Roberta Aguirre
Airport security can be a confusing and stressful part of air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have strict rules about what is and isn't allowed on flights, and these rules vary depending on the country you're travelling to or from. It's important to plan ahead and pack properly to ensure a smooth journey through security. Many common items are restricted, and if you travel with prohibited items, they will be confiscated. So, what can you bring through airport security?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Allowed in 3-1-1 bags |
| Electronics | Allowed if packed separately on top for screening |
| Food | Allowed, but not liquids |
| Shoes | Should be easily removable |
| TSA PreCheck | Allows low-risk travelers to bypass certain steps |
| Laptops | Allowed, but should be easily accessible |
| Lighters | Not allowed |
| Fireworks | Not allowed |
| Knives | Not allowed |
| Razors | Allowed if the blade is enclosed in a safety cartridge |
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Liquids, gels, and aerosols
Some items are exempt from the 100ml limit and do not need to be placed in a plastic bag. These include baby food and drink for infants under two years old, breast milk (with or without the child present), and prescription medicines. Essential non-prescription medicines are also allowed, such as homeopathic products, pain relievers, cough syrup, decongestant spray, gel-based nutritional supplements, saline solution, and eye care products.
Additionally, you can bring medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities, but you must declare them to security officers first. This includes liquid-filled teethers for babies and gel ice and freezer packs that are frozen solid. Medically necessary gel ice packs are allowed even if they are melted or slushy. IV bags, pumps, syringes, and other medical supplies are also permitted.
It is important to note that airport security staff have the discretion to disallow any item they consider dangerous, even if it is typically allowed in hand luggage. It is always a good idea to check with your airline and the specific airport for any additional restrictions or guidelines.
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Electronics
When it comes to electronics, there are a few things to keep in mind when passing through airport security. Firstly, it is important to ensure that all your electronic devices are charged before reaching the airport. If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be permitted to take it on the aircraft. This applies to all electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, handheld game consoles, and electric toothbrushes.
For standard screening, you will need to remove all electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them in a bin for separate X-ray screening. This means that laptops, tablets, and similar-sized devices need to be taken out of their carrying cases. It is recommended to have these devices easily accessible in your bag so that you can quickly remove them for screening.
However, if you have TSA PreCheck®, you can leave your electronics in your bag, and you won't need to remove them for separate screening. Additionally, with TSA PreCheck®, you can keep your shoes, light jackets, and belts on during screening.
It's worth noting that some airlines may have specific restrictions on certain electronic devices. For example, there may be restrictions on specialist camera equipment or professional video cameras. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your airline before traveling to ensure you are compliant with any specific restrictions or requirements.
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Sporting equipment
When it comes to bringing sporting equipment through airport security, it's important to plan ahead and pack properly to ensure a smooth screening process. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Sports Rackets
A sports racket for tennis, squash, or badminton can be carried in your hand baggage, but it must be stored in a slim protective case. The case should not exceed specific dimensions: 80 cm in length, 45 cm in width, and 10 cm in depth. It should only contain a maximum of two rackets, and no additional items like balls or clothing should be packed inside. The racket case should be stowed in the overhead lockers, separate from other items. If you have three or more rackets, they must be checked into the hold as part of your checked baggage allowance.
Bicycles
If you're travelling with a bicycle, it's considered an oversize or out-of-gauge bag. You'll need to check it in at the airport, specifically at the out-of-gauge bag drop-off point. It's recommended to do this at least 90 minutes before your flight to ensure your bike can travel with you. Additionally, inform the airline in advance, preferably at least three days before your flight, that you'll be bringing your bike. Clearly label your bike with your details on both the outside and inside of its cover or box, and refrain from packing any personal items inside.
Golf Equipment
If you're travelling with a golf bag and you've already used your checked baggage allowance, you may need to pay extra to put your golf bag in the hold. Golf umbrellas or large parasols are also considered separate items and will need to be checked in, potentially incurring additional fees.
Scuba Diving
If you're travelling with scuba diving equipment, one scuba tank and one equipment bag will typically be counted as a single checked item. Standard checked bag fees and weight restrictions apply.
Skiing and Snowboarding
When travelling with skis or a snowboard, standard checked bag fees and weight restrictions apply. Oversize fees are usually not applicable for these items.
Prohibited Items
It's important to note that certain sporting equipment is prohibited as checked items, such as javelins, vaulting poles, and hang gliders. For such items, you may need to contact a freight forwarder for alternative arrangements.
Additionally, some sports items may not be permitted as hand baggage through airport security at certain airports, so it's always advisable to check local requirements before your travel.
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Medical devices
If you are travelling with a medical device, it is important to know that many people who use medical equipment are able to fly every day. Airlines and airports are increasingly equipped to support passengers with various medical needs. However, it is always a good idea to plan ahead and pack properly to facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience.
Firstly, it is important to note that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not have specific rules to determine which medical devices are acceptable and which are not. This authority falls to the specific airline you are flying with, and each airline has different policies concerning what medical devices you can carry on the plane. Therefore, it is important to check your airline's carry-on guidelines and other medical device-related policies. If you cannot find the information online, it is recommended to give them a call before your flight.
Secondly, it is recommended to pack any medical devices and supplies in your carry-on luggage. This is because medical devices are generally allowed in carry-on bags but not checked baggage. However, it is important to ensure that your carry-on meets the size requirements set by your airline. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage. Most other consumer electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.
If you are travelling with an external medical device attached to your body, such as a feeding tube, insulin pump, or ostomy bag, you must inform the TSA agent where it is located before the screening process begins. If you can safely disconnect the device, you may submit it for X-ray screening. Consult with the manufacturer of the device to determine whether it can pass through the X-ray, metal detector, or advanced imaging technology for screening. If you cannot disconnect from the device, it may require additional screening, and those in sensitive areas are subject to careful and gentle inspection.
To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to ask for assistance in advance, either when booking a flight or through an airline's special assistance team. Most airlines will offer pre-boarding, deplaning, and airport assistance for passengers with medical devices, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices. It is also important to pack enough batteries, power adapters, or chargers for your medical equipment and place them in a carry-on bag. Additionally, bring copies of important medical documents, such as prescriptions and letters from healthcare providers describing your condition and the need for medical equipment.
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Food
Yes, you can bring food through airport security, but there are some guidelines and restrictions to be aware of. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has clear guidelines on what food items are allowed in carry-on bags and checked luggage.
Solid foods, such as sandwiches, fruits, baked goods, and snacks, are generally allowed in carry-on bags. However, items with a gel-like texture or soft and malleable consistency, such as condiments, gelatin, gummies, and certain fruits, may be considered liquids. Solid food items permitted in the cabin include fresh fruits and vegetables for domestic flights, while international flights may have additional restrictions.
Liquid or spreadable items, including sauces, soups, yogurts, and spreads, must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. This means they must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and fit inside a single quart-sized bag. The same rule applies to creamy or spreadable items like peanut butter, olive oil, salsa, jams, and cheese. These items can be placed in checked luggage without size restrictions.
Baby food, breast milk, and formula are allowed in larger quantities but must be declared and may be subject to inspection. Ice packs and frozen liquids are permitted as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If they are partially melted, they may be treated as liquids and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule.
It is important to note that the final decision rests with the TSA officer, and even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through if it triggers security concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most solid foods are allowed in your carry-on bag. However, items that fall under the 3-1-1 liquid rule, including sauces, soups, yogurts, and spreads, must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and fit inside a single quart-sized bag. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also allowed on domestic flights, but international flights may have additional restrictions.
It is recommended to wear easily removable shoes when passing through airport security. However, if you have TSA PreCheck, you do not need to remove your shoes.
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows low-risk travelers in the U.S. to bypass certain steps during the security check, such as removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. To qualify for TSA PreCheck, you must apply and complete an in-person interview at one of the over 500 enrollment centers across the country.
