Roberta Aguirre
Knowing what you can and can't pack in your luggage is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport. While the rules may vary depending on the country, airport, and airline, there are general guidelines to follow. For example, you can carry essential medicines of more than 100ml in your hand luggage, but you'll need proof if it's not in tablet form or a container that's 100ml or smaller. Liquids are typically restricted to containers of 100ml or less, but this may go up to two litres at certain airports. Lithium batteries are generally allowed in carry-on luggage, but they must be below 100 watt hours and inside a device. Dangerous items, such as chemicals that are considered hazardous materials, are prohibited. Even if an item is usually permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or prohibited if it triggers an alarm or poses security concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Liquids in containers larger than 100ml are not allowed through security. Medical liquids, baby food/milk, and liquids for dietary requirements are allowed in containers up to two litres. |
| Electronic devices | Devices must be powered on to be permitted onboard. Devices that do not switch on will not be allowed. |
| Lithium batteries | Allowed in carry-on luggage if 100-watt hours or less and in a device. Prohibited in checked luggage. Loose lithium batteries may only be carried on. |
| Lighters and matches | Common lighters and one book of safety matches are allowed. Strike-anywhere matches are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. No matches are permitted in checked luggage. |
| Tools | Small tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers (7 inches or less) are permitted. Small scissors (blades 4 inches or less) are also allowed. All other tools should be securely wrapped and packed in checked baggage. |
| Razors | Disposable and electric razors are allowed in carry-on or checked luggage. Safety and straight razors must be checked. |
| Candles | Solid wax candles are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. Gel-like candles can only be transported in checked bags. |
| Firearms and ammunition | Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared at check-in. Small arms ammunition must be securely packed in fibre, wood, metal, or other packaging designed for ammunition. |
| Alcoholic beverages | Alcoholic beverages with less than 70% alcohol are allowed in checked luggage, up to five litres. Beverages containing more than 70% alcohol are prohibited in both checked and carry-on luggage. |
| Hazardous materials | Chemicals that are considered hazardous materials (e.g., chlorine, strong acids, paint stripper, drain cleaner) are prohibited. |
| Cremated remains | While not prohibited by TSA, some airlines do not allow cremated remains in checked luggage. Carry-on luggage is recommended for these items. |
| Pets | Small pets are allowed to travel with passengers through security checkpoints. Contact the airline for their specific policy. |
| Wedding dresses | Wedding dresses can be carried on board but contact the airline regarding their policy and arrive early to ensure proper stowing. |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids, gels, and aerosols
Passengers are restricted from carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols past screening points, either on their person or in their hand luggage. Exemptions to this rule include liquids in individual containers with a capacity of 100ml or less, packed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of one litre or less. Liquids required for medical purposes or special dietary needs, including baby food, are also exempt. Duty-free liquids purchased within the EU or on board an EU carrier are allowed, provided they are packed in a secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB) with proof of purchase displayed.
For liquids, gels, and aerosols over 100ml, it is recommended to pack them in your checked baggage. This includes items such as beverages, contact lens solution, shampoo, makeup products, liquid medicine, nail polish, perfume/cologne, and face toner. These items should be properly secured and packed to prevent leakage and damage to other items in your luggage.
Any liquid, gel, or aerosol that alarms during the screening process may be subject to additional screening and could be prohibited from being carried on board. This includes duty-free liquids, which must be packed in a secure, tamper-evident bag and show no signs of tampering. The final decision on whether an item is allowed rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
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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 portable power banks. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries (such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets) should be carried in carry-on baggage. If you put them in checked baggage, they must be completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage. In devices capable of generating extreme heat, the heating elements must be removed or mitigated by removing the battery or other components.
It is recommended that you keep all your electronic devices in your carry-on baggage. If you prefer to pack them in your checked baggage, check with your airline first and ensure they are completely switched off—not in "sleep" or "hibernate" mode. Make sure your devices are charged before you travel. If your device does not switch on when requested by a TSA officer, you will not be permitted to take it onboard the aircraft.
Some items, such as electronic cigarettes (including e-cigarettes, vapes, and e-cigars), may be prohibited in checked baggage, so be sure to check with your airline before you travel. Additionally, separate gas cartridges are not allowed onboard, but you can pack hair curlers containing a gas cartridge in your hand or hold luggage as long as the safety cover is fitted.
Finally, 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. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
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Tools and sharp objects
It is important to plan ahead and pack properly to facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. 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, appears to have been tampered with, or poses security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Regarding tools and sharp objects, it is important to exercise caution. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits a few small sharp objects to be carried in your luggage, including nail clippers and disposable razors. However, if an object has a blade or can cut, it is generally not allowed on the plane and should be packed in your checked luggage instead.
It is important to note that even small, harmless tools and sharp objects may be confiscated if they are forgotten in carry-on luggage. To avoid any inconvenience, it is recommended to pack these items in your checked luggage or to familiarise yourself with the TSA's list of prohibited items beforehand. This list includes 95 categories of prohibited objects, and travellers can contact the AskTSA team for clarification on specific items.
Additionally, electronic devices and powered tools should be packed in carry-on luggage. TSA officers may request to power up these devices, and powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. This is an important consideration, especially for travellers with rechargeable or battery-operated tools.
In conclusion, when packing tools and sharp objects for air travel, it is crucial to follow the guidelines set by the TSA. Small, harmless items like nail clippers and disposable razors are generally permitted, while objects with blades or sharp edges are typically prohibited from carry-on luggage. By planning ahead, packing properly, and staying informed about prohibited items, travellers can ensure a smooth screening process and avoid any last-minute inconveniences.
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Batteries
Most batteries are generally safe for air travel. However, batteries can sometimes short-circuit, overheat, and potentially cause sparks or a fire. To ensure safety, it is important to adhere to the guidelines for batteries outlined by the relevant aviation authorities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines state that devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras, and cell phones, should be carried in carry-on baggage. Spare lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked baggage and must be placed in carry-on luggage. When carrying spare batteries, it is recommended to keep them in their original packaging or cover their terminals with non-conductive tape to prevent short-circuiting.
Additionally, the FAA guidelines specify that when portable electronic devices with lithium batteries are placed in checked baggage, they must be completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage. This includes removing heating elements, batteries, or other components that could generate extreme heat.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, as mentioned by PCMag, indicate that a device with an installed lithium-ion battery can be placed in checked luggage as long as it is fully powered off and cannot be accidentally powered on. However, spare lithium batteries are not permitted in checked baggage and must be kept in carry-on luggage.
It is important to note that airline policies regarding batteries may vary, and it is always advisable to consult with your specific airline before travelling with batteries or electronic devices. Keeping up to date with any changes to airline policies will help ensure compliance and safety during your travels.
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Hazardous materials
Examples of hazardous materials include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. Federal law forbids the transport of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your luggage or on your person. Violators are subject to imprisonment of up to five years and penalties of $250,000 or more.
There are some exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces or 2 liters total) of medicinal and toilet articles, as well as certain smoking materials. Lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less may be carried on the plane or checked, as long as they are in a device. Loose lithium batteries may only be carried on and cannot be checked.
Additionally, passengers may carry on common lighters and one book of safety matches. However, strike-anywhere matches are prohibited in both checked and carry-on luggage. It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening and may not be allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on whether your luggage will be checked in or carried on. Generally, dangerous goods are prohibited from being checked in or carried on board. This includes explosives, flammable substances, toxic substances, corrosive substances, radioactive substances, ferromagnetic substances, oxidizing substances, harmful or irritating materials, and any other items that may endanger or cause trouble for the aircraft, its passengers, or items on board.
Examples of prohibited items in checked luggage include explosives (e.g., fireworks, dynamite), flammable items (e.g., gasoline, large quantities of matches), weapons and firearms, chemical and toxic substances, lithium batteries, acids, poisons, radioactive materials, alcoholic beverages exceeding 70% by volume, magnetized materials, infectious agents, and items that emit a strong odour.
Yes, certain items are prohibited from being carried on board but may be allowed in checked luggage. For example, spare batteries and electronic cigarettes are not allowed in carry-on luggage but can be transported in checked luggage.
Yes, certain items may be permitted in checked luggage but could pose security concerns during screening. These include power banks, spare batteries, and cigarette lighters. While not prohibited, these items may be stolen or tampered with, potentially triggering alarms during the screening process and causing delays.
If you are unsure about an item, it is best to contact the relevant authorities or your airline for clarification. Live assistance is often available through designated support channels, such as the AskTSA team, which operates 365 days a year. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the TSA officer or local equivalent at the checkpoint.
