What can I take on the plane? All the TSA rules you should know

The TSA has specific rules and regulations regarding what items are allowed in carry-on luggage, including restrictions on liquids, gels, and sharps.
Medications are generally allowed in carry-on luggage, but liquid medications may require additional screening.
Travelers who have lost or forgotten their ID may still be able to fly by presenting alternative ID and undergoing additional screening.

For some air travelers, going through TSA checkpoints can be a stressful moment.

In a 2019 survey by lounge access program Priority Pass, nearly half of travelers said being stopped by security was one of the most frightening aspects of air travel.

It’s never a pleasant experience to be stopped by Transportation Security Administration officers – whether it’s your bag or yourself – especially if something is being confiscated. The extensive list of prohibited carry-on items and liquid restrictions, as well as the possibility that permitted items will be confiscated or require additional screening, only add to the concern.

With TSA screening numbers reaching record highs last summer, no one wants to be the passenger holding up the line.

Here’s everything travelers need to know about TSA rules.

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What can I take on the plane?

Since most travelers focus on packing their travel toiletries, here’s a simple overview of the dimensions allowed by the TSA for shampoos, lotions, and items of this type: Liquids, aerosols, creams, and gels are allowed in travel-sized containers 3 .4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less (more on this later) and powders containing 12 ounces (250 milliliters) or less. However, this does not apply to baby food or breast milk. (More on this later.)

The following list includes other items that are generally acceptable:

bottle opener
Common lighters
Sports balls
Camera equipment
Corkscrew without blades
Crochet hooks
Hot hair tools with chord
Disposable razors
Dry batteries
Fresh flowers without water
Utensils and nail or hair trimmers
Cigars and cigarettes

For a complete list of allowed and prohibited items, visit the official TSA website or download the MyTSA app on your phone. Keep in mind that TSA officers may, at their discretion, flag you or your items for additional screening – the final decision is theirs.

Which items are prohibited in hand luggage?

Items typically considered weapons or dangerous are not permitted, including:

ammunition
Weapons
Sharp objects and multi-tools
Baseball bat
Bear spray
Box cutter
Some cordless hot hair devices
Foam toy swords
Gel-like candles
Hammers
Gel heating pad
Hiking poles

What are the liquid limits for TSA?

TSA allows passengers to carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in a quarter-sized bag in their carry-on luggage. Each item must be in containers with a capacity of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Storing it in a separate small bag or bag and collecting it at security can streamline the process.

A good way to remember this is the TSA 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces per container, one quart-sized bag, and one bag per passenger.

Can I bring groceries through TSA?

TSA regulations allow certain foods to be carried in carry-on luggage.

If you want to save money by not buying food at the airport, you can bring hot meals like pizza or cooked meats and vegetables through TSA, but they will go through the X-ray scanner. However, leave the soup at home, as liquids and gels — like jellies, hummus, peanut butter and yogurt — weighing more than 3.4 ounces are not allowed.

Here are some more TSA rules regarding food:

Other foods allowed include hard cheese, hard chocolate, coffee, nuts, cookies, crackers, fresh eggs, pies, cakes, sandwiches and tamales.
The TSA does not allow fresh meat and seafood unless they are packed with completely frozen ice packs.
The alcohol content can also be no more than 3.4 ounces – also known as those mini bottles – and must contain no more than 140% alcohol.
Breast milk and baby and toddler foods and drinks such as baby formula are allowed and do not need to be frozen, although they may be subject to additional inspection if partially frozen.
Fresh produce may be allowed, but not when flying between Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands due to the risk of spreading invasive species.

What TSA rules apply to traveling with medication?

Medications are allowed in carry-on luggage and are even recommended in case your bag gets lost. You don’t always have to tell the TSA officer unless your medication is a liquid. Liquids are allowed in “reasonable quantities” and you must inform an officer if they wish to carry out further checks. Also remember that the medication goes through the scanner.

What do you wear at airport security?

While you should wear whatever you feel most comfortable in on the flight, remember that you will be taking your shoes off unless you are at TSA PreCheck. Opt for shoes and socks that are easy to remove so you don’t end up walking on the less-than-hygienic airport floor.

You can keep your religious, cultural or ceremonial items and jewelry on, although certain metals may cause the alarm to go off and you will likely be patted down.

The TSA advises against wearing accessories that resemble weapons or have sharp edges, otherwise they are likely to be damaged.

Can I fly without my ID?

Possibly. There are alternative ways the TSA can confirm your identity and let you through if you lose or forget your passport or ID card. This includes showing alternative forms of identification or filling out a form with information such as your address and Social Security number. You will also likely receive a more thorough inspection at security.