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).
- X: @AskTSA
- Facebook Messenger: www.fb.com/AskTSA
- Apple Business Chat: AskTSA
- Text Message: Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872)
Item | Carry on bags | Checked bags |
---|---|---|
Power Charger Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. For more information, see the FAA guidance on portable rechargers. |
Yes | No |
Power Tools Power tools must be packed in checked bags, including drills and drill bits. Power tools with installed batteries must be packed in checked bags. Batteries installed in devices must be protected from accidental activation. External battery chargers that don’t require electricity and spare, uninstalled lithium batteries must be packed in a carry-on bag. For tools powered by lithium batteries, see FAA regulations. |
No | Yes (Special Instructions) |
Spillable Batteries Except those in wheelchairs. |
No | No |
Stun Guns/Shocking Devices Tasers, Stun Guns, and Electro-Shock Weapons (Conducted Electrical Weapons) must be transported in a manner that renders the device inoperable from accidental discharge. Some of these devices are manufactured with lithium batteries. For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries. |
No | Yes (Special Instructions) |
Tattoo Guns 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) |
TENS unit 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. For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations |
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.
Categories
-
Image
All Items
-
Image
Flammables
-
Image
Firearms
-
Image
Food
-
Image
Household & Tools
-
Image
Medical
-
Image
Sharp Objects
-
Image
Sporting & Camping
-
Image
Miscellaneous