Airports And Carry-Ons: What To Expect At Security Checks

Airports do check your carry-on luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checks carry-on luggage for explosives, dangerous items, and other security threats. TSA officers scan carry-on luggage to ensure compliance with rules on prohibited items, liquids, electronics, and batteries. Passengers are required to remove certain items from their luggage, such as liquids, large electronics, and medications, for separate screening. It is important to be aware of and comply with the TSA's guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient security screening process when travelling.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols

There are some exemptions to the liquids rule. Medically necessary liquids, as well as liquids for babies, are allowed in larger quantities. This includes liquid medications, breast milk, baby formula, and baby food. These items do not need to fit inside a quart-sized bag. However, you must notify a TSA officer and remove these items from your carry-on for separate screening.

Electronics and electrical equipment

All hand luggage is screened at airport security, so it is important to know what you can and cannot take in your carry-on baggage. When packing electronics in your hand luggage, make sure they are easily accessible as you may have to remove them from your bag when you go through airport security. Laptops and tablets will typically be screened outside your bag and placed in a separate tray. Forgetting to take your electronics out of your hand luggage could result in additional security checks, which can cause delays.

Most consumer personal electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. This includes cell phones, smartphones, data loggers, PDAs, electronic games, tablets, laptop computers, cameras, camcorders, watches, calculators, and similar devices. Devices containing lithium-ion batteries (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) should be carried in carry-on baggage. Flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin. Passengers should notify the flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device is overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning.

Make sure all your battery-powered electrical devices are fully charged and will power on if requested by airport security. If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft. Check the restrictions on certain types of batteries or contact your airline if you are unsure what you can carry. Typically, batteries—including the rechargeable lithium batteries in your phone, laptop, and e-readers and any spares—are not permitted to go in the hold. The restrictions for batteries will depend on their wattage, if they are individually protected, how many you want to take, and if they are for personal use.

Portable power banks, electronic cigarettes, and spare batteries of any type must only be packed in carry-on baggage. If you are flying with an external battery or power bank, make sure it is in your carry-on luggage, and do not use it to charge your devices during the flight.

Prohibited items

When packing your carry-on luggage, it's important to be aware of prohibited items to ensure a smooth journey through airport security. Here is a list of items that are not allowed in your carry-on luggage:

• Liquids, creams, and gels exceeding the allowance: Liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and fit into a quart-sized bag.
• Alcohol over 140 proof: Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content are prohibited.
• Harsh or corrosive chemicals: Substances like aerosol insecticides are not allowed in carry-on luggage.
• Weapons and ammunition: Items such as firearms, knives, and magazines are strictly prohibited.
• Explosives: Fireworks and flammable items are not permitted in carry-on luggage.
• Medical marijuana and CBD oil containing THC: While hemp-derived CBD oil is allowed, marijuana and CBD products containing THC are prohibited by federal law.

Additionally, sports equipment that can be used as a bludgeon, such as bats and clubs, must be checked in your baggage. It's also important to note that any item that triggers an alarm during screening, appears tampered with, or raises security concerns may be subject to additional screening or prohibited from being carried on board.

Carry-on luggage restrictions

When travelling, it's important to be aware of the restrictions on carry-on luggage to ensure a smooth journey through airport security. Here are the key things to keep in mind:

Size and Weight Restrictions:

Each airline has its own specific size restrictions for carry-on luggage, so it's crucial to check their guidelines. Most airlines allow carry-on bags with dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including handles and wheels), but this can vary. Some airlines also have weight restrictions, so your luggage should be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin.

Liquid Restrictions:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a 3-1-1 liquid rule for carry-on luggage: liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, and they must fit into a single quart-sized, clear, resealable bag. This includes alcohol, but there are exemptions for medically necessary liquids, baby formula, and breast milk.

Prohibited Items:

Certain items are not allowed in carry-on luggage and must be packed in checked bags or left at home. These include firearms, scissors with blades longer than 4 inches, and sharp objects. Other prohibited items include knives, ammunition, and most flammable items.

Special Considerations:

Some items, like musical instruments, may be allowed as carry-ons but must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Additionally, certain airports and planes may have unique carry-on restrictions, so it's always best to check with your airline and the specific airport guidelines.

Screening Process:

During security screening, you may be asked to remove liquids, large electronics, and other restricted items from your carry-on luggage for separate inspection. All electronic devices must be powered on; powerless devices will not be permitted onboard. It's recommended to dress appropriately for airport security, wearing minimal metal accessories and easily removable shoes.

Checked luggage restrictions

When deciding whether to check a bag or carry one on, it's important to consider the restrictions on checked luggage. Checked luggage is stored in the plane's cargo hold, which is inaccessible during the flight. Checked bags typically have maximum weight and dimension limits. For example, American Airlines allows checked bags with dimensions of up to 62 inches and a weight of up to 50 pounds for standard cabins, and 70 pounds for premium cabins.

Checked bags usually require a fee, unless you have a special exemption such as elite status with the airline, a military discount, or a credit card that offers free checked bags. The fee varies depending on the airline, destination, and number of bags checked. For instance, on American Airlines, the first checked bag fee for travel within and between the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands is $40, or $35 if paid online.

There are also restrictions on what can be packed in checked luggage. For example, aerosol insecticides are not allowed in carry-ons but are permitted in checked bags as long as they are not labelled as hazardous material. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited to 5 litres per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Small arms ammunition must be securely packed in fibre, wood, or metal boxes designed for carrying ammunition.

Checked bags may also be subject to additional screening by TSA officers, and the final decision on whether an item is allowed rests with the TSA officer.

Frequently asked questions