what tsa actually allows in a carry-on

80 flights a year, still get pulled aside occasionally. from tsa.gov, not from the guy in line ahead of me. check the date, they update this

liquids: 3-1-1, 3.4oz (100ml) per container, one quart bag, one bag per person

medically necessary liquids are exempt from 3-1-1

declare them at the checkpoint, don't just hope the officer notices

powders over 12oz get extra screening

protein powder travelers, this is you. pack it checked or under the limit

laptops come out of the bag for x-ray

unless you're in a precheck lane, gate-checked once, never again after that scramble

pocket knives: not in carry-on, any size

tools 7 inches or shorter are ok in carry-on

longer than that, or anything powered, goes in checked

one standard lighter is allowed in your carry-on

torch/jet lighters aren't, in either bag

spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on, never checked

unloaded firearms only travel checked, cased and declared

self-defense spray: checked bag only, 4oz max, safety cap on

e-cigarettes and vapes: carry-on only, banned from checked bags entirely

the opposite of the battery rule, easy to mix up

Or start a list of your own. Free, it takes a minute.

Related lists