The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules about what can be brought on a plane, both in carry-on and checked baggage. Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. The TSA website provides a comprehensive list of items that are allowed and prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage. Here are some general guidelines:
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Carry-on: Nonflammable liquids, gels, and aerosols such as shampoo or deodorant are permitted in hand luggage as long as they follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids. This means that you can bring one quart-sized bag of liquids limited to travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item. Alcoholic beverages are allowed, but only in checked baggage. Baby food, baby formula, breast milk, and juice are all allowed in reasonable quantities. Formula, breast milk, and juice should be removed from your bag and screened separately. Additionally, ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, and juice are allowed in your carry-on. Additional items such as baby carriers and child car seats are also permitted so long as they’ll fit in the airplane’s overhead bin or underneath your seat. Electronic devices and electrical items such as mobile phones, laptops, tablet devices, MP3 players, hairdryers, hair straighteners, travel irons, electric shavers, and e-cigarettes are allowed in carry-on baggage.
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Checked baggage: You can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they are for essential medical purposes, for special dietary requirements, or contain baby food, baby formula, breast milk, or juice. Cameras and camera equipment are allowed in both checked and carry-on baggage, but there might be restrictions on specialist equipment, such as professional video cameras. Gas-powered hair curlers are allowed in both checked and carry-on baggage as long as the safety cover is fitted at all times. You must not take separate gas cartridges on board.
Its important to note that 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.
