TSA carry-on rules 2026: complete guide
The core airport security rules — liquids, electronics, sharp objects and prohibited items — in plain language.
Search any item nowTSA Regulation Changes — 2025 / 2026
Updated Sep 2026REAL ID Fully EnforcedSince May 2025
All adults (18+) must present a REAL ID-compliant license (look for the gold/black star) or a valid U.S. passport to pass through TSA security on domestic flights. Standard driver's licenses without the star are no longer accepted.
TSA REAL ID guideTSA ConfirmID — $45 FeeSince Feb 2026
Arrived without a REAL ID or passport? TSA now charges a $45 non-refundable fee for identity verification via TSA ConfirmID. The process takes 30+ minutes and does not guarantee clearance. Pay online in advance at tsa.gov.
TSA ConfirmID detailsGateside by TSA PreCheckNew 2026
TSA PreCheck members can now pass security without a boarding pass at 13 airports (LAX, DFW, LAS, SLC and more) to escort guests to the gate or greet arriving passengers. Apply online 1–3 days in advance; valid for one calendar day.
TSA PreCheck & GatesideCT Scanners — Liquid Rule May EaseRolling out
Airports equipped with 3D CT scanners may not require liquids removal from bags. TSA is testing allowing PreCheck members to bring full water bottles at select airports. The standard 3-1-1 rule still applies at most checkpoints — always follow lane instructions.
TSA liquids rule3The TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule explained
The TSA 3-1-1 rule governs all liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosols in your carry-on bag:
3.4 oz (100ml) or less per container
Each individual container of liquid, gel or aerosol must hold no more than 3.4 fl oz (100ml).
1 clear, quart-sized zip-top bag
All liquid containers must fit inside a single transparent 1-quart (approx. 1L) resealable plastic bag.
1 bag per passenger
Each passenger may carry one quart-sized bag of liquids through the security checkpoint.
What counts as a liquid under TSA rules? Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, liquid soap, toothpaste, hair gel, deodorant gel, cologne, perfume, hairspray, dry shampoo spray, shaving cream, bug spray, and any pourable or spreadable substance.
What is NOT a liquid? Solid stick deodorant, bar soap, solid shampoo bars, dry powder, solid sunscreen sticks, and powder makeup are NOT classified as liquids and have no carry-on size restriction.
Checked baggage: There is no liquid limit in checked bags. You can bring full-size shampoo, conditioner, and all liquids in your checked suitcase.
TSA battery rules: power banks, lithium and AA batteries
Lithium batteries are one of the most confusing areas of TSA rules. Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Battery type | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank / portable charger (≤100Wh) | ✓ Allowed | ✗ Prohibited |
| Power bank (100–160Wh) | ⚠ Airline approval required | ✗ Prohibited |
| Laptop charger / USB-C power brick | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Allowed |
| AA / AAA alkaline batteries | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Allowed |
| Spare lithium-ion batteries (laptop, camera) | ✓ Carry-on only | ✗ Prohibited |
| Vape / e-cigarette (lithium battery) | ✓ Carry-on only | ✗ Prohibited |
TSA item quick reference: 40 most searched items (2026)
Click any item for its full TSA guide with exact size limits, airline-specific rules and packing tips.
| Item | Category | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Bank (Lithium Battery) | Electronics | Allowed | Prohibited |
| Laptop Charger | Electronics | Allowed | Allowed |
| AirTag | Electronics | Allowed | Allowed |
| AirPods | Electronics | Allowed | Restricted |
| iPad | Electronics | Allowed | Allowed |
| Laptop Computer | Electronics | Allowed | Allowed |
| Vape | Electronics | Allowed | Prohibited |
| Melatonin | Medicine | Allowed | Allowed |
| EpiPen (Epinephrine Auto-Injector) | Medicine | Allowed | Allowed |
| CBD Oil | Medicine | Restricted | Restricted |
| Contact Lenses | Medicine | Allowed | Allowed |
| First Aid Kit | Health | Restricted | Allowed |
| Razor | Tools | Restricted | Allowed |
| Sunscreen Lotion | Liquids | Restricted | Allowed |
| Perfume / Cologne | Personal Care | Restricted | Allowed |
| Toothpaste | Personal Care | Restricted | Allowed |
| Mascara | Beauty | Restricted | Allowed |
| Shampoo and Conditioner | Liquids | Restricted | Allowed |
| Deodorant | Personal Care | Restricted | Allowed |
| Bug Spray | Health | Restricted | Allowed |
| Aerosol Insect Repellent | Liquids | Restricted | Allowed |
| Creatine | Health | Restricted | Allowed |
| Protein Bar | Food | Allowed | Allowed |
| Beef Jerky | Food | Allowed | Allowed |
| Instant Noodles | Food | Allowed | Allowed |
| Shoes | Personal Care | Allowed | Allowed |
| Sneakers | Personal Care | Allowed | Allowed |
| Extension Cord | Electronics | Allowed | Allowed |
| Jump Rope | Sports | Allowed | Allowed |
| Umbrella | Personal Care | Allowed | Allowed |
| Tweezers | Personal Care | Allowed | Allowed |
| Scissors (blades under 4 inches) | Tools | Restricted | Allowed |
| Lighter | Flammables | Allowed | Prohibited |
| Pepper Spray | Tools | Prohibited | Restricted |
| Knife | Tools | Prohibited | Allowed |
| Tent Stakes | Camping | Prohibited | Allowed |
| Nicotine Pouches | Personal Care | Allowed | Allowed |
| Mouthwash | Personal Care | Restricted | Allowed |
| Vitamins | Medicine | Allowed | Allowed |
| Ice Pack | Health | Restricted | Allowed |
Showing 40 of 210+ items. Browse the full directory →
TSA prohibited items: what is never allowed on a plane
On all commercial flights, the following items are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage:
- Firearms loaded with live ammunition (unloaded, declared firearms may be checked)
- Explosive devices, fireworks, flares, blasting caps
- Flammable liquids such as gasoline, paint and turpentine
- Compressed gases (flammable or toxic)
- Power banks over 160Wh capacity
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (permanently banned on all US flights)
- Chlorine, bleach and strong oxidizers
- Radioactive materials (except approved medical devices)
How to check whether your item is allowed (free tool)
BringOnPlane’s free TSA checker covers 210+ items with instant verdicts. Here’s how to use it:
- 1Go to the homepage and type any item into the search bar — for example: razor, power bank, shampoo bar.
- 2Read the instant color-coded verdict: ✓ green = allowed, ⚠ amber = restricted or conditional, ✗ red = prohibited.
- 3Select Read the full TSA rules & guide for exact size limits, airline variations and international customs notes.
What can I bring on a plane?
What is the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule?▼
The TSA 3-1-1 rule means: each liquid, gel, cream, paste, or aerosol container must be 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, packed inside 1 clear quart-sized zip-top bag, with 1 bag allowed per passenger through security. Full-size liquids can go in checked bags without restriction.
What items are completely prohibited in carry-on bags by TSA?▼
TSA prohibits in carry-on bags: firearms and ammunition, explosives, flammable gases, power banks over 160Wh, self-defense sprays, knives with blades over 4 inches, martial arts weapons, and flammable liquids in containers over 3.4 oz.
Can I bring a power bank or portable charger in my carry-on?▼
Yes, power banks must be in carry-on bags only — they are prohibited in checked baggage. Power banks up to 100Wh are unrestricted. Banks between 100-160Wh require airline approval. Banks over 160Wh are prohibited entirely on passenger aircraft.
How does TSA screening work?▼
At TSA security: place bags on the belt, remove laptops and tablets to separate bins, remove your liquids bag, take off shoes and belts, and walk through the scanner. TSA PreCheck members can leave shoes on and laptops in bags. Items are X-rayed and flagged if restricted.
Are medications and medical devices exempt from TSA rules?▼
Yes. Prescription medications (pills, liquids, injections), medical devices (CPAP machines, insulin pumps, epipens), baby formula, and breast milk are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Declare these items at the security checkpoint for expedited screening.