What is not allowed in a plane carry-on can sometimes be unclear for many travelers—especially in light of the recent back-and-forth on the 100ml liquid limit in the UK and EU.
Packing everything you need for a trip into one bag and surviving the throes of airport security is stressful enough. The last thing any traveler wants is to be stopped by TSA and have your belongings rummaged through. So, when it comes to preparing for a flight, whether international or domestic—tactful and organized packing is only ideal for future-you.
When packing your carry-on luggage with all your travel essentials, it’s important to check what’s legally permitted—and not permitted—to carry on a plane. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a reference list based on the TSA’s Security Screening guidelines.
What are the liquid requirements for carry-on bags?
In the US, the TSA enforces a 3-1-1 rule, which means you can only pack liquids into containers smaller than 3.4 ounces that fit all together in one clear quart-sized bag. This is consistent with the international 100ml liquid limit (3.4 ounces is equal to 100 milliliters).
As bag screening technology evolves from 2D X-ray scanners to more advanced CT scanners, the hope is that the 100ml liquid limit will eventually be scrapped—but with airports around the world facing very different timelines for installing the new machines, the rule likely won’t go away anytime soon.
So, exactly which products have to be packed according to the 3-1-1 rule? Most of our personal care items are liquids (shampoo, perfume or cologne, contact lens solution, nail polish), gels (toothpaste, face serums, hair gels), aerosols (in a pressurized spray bottle or can, such as hairspray or spray-on deodorant), creams (lotions), and pastes (toothpaste). When packing any of the above into your carry on, first make sure they are non flammable. Then, check their size as marked on the container label and zip them into your TSA-approved toiletry kit.
Remember, TSA liquid restrictions fall specifically on the container itself, not its contents—so even if your face wash has less than 3.4 oz of liquid left inside, it doesn’t matter if the container is larger than allowed. These requirements also pertain to e-liquids for vaping devices and electronic cigarettes, as well as canned jars of food, like salsa, peanut butter, and cream cheese—and to alcohol (mini bottles are permitted as long as the alcohol content is less than 70%).
Of course, there are a few exceptions. For example, baby formula and baby food are not required to meet the 3-1-1 rule—but they must be declared for screening and removed from your carry-on luggage at the security checkpoint. For a list of full-size liquids you can actually take through airport security, see our complete guide.
Some surprising items that are not allowed in carry-on luggage because they typically contain more liquid than permitted include large snow globes and Magic 8 Balls. And yes, even the no-nonsense TSA can admit this is funny: “For Carry-on bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us…Outlook not so good!” the agency jokes on its website. “For Checked bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us…It is certain!”
What other items are not allowed in carry-on bags?
Packing a pair of scissors, perhaps to cut off new clothing tags or give yourself a mid-trip haircut, is an innocent mistake that can easily derail your travel plans. Only small scissors with blades at a maximum of four inches from its pivot point are permitted in carry-on luggage. Other smaller tools including screwdrivers, pliers, nail clippers, and bottle openers must all be under seven inches long. Any sharper tools (like box cutters) must be securely sheathed or wrapped in checked baggage.
