Roberta Aguirre
Knowing what you can and can't take to the airport is an important part of travel preparation. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of the traveling public in the U.S. and has a list of prohibited items that are not allowed through checkpoints. These include firearms, ammunition, and sharp objects such as knives and meat cleavers. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are also restricted and must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. It's important to plan ahead and pack properly to facilitate the screening process and ensure a smooth travel experience. Failure to comply with TSA regulations may result in confiscation of items, delays, or even seizure of certain items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Only baby formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food are permitted on board if a baby or small child is traveling. E-liquid is allowed through security if it is less than 3.4 ounces. |
| Food | Fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, plants, seeds, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials are prohibited. |
| Firearms | Only passengers 18 and over may carry a firearm in checked baggage. The firearm and ammunition must be packed separately and securely. |
| Knives | Knives are prohibited in carry-on bags. |
| Batteries | Only individually protected spare lithium-ion batteries with a rating of 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh may be carried per passenger in carry-on baggage. Devices containing these batteries can be carried in carry-on baggage if the batteries are removed. |
| Sharp Objects | Box cutters, ice axes and picks, meat cleavers, and similar items are prohibited. |
| Flammable Items | Aerosol cans, butane, fuels, gasoline, lighter fluid, matches, flammable paints, turpentine, paint thinner, lighters, and replicas of incendiaries are prohibited. |
| Explosives | Fireworks, flares, hand grenades, blasting caps, dynamite, and replicas of explosive materials are prohibited. |
| Hazardous Items | Chlorine, bleach, spillable batteries, spray paint, fertilizers, tear gas, and fire extinguishers are prohibited. |
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What You'll Learn
Flammable items, fuels, and lighters
It is important to note that some items with flammable components, such as lighters, may be permitted in checked baggage but not in carry-on luggage. However, it is always best to check with the airline and airport regulations before packing any potentially prohibited items. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in items being confiscated by security personnel.
Additionally, items that contain flammable liquids or gases, such as fire extinguishers, fertilizers, spray paints, and chlorine, are also prohibited from being transported on commercial passenger aircraft. These items are considered hazardous and can pose a significant risk if exposed to extreme conditions.
Passengers should also be aware that certain items with flammable properties, such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices, may have specific regulations surrounding their transportation. It is crucial to stay informed about any updates to prohibited items lists, as they can change over time.
Furthermore, travelers should be mindful of local laws and regulations regarding the transportation of flammable items. Some countries or regions may have specific restrictions or requirements that differ from general airline guidelines. Checking with local authorities or airport operators before traveling can help ensure compliance with any unique regulations.
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Knives and other sharp objects
It is important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.
Each country and airline may have specific rules regarding knives and other sharp objects, so it is important to check before you travel. For example, in Canada, knives are prohibited from being packed in checked baggage, while in the US, unloaded firearms may be transported in checked baggage as long as they are unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container.
It is advisable to plan ahead and pack properly to facilitate the screening process and ensure a smooth travel experience. Knowing what you can and cannot pack beforehand can help you avoid delays at the airport and prevent prohibited items from being confiscated.
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Firearms and ammunition
It is important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.
When packing firearms and ammunition, it is crucial to comply with the relevant security rules and regulations, such as those outlined by the FAA and TSA, to avoid confiscation of your items at security checkpoints. Additionally, travellers are advised to review the regulations of their specific airline, as well as the local airport operator, as policies may vary.
For detailed packing instructions and information on other restrictions and charges related to firearms, travellers can refer to the hunting equipment section of the Special Items page provided by their airline or local airport. It is recommended that passengers travelling with firearms arrive at the airport 30 minutes earlier than the normal recommended check-in time for their flight.
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Food and agriculture products
When travelling with food and agricultural products, it is important to be aware of the regulations and restrictions that may apply. These rules are in place to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, and to ensure the safety of the public. Here is some information on what you can and cannot bring to the airport:
Agricultural Products
Many agricultural products are prohibited from entering certain countries, especially the United States, due to the risk of carrying plant pests and foreign animal diseases. This includes meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials. All agricultural items must be declared and are subject to inspection by customs officials to ensure they meet entry requirements and do not pose a risk. It is recommended to keep receipts and original packaging as proof of the product's origin.
Food Products
The rules for food products vary depending on the type of food and the country of travel. Generally, solid food items are allowed in carry-on or checked bags. However, liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 ounces are typically not permitted in carry-on luggage and should be placed in checked bags instead. This includes items such as olive oil, honey, salsa, peanut butter, jams, and yogurt. Certain foods may require additional screening, such as baby food, baby formula, and juices. It is recommended to check the regulations for your specific destination to ensure compliance.
Biological Specimens
Importing biological specimens, such as bacterial cultures, fungi, arthropods, tissues of livestock, and plants, may require a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These permits ensure that the specimens are safe and do not pose a risk to community health and safety.
Restricted Items
Some items that may seem harmless can be restricted or prohibited. For example, ceramic tableware made in certain countries may contain dangerous levels of lead in the glaze, which can be harmful if it seeps into foods and beverages. It is important to research the specific restrictions for the country you are travelling to or from.
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Batteries and electronic devices
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 more. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) should be carried in carry-on baggage.
When portable electronic devices powered by lithium batteries are placed in checked baggage, they must be completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage. Spare lithium batteries (uninstalled) must be carried in carry-on baggage only. They should be individually protected to prevent short circuits and steps should be taken to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degrees of pressure on the battery. Each battery should be in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package, or have tape across its contacts to isolate terminals. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, any spare lithium batteries must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.
There are no quantity limits for personal use, except that larger lithium-ion batteries and spare non-spillable wet (gel cell, absorbed electrolyte) batteries are limited to two per person. Each person is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries. Lithium-ion batteries must not exceed a rating of 100-watt hours (Wh) per battery, and passengers may carry up to two spares of 100-160 Wh with airline approval. Any lithium-ion battery containing more than 160-watt hours is prohibited from carriage on all passenger aircraft.
Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices, which are likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous evolution of heat, must not be carried aboard an aircraft unless the damaged or recalled battery has been removed or made safe. Passengers should notify the flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device is overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning.
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Frequently asked questions
Any beverage with over 70% alcohol content, such as grain alcohol and 151 proof rum, cannot be taken onto a plane. In addition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces strict regulations on food and agriculture products. Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials.
Sharp objects such as box cutters, ice axes and picks, knives (including pocket knives, but excluding plastic or round-bladed butter knives), and meat cleavers are not allowed.
Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. Devices containing lithium-ion batteries with a rating of 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh may be carried in carry-on baggage only.
Chlorine, bleach, spillable batteries, spray paint, fertilizers, tear gas, and fire extinguishers are considered dangerous and are not permitted.
Only passengers age 18 and over may carry a firearm in checked baggage. The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container. Gunpowder and gunpowder pellets are strictly prohibited. Ammunition must be packed in a separate, secure, and strong container made of plastic, wood, or metal.
