Lois Larson
Airport security can be a confusing and stressful part of air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US is responsible for the safety of the traveling public, with a focus on preventing dangerous items from being carried onto planes. Many items are prohibited from being carried onto an aircraft, and some items that are generally permitted may be subject to additional screening or may not be allowed through the checkpoint if they trigger an alarm, appear tampered with, or pose security concerns. The final decision on whether an item is allowed rests with the TSA officer. To make the process smoother, travelers can sign up for TSA PreCheck, which allows low-risk travelers to bypass certain steps during the security check.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | All drinks are subject to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. Passengers can pack small bottles of alcoholic beverages smaller than 3.4 ounces. Beverages over 70% alcohol are not permitted. |
| Food | Baby food and products are allowed. Dietary-restricted passengers can carry prescribed food, but excessive quantities are not allowed. |
| Electronics | May be subject to additional screening. Powerless devices are not permitted onboard. |
| Smoking devices | Smoking is prohibited on board, including the use of personal vaporizers, e-cigarettes, etc. These must be placed in hand baggage and packaged to prevent accidental activation. |
| Batteries | One spare battery can be carried. |
| Medicines | Medicines with a total volume exceeding 100ml may be acceptable if essential to be carried during the journey. |
| Perishables | A quantity not exceeding 2 kg/4 lb per person is allowed when used to pack perishables. |
| Duty-free alcohol | The quantity that can be carried depends on the duty-free regulations at the airport. |
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh fruits and vegetables can be restricted in certain countries, such as the United States, due to the risk of introducing plant pests or diseases. |
| Biological specimens | May require a permit from the USDA and/or CDC to import. |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids, gels and pastes
Liquids, gels, and pastes fall under the category of regulated substances known as LAGs (liquids, aerosols, and gels). This category also includes creams and other substances that can be passed through with a butter knife, such as toothpaste, hairspray, and even peanut butter. When packing for air travel, it is important to be mindful of the restrictions on LAGs to ensure a smooth journey through security checkpoints.
For carry-on baggage, the general rule is that liquids, gels, and pastes are permitted in travel-sized containers that do not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per item. These items should be placed in a quart-sized, clear, plastic bag, separate from your other carry-on items. This facilitates the screening process and allows security personnel to easily inspect your liquids, gels, and pastes. Any containers larger than the specified limit should be packed in checked baggage.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Duty-free liquids purchased at international airports or on board aircraft are allowed in carry-on baggage, provided they are packed in secure, tamper-evident bags and do not show signs of tampering. Additionally, passengers with specific dietary restrictions or medical needs may be permitted to carry certain liquids, gels, or pastes in quantities deemed reasonable for their journey. This includes baby food, baby products like wet wipes and sterilized water, and prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may still be subject to additional screening or confiscation if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or raises security concerns. Planning ahead and properly packing liquids, gels, and pastes can help streamline the security process and enhance your overall travel experience. Always review the latest guidelines provided by the airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure you are compliant with the most up-to-date regulations.
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Electronics and batteries
Most consumer personal electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. This includes cell phones, smartphones, laptops, cameras, camcorders, watches, calculators, and tablets. Devices containing lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, should be carried in carry-on baggage. If a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, any spare lithium batteries must be removed and kept in the aircraft cabin.
Spare lithium batteries for portable electronic devices must be removed from checked baggage and carried onboard the aircraft. They should be stored in their original packaging or with their terminals covered in non-conductive tape. Some airlines allow lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage as long as they are installed in a device and fully powered off. However, it is important to note that individual airports have the discretion to confiscate anything they consider dangerous, and passengers should check with the airport and airline before travelling.
Passengers may be asked to power up their electronic devices, and powerless devices will not be permitted onboard. This is to ensure that the device is functional and does not pose a security risk. Lithium-ion batteries are regulated by their watt-hour (Wh) rating, and manufacturers are required to mark the batteries with this rating. The watt-hour rating can be calculated by multiplying the battery's nominal voltage (V) by its capacity in ampere-hours (Ah).
In summary, most electronic devices containing batteries are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage, but it is important to check with the specific airline and airport. Spare lithium batteries must be carried in the aircraft cabin, and installed lithium-ion batteries should be fully powered off if in checked baggage.
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Food and drink
When it comes to food and drink, airports and airlines have strict guidelines and regulations. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and their belongings. While you can take food through airport security, it must adhere to the TSA's guidelines and restrictions. Solid foods are generally allowed, but liquids and gels must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. This rule states that you can carry containers holding 3.4 ounces or less of liquid or gel in a clear, quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one such bag.
Food items that are considered liquids include certain cheeses like camembert, brie, and blue cheese, as well as pastes and creamy foods like butter, peanut butter, chocolate spread, pâté, and hummus. Canned goods, jams, gels, condiments, sauces, and gravy also fall under the liquid category. Cooked foods with no liquids are typically allowed in carry-on and checked bags, but items wrapped in aluminum foil may require additional screening. Dried fruits and vegetables, coffee beans, loose tea leaves, and dry tea sachets are permitted as they are considered dry goods.
Baby food, breast milk, distilled water, and other baby items are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, but you should bring a reasonable amount for your trip, and they may be subject to additional screening. It is recommended to declare these items to customs to prevent hold-ups. Baked goods like cookies, bread, and cakes without liquid ingredients are usually allowed, but cakes with liquid components like jelly or soft cheesecakes will likely be denied.
When entering or returning to certain countries, such as the United States, you must comply with their specific regulations regarding food items. Fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, may be restricted due to the risk of introducing plant pests or diseases. It is advisable to check with the relevant authorities before your trip to ensure you are aware of any prohibited or restricted food items.
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Medication
Liquid medication is also allowed, but there are additional steps to take. Liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and placed in a one-quart clear zip-top bag. If the liquid medication is greater than 3.4 ounces, it must be declared to a TSA officer at the security checkpoint and will be subject to additional screening. This could include opening the container for inspection and testing. If the liquid cannot be opened or X-rayed, a pat-down screening may be required.
It is recommended to bring doctor's notes, original prescription bottles, and other documentation to facilitate the screening process. It is also advised to carry prescription medication in carry-on baggage, as checked baggage may be inaccessible during the flight, and medication occasionally disappears from checked bags.
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Smoking devices
Some airports, such as San Diego International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, are completely smoke-free facilities, prohibiting smoking both inside and within a certain distance of the terminal buildings. Similarly, Kahului International Airport prohibits smoking from cabin to curb, allowing it only in the parking lot.
Other airports, like Miami International Airport, have designated smoking areas past security, often attached to restaurants or located before and after passport control. Smoking may also be permitted in certain airport restaurants or bars, depending on local regulations. For example, the Graycliff Cigar Company offers smoking lounges at Concourse B and Concourse C at an airport in the Netherlands.
It is important to note that individual airports have the discretion to confiscate any items they consider dangerous, even if they are not specifically prohibited. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the specific airport and airline regarding their smoking policies and restrictions before travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
If you bring a restricted item to the airport, it will be confiscated and you may face further penalties. To avoid this, it is important to carefully check the list of restricted items before packing.
All drinks are subject to the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule. This means that unless you are bringing a very small drink, you cannot take it through security. You can, however, purchase drinks before your gate. If you want to bring your own cup or bottle, make sure it is empty before passing through security.
Yes, you can bring essential liquid medical supplies, such as dialysis fluid, on the plane. These must be packed in a separate bag and checked into the hold. You will need an official medical letter signed and dated by your doctor.
Disposable and refillable lighters are permitted in your carry-on luggage with or without fuel. If you want to check them, they must not contain any fuel. Lighters such as arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, and e-lighters are not permitted.
