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.

Miscellaneous

Artificial Skeleton Bones

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Baby Carrier

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.


Baby Wipes

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Balloons (not inflated)

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

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.


Belts, Clothes and Shoes

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

To help TSA officers get a clear look at your bag and reduce the need for additional screening, we suggest you pack your bag in neat layers.


Billy Clubs

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Binoculars

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Biological specimens, non-infectious, in preservative solutions

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

The FAA has limits on preservative solution in checked baggage. No more than 30 ml of free liquid solution in each inner packaging and no more than one liter in the entire outer package. See FAA Regulations for more information.


Black Jacks (Self-Defense Weapons)

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes