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.

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Airbrush Make-up Machine

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

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

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

Battery powered wheel chairs and mobility devices

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Spillable batteries are allowed in wheelchairs and mobility devices, where the battery may remain installed if it is securely attached to the mobility device and the battery housing provides protection from damage, the terminals are protected from short circuit, and the battery remains in an upright position when stowed on the aircraft. See FAA regulations

Non-spillable batteries may require additional measures based on battery type. See FAA regulations.

Lithium metal (non-rechargeable lithium) batteries are forbidden with these devices.

Lithium ion batteries must be removed from this type of mobility device and battery terminals protected from short circuit. The battery must be protected from damage (e.g. by placing each battery in a protective pouch). The lithium ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only. The passenger must advise the airline of the battery location. The airline must notify the Pilot-in-command of the battery location in the cabin.

For complete passenger instructions contact your airline. Advance arrangements and extra check-in time may be necessary. The airline may need to remove the battery and package it separately if the wheelchair cannot be stowed upright in the cargo compartment.

Wheelchairs and other mobility devices are permitted through the checkpoint but not permitted into the cabin of the aircraft.

Curling Iron (cordless)

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: No

Cordless curling irons that contain lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.
A safety cover must be securely fitted over the heating element. The device must be protected from accidental activation.
For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.

Gas refills (spare cartridges) are not permitted.

Drones, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

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

Drones are allowed through the checkpoint. Please check with your airline prior to traveling for their policy.

Drones containing lithium batteries, fuel cells, and components of certain parachute systems may be prohibited in baggage. For more information, see the FAA regulations.

Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

This entry applies to typical non-lithium dry batteries (alkaline, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, etc.) in the most common sizes: AA, AAA, C, D, button cell, 9-volt, etc.

Batteries must be protected from damage and creating sparks or a dangerous evolution of heat.  For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries.

Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: No

Electronic smoking devices are allowed only in carry-on baggage.

Passengers are required to take effective measures for preventing accidental activation of the heating element of the device when transporting the devices. See the FAA regulations for examples of effective measures.
Each lithium ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh; or for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams.

Check with your airline on any limitations on the number of devices that can be carried for personal use by a passenger.

Electronic Toothbrush

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

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

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

External Medical Devices

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

Inform the TSA officer if you have a bone growth stimulator, spinal stimulator, neurostimulator, port, feeding tube, insulin pump, ostomy or other medical device attached to your body and where it is located before the screening process begins. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition.

Submit the device for X-ray screening if you can safely disconnect. Consult with the manufacturer of the device to determine whether it can pass through the X-ray, metal detector or advanced imaging technology for screening.

If you cannot disconnect from the device, it may require additional screening and those in sensitive areas are subject to careful and gentle inspection. For more information, see TSA special procedures.

If you need assistance with screening, you may ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer.

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

For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries.

Hair Straightener, flat iron (cordless)

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: No

Cordless hair straighteners that contain lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.
A safety cover must be securely fitted over the heating element. The device must be protected from accidental activation.
For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.

Gas refills (spare cartridges) are not permitted.

Hair Straightener, flat iron (with cord)

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

Electric curling irons and hair straighteners with cords are not restricted unless they also include batteries or gas/fuel cartridges See Hair Straightener (cordless) for more information.