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).
    • Twitter: @AskTSA
    • Facebook Messenger: www.fb.com/AskTSA
    • Apple Business Chat: AskTSA
    • Text Message: Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872)
 

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.

Household and tools

Flashlights

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Fork

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Freezer packs

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

Frozen liquid items and gel packs are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.

Full Sized Video Game Consoles

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Please place the console in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

Grater

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

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.

Hammers

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Hand Sanitizers

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

TSA allows hand sanitizer in a passenger carry-on bag under the 3-1-1 liquids rule. These are limited to travel-size hand sanitizer containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. 

The FAA limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, in checked baggage. The total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces). See the FAA regulations for more information.

Permitted aerosol release devices (button/nozzle) must be protected by caps or other suitable means to prevent accidental release.

Heating Pad (Gel)

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Heating Pads (Electric)

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes