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.

Tent stakes must be packed in checked bags.


Tent Poles

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

Generally, tent poles are allowed in carry-on or checked bags. Please note however that even if an item is generally allowed, our officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.


Tent Spikes

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.


Throwing Stars

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.


Tobacco

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Tobacco Pipes

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Tools

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

Tools 7 inches or shorter (measured from end to end when assembled) may be allowed in carry-on baggage. 

Power tools and all tools longer than 7 inches or shorter (measured from end to end when assembled) may be allowed in carry-on baggage; these items must be packed in your checked bags.

 For tools powered by lithium batteries, see FAA regulations.


Toothbrush

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Toothpaste

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed)
  • Checked Bags: Yes