What You Can—and Can’t—Carry onto a Plane

I was nearly out the door to the airport when it struck me: deodorant.

I had remembered to wear it, but I didn’t remember whether it was permitted in my carry-on. Then I began second-guessing some of the other contents of my bag: my razor, my makeup, my cell phone battery charger. Did the rules change? Did I even know the right rules to begin with? Would I hold up the security line, have my items confiscated, and arrive at my destination deodorant-less, razor-less, makeup-less and—gasp!—charger-less?

I had questions, and fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the answers in its comprehensive What Can I Bring? List of permitted and prohibited items. Still, considering the TSA inventory scrolls nearly 500 items long, that leaves plenty of space in the margins for confusion. And as it turns out, I’m not the only one pondering the status of deodorant, razors, makeup and chargers. Those are among the top five items that passengers most often inquire about when it comes to their carry-on, according to the TSA, with shampoo/conditioner rounding out the other top spot.

Rules and exceptions to rules

So, what’s the verdict? Yes, you can bring disposable razors and electric razors in your carry-on. (Just ensure that they’re sheathed or safely wrapped to help protect baggage handlers and inspectors.) Razor blades not in a cartridge, however, are a big no.

Portable phone chargers and power banks also are permitted in your carry-on. The ruling on makeup, however, is a little trickier: Powder and solid forms are allowed—but with some caveats. If they’re greater than 12 ounces, you must place them in a separate bin for TSA agents to screen—and the containers may be opened. Liquid makeup—and any liquids, including shampoo and conditioner—are subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

In a nutshell, the 3-1-1 policy states that each passenger may bring one quart-size resealable plastic bag of nonflammable liquids (or aerosols, gels, creams and pastes—think toothpaste, mouthwash, moisturizer, sunscreen, hair spray, and foundation) in a carry-on as long as each container doesn’t exceed 3.4 ounces. Remember it this way: The number 3 in the rule stands for 3.4 ounces, and the number 1s represent one quart-size bag per one passenger. Also, note that the container must not exceed 3.4 ounces, so even if you have, say, 2 ounces of liquid in a 4-ounce container, that’s a no go.

Exceptions to the rule include medically necessary medicines as well as baby formula, breast milk, baby food, and toddler drinks; be sure to read up on special instructions for these items and to declare them to TSA agents for inspection at the security checkpoint.

To bring or not to bring?

While the rules can be long and winding, they do exist for a reason: to prevent security threats. That means that you cannot bring anything deemed dangerous or hazardous on the plane. The givens: No firearms (or replica firearms), fireworks, flammable liquids, hatchets, mallets, pocket knives, self-defense spray, sparklers, switchblades, swords (including realistic-looking toy ones), and the like. Leave your throwing stars at home, too.

In fact, if you attempt to bring a prohibited item through the security checkpoint, you not only run the risk of it being confiscated, but, depending on the item, you run the risk of being slapped with civil penalties of up to a staggering $17,062 per violation per person.

So, you could say that it pays to know well before you arrive at the airport which items you can’t carry onto a plane. And while there are a few perhaps unexpected items that are prohibited—like Magic 8 Balls and large snow globes (which fall under the 3-1-1 rule)—There are some surprising and even downright bizarre objects that you can carry onto a plane. Such as antlers— that’s a yes as long as you can fit them in an overhead bin or underneath the plane seat. The same applies to your sewing machine and bread machine.

 

It’s also a thumbs-up for artificial skeleton bones, blenders (without the blade), body armor, Christmas lights, cowboy spurs, fishing poles, fresh eggs, handcuffs, Harry Potter wands, light sabers, live coral, live fish, night vision goggles, Play-Doh, your PlayStation (and Xbox, too), rocks, sand, seashells, and even your tortilla press.

Musical instruments—including cymbals, drumsticks, guitars, and violins—will warrant additional screening. Expect your tuba, however, to be denied; brass instruments should be packed in checked baggage. Your airline also may have to weigh in, though, so check its policy before showing up at the airport with, say, a bicycle, snowboard, TV, or live lobster in tow—all of which may be allowed to be carried on board.

Your carry-on questions answered

Even if an item appears on the TSA list as permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or flat-out rejected for security concerns. The TSA agent at the security checkpoint has the final say on whether you can bring it with. Also, if you’re traveling internationally, keep in mind that the rules may vary at airports outside the US.

Oh, and what about that deodorant? No sweating the details for solid deodorant—that gets the green light. For liquid and aerosol deodorant, follow the 3-1-1 rule. Translation: The travel-size toiletries section at your local supermarket is your friend.

If you have questions about any items not covered on TSA’s What Can I Bring? List, you can reach out to the AskTSA team:

• X: @AskTSA
• Facebook Messenger: fb.com/AskTSA
• Text message: Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872)

TSA is available to answer questions 365 days a year, with live assistance from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. And just for curiosity’s sake, do tell if you happen to get the go-ahead on those antlers. That’s one carry-on that comes with a multitude of questions.