10 Items You Can Legally Take on a Plane—And 6 You Definitely Can’t
Traveling can be a stressful ordeal, particularly when you’re not certain about what can go in your carry-on bag. Security protocols at airports can be complex, and nothing will make your blood boil more than having an item taken at the security checkpoint.
TSA’s 2023 data reveals that for every million passengers screened, 7.8 firearms were intercepted, based on a total of over 858 million individuals screened that year. Here are 10 items you can legally take on a plane—and six you definitely can’t.
Items you can legally take on a plane:
Food (Non-liquid)
Packing your favorite snacks for a flight is not only allowed but often encouraged. Solid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags, making it easy for travelers to bring their own meals or snacks. Popular items include sandwiches, fruits, nuts, and energy bars.
A 2024 survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) found that 62% of passengers prefer to bring their own food on flights, citing cost savings and dietary preferences as primary reasons. Just remember, if your food item is spreadable or pourable, it falls under the liquid rule.
Books and Magazines
There’s good news for bookworms and magazine enthusiasts: reading materials are welcome companions on flights, with no restrictions on the number of books or magazines you can bring. A 2023 study by the American Booksellers Association revealed that 47% of air travelers bring at least one book in their carry-on luggage.
E-readers and tablets loaded with digital books are also permitted, offering a space-saving alternative for avid readers. Your in-flight entertainment is covered, regardless of your preference for thrilling novels, informative non-fiction, or the latest glossy magazines.
Electronics (Including Laptops and Tablets)
Electronics have evolved into indispensable travel companions as technology continues to shape our journeys. Passengers can bring a wide range of electronic devices in their carry-on bags, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and cameras.
Skift’s data reveals that 67% of passengers express a strong preference for using their personal electronic devices as in-flight entertainment.
TSA guidelines require these items to be removed from bags and placed in separate bins during security screening at most airports. So, pack your devices securely and be prepared to take them out for inspection.
Medications
When it comes to medications, the TSA is quite accommodating. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. The TSA permits medications in liquid form exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit, but these must be declared to security officers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many international travelers carry medicines with them to treat acute or chronic health problems. It’s always a good idea to keep medications in their original labeled containers and bring a copy of your prescription or doctor’s note, especially for international travel.
Liquids (in Limited Quantities)
Navigating airport security with liquids can be tricky, but the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule makes it manageable. You can bring liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. These must be placed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag.
Bounce reports that oversized bottles of liquids, gels, and aerosols are among the most commonly flagged items at airport security checkpoints. Remember, this rule applies to everything from shampoo to toothpaste, so plan accordingly to ensure a smooth security experience.
Diaper Bags
For parents traveling with infants, diaper bags are a crucial carry-on item that most airlines allow in addition to the standard luggage allowance. According to a 2024 survey by the Family Travel Association, 89% of parents traveling with children under 2 years old bring a diaper bag on flights, with an average of 12 diapers per bag for short-haul flights.
Most major airlines, including United, American, and JetBlue, permit one diaper bag per child in addition to the regular carry-on allowance. However, it’s important to note that policies can vary; for instance, Spirit Airlines allows one diaper bag per paid seat at no extra charge, while Alaska Airlines considers the diaper bag as part of the adult’s personal item or carry-on.
Jewelry and Watches
Traveling with jewelry and watches is generally hassle-free, as most fine jewelry rarely triggers airport security alarms. According to TSA guidelines, you can wear most jewelry pieces through security checkpoints, including rings, necklaces, and wristwatches.
However, it’s advisable to remove bulky or metallic jewelry before screening to avoid potential delays. Experts recommend storing valuable pieces in a carry-on bag rather than checked luggage for added security.
Cosmetics (in Small Quantities)
Navigating airport security with cosmetics requires adherence to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids. This rule allows passengers to bring liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item, all fitting into a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.
Powder-based makeup is not restricted to the 3-1-1 rule, but quantities over 12 ounces may require additional screening. To maximize space, many travelers opt for multi-use products or solid alternatives like stick foundations and powder compacts.
Baby Formula and Breast Milk
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) classifies baby formula, breast milk, and juice as medically necessary liquids, exempting them from the standard 3-1-1 liquid rule. Parents are allowed to bring these items in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on baggage.
It’s important to note that while these items are permitted, they may be subject to additional screening. The CDC recommends that breast milk be safely stored in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when traveling.
Umbrellas and Walking Canes
Umbrellas and walking canes are generally allowed as carry-on items, providing essential support and weather protection for travelers. According to TSA guidelines, both items are permitted through security checkpoints after X-ray screening.
Standard umbrellas are generally permitted by most airlines, but restrictions may apply to oversized or golf-style umbrellas on certain carriers. For instance, British Airways permits small foldable umbrellas in hand baggage but requires items with sharp ends, such as hiking poles, to be checked. It’s always advisable to check with your specific airline for any size or weight restrictions.
Items you definitely can’t take on a plane:
Sharp Objects
In the realm of air travel safety, sharp objects remain one of the most strictly regulated categories of items. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits a wide array of sharp items in carry-on luggage, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches, box cutters, and razor blades not in a cartridge.
Interestingly, while most sharp objects are banned in carry-ons, some exceptions exist. For instance, disposable razors, nail clippers, and scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches from the pivot point are generally allowed. This nuanced approach to sharp object regulation reflects the delicate balance between passenger convenience and aviation security.
Sporting Equipment
When it comes to sporting equipment, the skies aren’t always as friendly as the playing field. Many beloved sports items are prohibited in carry-on luggage due to their potential use as weapons. Baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, and hockey sticks must all be checked.
Smaller sports equipment such as tennis rackets, basketballs, and ice skates are usually permitted in carry-on bags despite the ban on larger sporting items. This distinction underscores the TSA’s risk-based approach to security, focusing on items that could cause significant harm in the confined space of an aircraft cabin.
Firearms and Ammunition
The transportation of firearms and ammunition on commercial flights is subject to some of the strictest regulations in air travel. TSA data shows that in 2023, security checkpoints intercepted 6,737 firearms, successfully preventing their entry into secure airport areas and aircraft. This alarming statistic underscores the critical importance of firearm regulations in air travel.
Checked baggage can accommodate firearms under specific conditions despite their prohibition in carry-on luggage. Firearms must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Ammunition is also restricted to checked baggage and must be securely packed in fiber, wood, or metal boxes.
Tools
The TSA permits tools shorter than 7 inches, like screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers, in carry-on luggage while prohibiting many other common tools. However, larger tools and those with cutting edges, like drills, saws, and hammers, are strictly forbidden in the cabin.
This high number suggests that many travelers remain unaware of or confused by the regulations. Interestingly, some specialized tools, like those used by aircraft mechanics, may be allowed with prior approval from the airline and TSA.
Self-Defense Items
With personal security concerns on the rise, travelers must recognize that most self-defense items are strictly prohibited on planes. This category includes pepper spray, mace, stun guns, and martial arts weapons. Certain self-defense items, such as pepper spray, may be permitted in checked baggage under specific conditions despite being banned in carry-on luggage.
For instance, one four fl. oz. container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked bags if it’s equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. This nuanced approach reflects the balance between personal safety concerns and the overarching need for aircraft security.
Explosive and Flammable Materials
The prohibition of explosive and flammable materials on aircraft is perhaps the most universally understood and strictly enforced air travel regulation. This category encompasses a wide range of items, from obvious explosives like fireworks and dynamite to everyday flammables like aerosol sprays and lighter fluid.
Most passengers understand the ban on explosives, but many are surprised by restrictions on common items like certain batteries or cleaning products. For instance, lithium batteries, which power many electronic devices, are subject to strict regulations due to their potential fire risk. Passengers are generally limited to carrying lithium batteries with a rating of 100 watt-hours or less in carry-on bags, with a maximum of two spare batteries allowed.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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