TSA Approved Items List | Carry-On Rules Guide

If you’ve ever stared at your bag and wondered what will fly and what won’t, you’re in the right place. This guide turns the long rule pages into a clear, practical TSA approved items list with size and quantity limits you can use while packing.

You’ll see quick answers early, then deeper detail by item type. We separate carry‑on from checked baggage, call out the numbers that matter, and add simple packing tips. Airline policies can be stricter, so if you’re close to a limit, plan for a backup.

TSA Approved Items List With Size And Quantity Limits

Liquids, Gels, And Aerosols

Here’s the short version for liquids, gels, and aerosols in the cabin: each bottle tops out at 3.4 ounces (100 ml), and all bottles must fit in a single quart‑size zip bag. One bag per traveler. That’s the 3‑1‑1 rule.

The rule covers creams, pastes, lotions, sunscreen, spray deodorant, hair spray, mascara, and similar textures. Solid sticks don’t count toward the bag.

Medically needed liquids and nutrition are handled outside the 3‑1‑1 bag. Declare them and expect screening. That covers items like prescriptions, saline, contact solution, gel packs for temperature control, breast milk, and baby or toddler drinks.

If you’re inbound to the U.S. with a connection, duty‑free bottles can exceed 3.4 oz in a secure, tamper‑evident bag (STEB). Keep the receipt handy and don’t open the bag until you reach your final stop.

Checked baggage is simpler for toiletries. Full‑size bottles can ride in the hold. Aerosol toiletries come with a size cap: 0.5 L (17 fl oz) per can and 2 L (68 fl oz) total per person. Cap every nozzle to prevent leaks.

Batteries And Power Banks

Lithium cells pack energy and live by strict cabin rules. Pack spare lithium‑ion batteries and power banks only in carry‑on. Keep each at or under 100 Wh when you can.

Need to bring a larger pack for gear? With airline approval you may bring up to two spares rated 101–160 Wh. For lithium metal cells, the limit is 2 g per cell; with airline approval you may bring up to two spares holding 2–8 g each.

Devices with batteries installed can go in either bag, but when you check a device, switch it fully off and protect it from turning on.

E‑cigarettes and vapes carry heating elements and lithium cells. They belong in the cabin only and must stay off.

Sharp Items, Razors, And Scissors

Small scissors are fine in the cabin as long as the blades measure under 4 inches from the pivot. Disposable razors and cartridges are fine too.

Loose blades don’t pass. That includes safety razor blades, straight razors, and box cutter blades in carry‑ons. Pack them in the hold or leave them.

In checked bags, sheath any blade to protect handlers.

Tools: The 7‑Inch Rule

Hand tools that measure 7 inches or less can ride in a carry‑on. That covers common screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers.

Larger or heavy tools go in checked bags. Power tools also belong in the hold.

Secure bits and tips; wrap sharp ends so they don’t tear bags or injure handlers.

Food: Solids Vs. Spreads

Solid snacks sail through. Think sandwiches without spreads, chips, bars, whole fruit on most routes, baked goods, and hard cheese.

Spreads, sauces, stews, soups, creamy cheese, nut butter, and yogurt count as liquids and must fit the 3‑1‑1 bag to ride in the cabin.

Some routes restrict fresh produce. Flights from certain islands and international arrivals face agriculture and customs limits on fruit and plants.

Alcohol: Percentages And Volumes

Small bottles in your personal stash must fit the 3‑1‑1 bag. Drinking your own on board isn’t allowed.

In checked baggage, there’s a volume‑plus‑percentage rule. Beverages from 24% up to 70% ABV may total up to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per person in unopened retail packaging. Drinks at 24% ABV or less don’t have a TSA volume limit. Anything stronger than 70% ABV can’t fly.

Baby And Medical Items

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and purées may exceed 3.4 oz in the cabin. Tell the officer, remove them for separate screening, and expect test swabs or other checks. You don’t need to travel with a child to bring breast milk.

Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs used to keep these items cold are also allowed in the cabin even if they’re partially melted.

Liquid medications and contact solutions ride under a similar approach: bring reasonable amounts, declare them, and allow screening.

Vapes And E‑Liquids

Electronic smoking devices go in carry‑ons only. No charging on board. Pack each device to prevent accidental activation.

E‑liquids follow the 3‑1‑1 rule if packed in the cabin.

Matches And Lighters

Carry one book of safety matches in the cabin. Strike‑anywhere matches are banned everywhere.

Common disposable and Zippo lighters are allowed in carry‑ons. In checked bags, only empty lighters are allowed unless you use a DOT‑approved travel case for up to two fueled lighters. Torch lighters are banned.

Sporting Gear

Bulky sports gear often stays out of the cabin. Baseball bats, ski poles, pool cues, and hiking sticks must be checked. Ice skates and roller skates can ride in a carry‑on.

Sharp points and heavy ends can require padding. Wrap tips and lock gear cases.

Firearms And Ammunition

Firearms never ride in the cabin. In checked bags, they must be unloaded and locked in a hard‑sided case. Only you retain the key or combination.

Declare the case with your airline at check‑in. Magazines and ammo must ride in proper packaging; follow your airline’s limits.

Self‑Defense Sprays

Pepper spray and mace can’t fly in carry‑ons. Checked baggage allows one container up to 4 ounces (118 ml) if it has a safety mechanism that prevents discharge. Some airlines ban them entirely, so double‑check before you head to the airport.

Bear spray is banned in both bags.

Dry Ice For Perishables

Dry ice helps with perishables and lab samples. The cap is 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) per person. Packaging must vent gas and be marked “Dry ice” or “Carbon dioxide, solid.” Airline approval is required.

Whether you carry it on or check it, label the weight and keep the container breathable.

Powders And Screening

Powders under 12 ounces (350 ml) ride in the cabin with routine screening. Larger containers get extra checks and can be refused if they can’t be cleared on inbound international routes.

To speed the lane, move big powder tubs to checked bags.

Smart Packing Moves That Save Time

Start with an empty bag. Old pockets hide surprises.

Build two kits: a slim quart bag for liquids and a small pouch for cables, chargers, and spare batteries. Keep that battery pouch in your personal item.

Cap every aerosol and pump. Tape flip‑tops. Put bottles in a thin zip bag even inside your quart bag to contain leaks.

Measure tools and scissors. If you’re close to 7 inches or 4 inches from the pivot, play it safe and check the item.

Stage your laptop, quart bag, and large powders for easy access. That keeps you moving and prevents repacking at the belt.

If you’re unsure about an edge case, swap the item for a non‑aerosol or solid version, or plan to buy at the destination.

Airline And International Variations

TSA sets the screening baseline in the U.S., while the FAA controls hazmat limits like aerosols, batteries, and dry ice. Airlines can set tighter rules on top.

Two common pinch points: battery watt‑hour allowances and pepper spray bans. Some carriers approve two spares up to 160 Wh, while others don’t. Several carriers don’t allow pepper spray at all, even in checked baggage.

If your trip includes international legs, local rules at departure or transit airports can shift what you can bring in the cabin. When in doubt, move the item to checked luggage or choose a safer alternative.

What Not To Pack At All

Anything that ignites easily or sprays flammable propellant without a toiletry label is off‑limits. That includes spray paint, solvent cleaners, lighter fluid, and camp fuel.

Explosives, fireworks, and flares are a no‑go for both bags.

Self‑heating meals and strong oxidizers sit on the banned list too.

Real‑World Packing Scenarios

You’re packing a camera kit with three spare batteries. Keep those spares in carry‑on, each under 100 Wh, and tape any exposed terminals. If one spare is 130 Wh, ask your airline ahead of time; most allow up to two spares in that band.

Your dopp kit has a 12 oz hair spray and a 6 oz sunscreen. Those ride in checked bags under the toiletry aerosol rule. If you need hair product in the cabin, fill a 3.4 oz bottle.

You bought a duty‑free 750 ml bottle during a connection. Keep it sealed inside the STEB with the receipt until you reach your final stop, and be ready for screening.

You want a small multitool for a road trip. Pack it in the hold. Bring a tiny pair of scissors under 4 inches from the pivot if you need a quick trim in the cabin.

Battery And Fuel Limits At A Glance

Pack‑Ready Checklist

Measure liquids you plan to keep with you; move larger bottles to checked bags.

Sort batteries: spares to carry‑on, installed cells OK in either bag.

Sheath anything sharp in checked luggage; keep only small scissors and disposable razors in the cabin.

Confirm alcohol ABV and volumes if you pack bottles in the hold.

Stage medical liquids and baby items for separate screening.

Call your airline if you need approval for large batteries or plan to travel with firearms.