Jazmin Li
Airports have strict rules about what can and cannot be brought on board an aircraft or into the airport itself. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restrict many common items to prevent inflight danger. Prohibited items include guns and firearms, knives, razor-type blades, scissors, stun guns, and explosives. Some items, like plastic cutlery, disposable razors, and diabetes-related equipment, are allowed but may need to be inspected. Lithium-ion batteries and power banks are banned from checked luggage, and electronic cigarettes are banned from all luggage on certain airlines. It is important to research and plan ahead to ensure a smooth travel experience and avoid penalties for prohibited items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Allowed in 3.4-ounce containers or smaller. Medically necessary liquids like insulin and baby formula are exempt. |
| Electronic devices | Allowed in carry-on baggage. Devices with lithium-ion batteries, such as e-cigarettes, are prohibited in checked bags. |
| Power banks | Large portable power banks are prohibited. |
| Lithium-ion battery-powered generators | Not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage. |
| Gas-powered generators | Accepted as checked items if new, unused, and in original packaging. |
| Firearms | Allowed in checked bags if declared at check-in. Small arms ammunition for sporting purposes must be securely packed in the original manufacturer's packaging. |
| Sharp objects | Box cutters, ice axes, pocket knives, razor blades, and scissors exceeding 4 inches are prohibited in carry-on baggage. |
| Sporting equipment | Baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles must be transported in checked baggage. Tennis rackets, fishing poles, snow shoes, and longboards are allowed in carry-on baggage. |
| Bicycles | Allowed on flights, but policies vary by airline. |
| Food | Fruits and vegetables may be subject to restrictions due to plant pest or disease concerns. |
| Pets | Small pets are generally allowed, but specific policies vary by airline. Common pets like rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs may be imported if in good health. Reptiles and invertebrates are restricted. |
| Alcoholic beverages | Containers must be unopened, and the alcohol content must be less than 70%. |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids, gels and foods
Liquids, gels, and foods are subject to strict regulations at airports. Planning and packing properly can ease your travel experience and facilitate the screening process. Here is some detailed information about what you can and can't bring onboard regarding liquids, gels, and foods:
Liquids and Gels:
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage through the security checkpoint. This includes liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in size. These small containers must be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag, which will be screened separately from your carry-on baggage. Any liquid or gel that is over 3.4 ounces should be packed in your checked baggage. Duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in a secure, tamper-evident bag are exempt from this rule when travelling to the United States with a connecting flight, as long as they do not show signs of tampering.
Foods:
Solid foods are generally allowed onboard, but they may be subject to additional screening if they trigger an alarm or appear to have been tampered with. Fresh fruits and vegetables may be prohibited to prevent the introduction of plant pests or diseases. For example, the United States has specific regulations regarding the importation of fresh produce, and the admissibility of an apple or Mediterranean tomatoes depends on where they were purchased and where you are travelling to within the US.
General Guidelines:
Even if an item is generally permitted, it may pose security concerns or trigger an alarm during screening, leading to additional screening or confiscation. The final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. It is recommended to pack items properly, and you can always contact the AskTSA team with any questions before your travel.
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Electronics and batteries
When travelling with electronic devices and batteries, it is important to be aware of the relevant restrictions and guidelines. 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 batteries, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, should be carried in carry-on baggage.
It is important to note that spare lithium batteries, including lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, must be placed in carry-on baggage and are prohibited in checked baggage. These batteries should be individually protected to prevent short circuits and unintentional activation. This can be done by keeping them in their original packaging or covering their terminals with non-conductive tape. Each person is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries, with a maximum of 2 spare batteries between 100 and 160 watt-hours allowed.
Additionally, electronic devices with installed lithium batteries can be transported as checked or carry-on baggage, but they must be completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage. If a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, any spare lithium batteries must be removed and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. It is also important to note that damaged, defective, or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices are prohibited from being carried aboard an aircraft.
Some specific items, such as large portable power banks and lithium-ion battery-powered generators, are not allowed as carry-on or checked items. This includes electronic cigarettes, which cannot be transported in checked bags but can be carried in carry-on bags without being used onboard. It is always recommended to check the specific guidelines of the airline and the regulations of the countries being travelled to and from.
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Sharp objects
To ensure a smooth experience at the airport, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on sharp objects. Here is some detailed information about what you can and can't bring on board:
Certain sporting equipment is also classified as sharp objects and must be checked. This includes baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles. Tennis rackets, fishing poles, snowshoes, and longboards are typically allowed in carry-on luggage, but it is always a good idea to check with your airline for specific guidelines.
Additionally, other sharp items, such as knitting needles, are permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, it is essential to wrap them or take similar protective measures to prevent accidental injuries to luggage handlers and inspectors.
It is worth noting that even if a sharp object is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or prohibited from passing through the checkpoint if it triggers security concerns or appears tampered with. The final decision rests with the TSA officer regarding which items are allowed. Therefore, it is always advisable to plan ahead, pack properly, and familiarize yourself with the regulations of the specific airport and country you are travelling to or from.
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Animals and animal products
When it comes to animals and animal products, there are several restrictions and guidelines to adhere to when travelling through airports. Firstly, it is important to note that different countries and states may have varying regulations. For instance, some states in the US have stricter fish and wildlife laws than federal laws, and these state laws take priority. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific rules for your destination.
In terms of importing animals, common pets such as rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs are generally allowed if they are in good health. However, there are restrictions on importing reptiles and invertebrates, and most species of snails are not permitted. All civets, African rodents, and non-human primates are prohibited from being imported as pets, except for science, education, and exhibition purposes. Hunters intending to import migratory game birds should refer to the relevant government websites for specific guidelines.
For those travelling with pets, small pets are typically allowed to travel with passengers through security checkpoints. However, it is the owner's responsibility to contact the airline regarding their specific policies. Pets will need to be removed from their carrier and screened separately during security checks. Additionally, a 30-day quarantine period may be required for pet birds, as per the New York Animal Import Center (NYAIC) guidelines.
Regarding animal products, there are restrictions on transporting certain products of animal origin into the European Union (EU). It is essential to check these restrictions before travelling to ensure compliance. Furthermore, fresh fruits and vegetables may be subject to restrictions in some countries, as they can introduce plant pests or diseases. For example, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may allow or prohibit fruits and vegetables based on factors such as their origin and the traveller's destination within the United States.
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Sports equipment
Golfing equipment
Golfing equipment, including golf clubs, can be checked into the hold as part of your checked baggage allowance. If you're travelling on a basic economy ticket, you may have to pay to put your golf bag in the hold as an extra checked bag. Golf umbrellas must be checked in and will count as a separate item of checked baggage.
Bicycles
Bicycles are usually treated as special baggage and require special registration and possibly additional fees. You must register your bicycle up to 72 hours before departure to guarantee carriage. Bicycles must be packed in a travel case and may need to be taken apart.
Skiing and snowboarding equipment
Skiing and snowboarding equipment can be checked into the hold as part of your checked baggage, as long as the bag is within 190 x 75 x 65 cm. Skis and snowboards must be packed in a protective bag and can be in the same bag as your boots or clothes. If you pack your boots separately, your boot bag can be carried as hand luggage if it is within the correct dimensions.
Firearms
Firearms can be transported in your checked luggage, but not in your carry-on or on your person. You must contact the airline at least 48 to 72 hours in advance to request approval and comply with any relevant laws and restrictions. Additional fees may be charged for the transportation of firearms, and some destinations forbid the transportation of firearms completely.
Bowling equipment
You can travel with a bowling case with up to three bowling balls and shoes, which can be carried onto the plane if the bag fits under the seat. Bowling balls are not allowed in overhead bins. Bowling ball cleaners are not allowed in checked or carry-on luggage.
Scuba gear
Scuba gear can be checked into the hold, but tanks must be empty.
Rackets
Rackets for sports such as tennis, squash, or badminton are permitted as hand baggage if carried in a slim protective case, as long as the case is under 80 cm long, 45 cm wide, and 10 cm deep. The case must only contain a maximum of two rackets and no additional items such as balls or clothing.
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Frequently asked questions
Portable electronic items are typically allowed on board. Cellphones and tablet devices do not have to be removed from baggage during screening. Larger electronics, including laptops, full-size video-game consoles, and full-size DVD players, must be placed in a separate bin and screened individually at security checkpoints.
Nearly all liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in carry-on luggage as long as they are in 3.4-ounce or smaller containers and fit in a quart-size clear zip-top plastic bag. Medically necessary liquids, such as insulin, are exempt from this rule. Opened containers are not allowed.
All prescription and over-the-counter medications can be carried on board without quantity limitations. Other medical necessities, including inhalers, EpiPens, liquid nutrition, and items used for medical or cosmetic reasons, can be packed in carry-on luggage but must be declared to screeners before going through security.
Yes, items prohibited from entering the United States include dangerous toys, illegal substances, and certain animals and animal products. Some states have stricter regulations regarding the import of fish and wildlife.
Yes, items prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) include lithium-ion batteries, large portable power banks, and hazardous materials. Firearms are also restricted and subject to special instructions.
