How to Know What You Can and Can't Carry on Board an Aircraft

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

Increasing airport security regulations are making it more and more difficult to know what can and can't be carried on board an aircraft. You may leave a country with your gel pack, only to have it confiscated upon return. This article provides you guidelines for staying informed and minimizing the risks of losing something to security, being subjected to additional screening, missing your flight, or ending up in trouble.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Be Informed

1
Know which organization you may need to be in contact with. Keep a list with their websites and phone numbers handy while travelling. Useful organizations include:
- The Bureau of Consular Affairs
- Transportation Security Administration^{[1]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  Go to source}
- the airline(s) you are travelling with

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Know the Basics

1
Know the 3-1-1 rule. For travel in the US, a passenger is allowed in their carry-on no more than a maximum of 3 bottles containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of liquid. Bottles must be placed in a quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
Go to source}
2
Rethink packing potentially problematic items. Certain items that are generally permitted may still be subject to additional screening or prohibited at security's discretion (such as if it triggers an alarm or appears to have been tampered with). Items that can potentially pose security concerns include:
^{[3]
X
Research source}
- sharp objects
- sporting goods
- tools
- firearms and martial arts weapons
- foods including creamy dips, jams, and salsa
- liquid contain decorative items such as lava lamps or snow globes
- Cannabis, even if it is legal in your state/country^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  Go to source}
3
Always take prescriptions with your medication, and try to carry on medications in their original packaging. This will not only enable you to carry the item on the aircraft with you, it will also assist with any questions a customs officer might raise in your country of arrival.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Official UK government website
Official website for the public sector of the UK government
Go to source}
4
Play it safe. If you are unsure about an item, mail it ahead of time or leave it at home.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Be Prepared and Aware

1
Know what you have. You are responsible for your belongings and what's in them, so double-check pockets and compartments of clothing and bags for items that may have been forgotten about such as lighters, swiss-army knives, bottle openers, etc.
2
Be aware that the list of prohibited items is constantly being updated, especially when there is a security scare. Refer to the relevant websites to find out immediately before travelling what restrictions are in place.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Declare larger quantities of liquids. There may be exemptions for certain items such as medications, baby formula, breast milk, and certain foods. You can declare these items but should know that officers may need to conduct additional screening which can take longer.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
Go to source}

Community Q&A

Question

Can I bring a small sewing scissors on for knitting?

Community Answer

If the ends are rounded instead of pointed, like kids' craft scissors, then you might be able to. Keep in mind that most scissors are not allowed on planes and will be confiscated by security. It would be best to call the airline or airport and double-check.
Question

How many prescription medicines can I carry on board?

Community Answer

Call the airline and ask them about their policy. I've seen people carrying quite a lot of medication. I doubt they will say no if you absolutely have to take them with you. Many times passengers will take the pills they need before the flight and put their prescriptions into their checked luggage, so this could be an option for you as well.
Question

Will a tin opener pass security?

Community Answer

They will likely not pass security as they often have sharp edges on the cutting blades. In general, you should try to avoid bringing anything sharp, especially in carry-on baggage.

Warnings

Avoid making any jokes about guns, bombs, terrorism, weapons, knives, stabbings, murders, suffocation, crime, illegal/illicit conduct, inefficiency of TSA, or anything else that could be taken as a threat.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 97 Not Helpful 20
Airport security views safety issues very seriously and will not tolerate people behaving badly. Try to be patient and understanding and don't argue, make a fuss, or throw a temper tantrum.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 80 Not Helpful 17
Never make a joke about having prohibited items. Airport security is required to take such statements seriously.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
You are responsible for what's in your bags, so keep an eye on your belongings at all times and know what's inside of them. Keep an eye on children's packing and make sure you know what they have packed.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0