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).
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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.

Household and tools

Mallets

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Microwave

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

Microwave is allowed through the checkpoint. Please check with your airline for their policy.

Mixer

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

Mixer is allowed in carry-on bags. Please check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions.

MREs

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

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Please note some airlines do not allow MREs in carry-on bags due to the self-heating element. We recommend that you reach out to your airline to determine their policy.

Multi-tool without Blades

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Nail File (metal)

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

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

Nail Guns

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Paintings

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Pillows

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Pots and Pans

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

Pots and pans are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. However, cast iron skillets are prohibited in carry-on bags and must be placed in checked baggage.