Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport.
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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Item | Carry on bags | Checked bags |
---|---|---|
Airbrush Make-up Machine 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. |
Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes (Special Instructions) |
Battery powered wheel chairs and mobility devices 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. |
No | Yes (Special Instructions) |
Curling Iron (cordless) Cordless curling irons that contain lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags. Gas refills (spare cartridges) are not permitted. |
Yes (Special Instructions) | No |
Drones, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) 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. |
Check with Airline | Check with Airline |
Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D) 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. |
Yes | Yes |
Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices 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. Check with your airline on any limitations on the number of devices that can be carried for personal use by a passenger. |
Yes (Special Instructions) | No |
Electronic Toothbrush 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. |
Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes (Special Instructions) |
External Medical Devices 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. For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries. |
Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes (Special Instructions) |
Hair Straightener, flat iron (cordless) Cordless hair straighteners that contain lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags. Gas refills (spare cartridges) are not permitted. |
Yes (Special Instructions) | No |
Hair Straightener, flat iron (with cord) 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. |
Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes (Special Instructions) |
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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Miscellaneous