You can use TSA’s official “What Can I Bring?” page to check almost any item, but here’s a clear 2026-friendly rundown of the main rules so you don’t get stopped at security.

Quick basics (2026)

  • The 3-1-1 liquids rule is still in effect in the U.S.: containers up to 3.4 oz / 100 ml, all fitting in one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, one bag per traveler.
  • TSA cares about what the item is and how it’s packed (carry-on vs checked), and officers always have final discretion at the checkpoint.
  • Airline rules (size/weight of bags) are separate from TSA rules, so you have to satisfy both.

Liquids, gels, creams, aerosols

These must follow 3-1-1 in carry-on, unless they qualify for a special exception.

  • Count as liquids/gels: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, perfume, hand sanitizer, liquid makeup, lip gloss, creams, pastes, peanut butter, sauces, yogurt, etc.
  • Size limit: each container 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, even if the bottle is only half full.
  • Pack them all in a single quart-size clear bag; it must close comfortably.

Exceptions (can exceed 3.4 oz but get extra screening)

  • Prescription and over-the-counter liquid medications (e.g., cough syrup, liquid pain meds, medical gels and creams).
  • Baby/infant food and formula, breast milk, and related cooling packs when traveling with a child or for pumping.
  • These must be declared at the checkpoint and may be X-rayed or inspected separately.

Completely banned liquids in carry-on

Even in small amounts, these are typically not allowed in carry-on and can be confiscated:

  • Toxic or corrosive chemicals: pesticides, bleach, strong cleaning agents.
  • Self-defense sprays: pepper spray, mace, bear spray.
  • Flammable liquids: lighter fluid, camping fuel, propane, spray paint.
  • Very high-proof alcohol: anything about 70% ABV (like some grain alcohols).

Electronics, batteries, and gadgets

Batteries are a big focus in 2025–2026, especially lithium types.

  • Allowed in carry-on: phones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, game consoles, etc. You may have to remove larger electronics for screening.
  • Spare lithium batteries and power banks: must be in carry-on only, not in checked bags, and terminals should be protected (in original packaging, cases, or taped).
  • “Smart” luggage with non-removable batteries: often not allowed as checked luggage; if the battery can’t be removed, you may be forced to carry it on or not use it.

Hair tools:

  • Allowed in carry-on: most corded hair tools (flat iron, curling iron) and many cordless devices if they meet battery rules.
  • Butys with butane cartridges or certain fuel-powered tools can be restricted or banned in carry-on.

Foods and snacks

Food rules are mostly about whether the item is solid or a liquid/gel.

  • Solid foods are generally allowed in carry-on: sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit, granola bars, solid candy.
  • Foods that spread or pour (peanut butter, hummus, creamy dips, yogurt, jam, sauces) count as liquids/gels and must be in 3.4 oz containers inside your liquids bag, or go in checked luggage.
  • Large quantities of powders (like big protein tubs or baby powder) may get extra screening and can be restricted over certain limits on some international flights.

Personal care items and toiletries

Most common toiletries are allowed with size/packing limits:

  • Allowed in carry-on (3.4 oz rule): shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, mouthwash, hair gel, spray deodorant, liquid foundation, mascara, setting spray, nail polish, etc.
  • Solid versions (bar soap, stick deodorant, solid perfume, solid shampoo bars) generally do not count toward your liquids bag.
  • Medical creams and gels (e.g., Neosporin, hydrocortisone, topical pain gels, aloe gel) can be allowed above 3.4 oz if they’re clearly for medical use and declared.

Sharp objects and tools

These are where people often get surprised.

  • Allowed in carry-on:
    • Disposable razors and cartridges, electric razors.
* Small scissors with blades typically no longer than about 4 inches from pivot (check current TSA guidance before flying).

* Nail clippers, nail files (non-metal or small metal ones), tweezers.
  • Not allowed in carry-on (usually must be checked or left at home):
    • Full-size knives, many multitools with blades.
* Box cutters, razor blades (loose or in some utility knives).

* Large tools (wrenches, hammers, crowbars), sporting bats in many cases.

ID, documents, and 2026 updates

ID requirements are being enforced more strictly across U.S. airports in 2026.

  • You should bring a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or another acceptable ID (passport, passport card, certain military or trusted traveler IDs).
  • If your ID is not compliant, you may need a passport or additional accepted document; always verify before you go, especially for domestic flights.

What about checked baggage?

Checked bags have different risk concerns (mainly fire and hazardous materials).

  • Often allowed in checked but restricted in carry-on: large liquids (shampoo, full-size wine/spirits within alcohol limits), some tools, some sports gear.
  • Often banned or tightly controlled even in checked: explosives, many flammable liquids, some self-defense items, and certain hazardous chemicals.
  • Spare lithium batteries and power banks must not go in checked luggage.

Handy mental checklist before you pack

Use this quick framework each time you pack.

  1. Is it a liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, paste, or spread?
    • If yes and in carry-on, is each container 3.4 oz/100 ml or less and able to fit in one quart bag?
  2. Could it be considered a weapon or tool?
    • If yes, check size and type; when in doubt, move it to checked or leave it home.
  3. Does it have a battery?
    • If spare lithium or a power bank, it belongs in carry-on only.
  4. Is it a chemical, spray, or very high-proof alcohol?
    • If so, it may be outright banned in carry-on regardless of size.
  5. Is your ID accepted under current rules?
    • Make sure you have a REAL ID–compliant license or passport.

Simple HTML table: common “can I bring” items

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Item</th>
      <th>Carry-on?</th>
      <th>Checked bag?</th>
      <th>Notes</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Water bottle (filled)</td>
      <td>No (must be empty at security)[web:10]</td>
      <td>Yes[web:10]</td>
      <td>Buy or fill after security.[web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Shampoo, lotion, etc.</td>
      <td>Yes, ≤3.4 oz in quart bag[web:5][web:9]</td>
      <td>Yes[web:5]</td>
      <td>Larger bottles must be checked.[web:5]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Prescription liquid meds</td>
      <td>Yes, over 3.4 oz allowed with screening[web:3][web:5]</td>
      <td>Yes[web:5]</td>
      <td>Declare at checkpoint.[web:3][web:5]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Peanut butter / spreads</td>
      <td>Yes, but treated as liquid, ≤3.4 oz[web:9][web:10]</td>
      <td>Yes[web:10]</td>
      <td>Larger jars should be checked.[web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Solid snacks (chips, bars)</td>
      <td>Yes[web:9][web:10]</td>
      <td>Yes[web:10]</td>
      <td>May be inspected separately if dense.[web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Laptop / tablet</td>
      <td>Yes[web:9][web:10]</td>
      <td>Yes[web:10]</td>
      <td>Remove from bag when asked.[web:9][web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Spare lithium batteries / power banks</td>
      <td>Yes[web:5][web:7][web:9]</td>
      <td>No[web:5][web:7][web:9]</td>
      <td>Terminals must be protected.[web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Disposable razors</td>
      <td>Yes[web:10]</td>
      <td>Yes[web:10]</td>
      <td>Loose blades are not allowed in carry-on.[web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Full-size knife</td>
      <td>No[web:4][web:10]</td>
      <td>Often yes[web:4][web:10]</td>
      <td>Must go in checked if allowed at all.[web:4][web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Pepper spray / mace</td>
      <td>No[web:3]</td>
      <td>Heavily restricted, often not allowed[web:3][web:10]</td>
      <td>Check current airline and TSA rules.[web:3][web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>High-proof alcohol (&gt;70% ABV)</td>
      <td>No[web:3]</td>
      <td>No or very restricted[web:3][web:10]</td>
      <td>Regular wine/spirits have separate volume limits.[web:10]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

If you’re ever unsure

For a specific item (“Can I bring X?”):

  • Use TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” online tool or app and type the item name exactly (e.g., “protein powder,” “snow globe,” “curling iron”).
  • If it’s unusual or expensive, consider printing or saving a screenshot of the guidance in case you need to explain it at the checkpoint.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.