TSA Travel Rules 2026: Complete Carry-On Guide & Checklist

Overview: What TSA Allows in 2026

Most TSA delays come from a few familiar issues: oversized liquids, lithium batteries packed in checked luggage, vapes in checked luggage, and electronics that aren't easily accessible. This hub brings together every TSA rule and supporting guide on RealWorldHelper, so you can pack right the first time and use our Plane Item Checker for anything else.

• 3-1-1 liquids in carry-on
• Lithium batteries: carry-on only
• Vapes: carry-on only, powered off
• Laptops out (unless PreCheck)

TSA Liquid Rules (3-1-1)

The 3-1-1 rule is the foundation of TSA carry-on screening: every liquid, gel, cream, paste, or aerosol in your carry-on must be in a container of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all containers must fit in one quart-sized clear bag, and each passenger gets one bag. Larger containers belong in checked luggage. Read the full breakdown in TSA Carry-On Liquid Rules Explained.

Carry-On Rules

Most US airlines allow one carry-on plus one personal item. Carry-on must fit in the overhead bin (typically 22 × 14 × 9 in) and your personal item must fit under the seat. TSA screens everything, so anything sharp, flammable, or over the liquid limits should go in your checked bag. Use the Plane Item Checker for any specific item.

• Allowed: clothes, shoes, books, food (solid), small electronics
• Allowed in carry-on only: lithium batteries, power banks, vapes
• Checked only: large liquids, sharp tools, most flammables
• Banned both ways: explosives, fireworks, certain self-defense sprays

Battery Rules

Lithium-ion batteries (phones, laptops, power banks) and lithium metal batteries must travel in carry-on only — they're a fire risk in checked cargo holds. The FAA caps power banks at 100 Wh without airline approval; 100–160 Wh requires approval, and over 160 Wh is banned on passenger aircraft. Standard AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V alkaline batteries can travel in either bag. Full breakdown: Can I Bring Batteries on a Plane?

Vape & E-Cigarette Rules

Vapes and e-cigarettes are carry-on only — never in checked luggage, because of their lithium batteries. Devices must stay powered off; you cannot vape or charge devices in flight. E-liquid bottles follow the standard 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, in your quart bag). Disposables count as both a battery and a liquid container. See Can I Bring a Vape on a Plane? for international rules and TSA tips.

Toiletries Rules

Solid toiletries — bar soap, stick deodorant, solid shampoo, toothpaste tablets, makeup powders — have no size limit in carry-on. Liquid, gel, cream, and aerosol toiletries follow the 3-1-1 rule. Razor blades must travel in checked luggage if removable; safety razors with the blade installed are allowed in carry-on as long as the blade is fixed. See Can I Bring Deodorant on a Plane? for the full breakdown by deodorant type.

Electronics Rules

Laptops, tablets, e-readers, and cameras can travel in either bag, but TSA strongly recommends keeping them in carry-on. In standard screening lanes, anything larger than a phone must be removed and screened in its own bin. TSA PreCheck travelers can leave laptops and quart bags inside their carry-on. Drones and battery-powered devices follow the same lithium-battery rules above.

• Laptops & tablets: carry-on preferred
• Spare lithium cells: carry-on only

Food Rules

Solid foods — sandwiches, granola bars, dry snacks, baked goods, fruit, and cheese — travel freely in carry-on. Liquid or gel-like foods — yogurt, peanut butter, soup, pudding, salsa, jams — count as liquids and follow the 3-1-1 rule. Baby food, breast milk, and medically necessary liquids are exempt from 3-1-1 but must be declared.

• Solid snacks: unlimited in carry-on
• Yogurt, peanut butter, soup: 3-1-1

Travel Tools

All TSA Travel Articles

Every TSA-related guide on RealWorldHelper, in one place.

• TSA Carry-On Liquid Rules ExplainedThe 3-1-1 rule, toothpaste, shampoo, makeup, water, and aerosols.
• Can I Bring Deodorant on a Plane?Stick, gel, roll-on, and aerosol rules for carry-on and checked.
• Can I Bring Batteries on a Plane?TSA and FAA rules for lithium batteries, power banks, and AA/AAA cells.
• Can I Bring a Vape on a Plane?TSA vape rules, e-liquid limits, disposable vapes, and international restrictions.
• Travel Documents ChecklistPrint-ready list of every document you need before flying.
• Documents Needed for International TravelCustoms and entry paperwork that interacts with airport screening.

Frequently Asked Questions