Cross-checked against current TSA and FAA guidance. Airlines and international airports may apply stricter rules — always confirm with your carrier before flying.
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The Complete TSA Rules Guide (2026)
Our definitive 2026 guide covers carry-on rules, liquids, food, electronics, power banks, batteries, vapes, medication, family travel, and airport security tips — all in one place.
Read the Complete TSA Rules GuideCarry-On Rules
Liquids, toiletries, makeup, deodorant, food, and medicine all have specific carry-on limits. The 3-1-1 rule governs most liquids and gels.
- Liquids, gels, and aerosols: 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in a quart bag
- Toiletries and makeup: liquid forms follow 3-1-1; powders and sticks do not
- Deodorant: stick and roll-on have no limit; aerosol must be ≤ 3.4 oz
- Food: solids allowed freely; liquid/gel foods follow 3-1-1
- Medicine: liquid medication is exempt — declare it to TSA
Electronics Rules
Laptops, chargers, power banks, and batteries are allowed in carry-on, but lithium batteries can never go in checked luggage.
- Laptops: remove from your bag at standard screening (PreCheck exempt)
- Chargers and cables: allowed in carry-on and checked bags
- Power banks: carry-on only, max 100 Wh without airline approval
- Spare lithium batteries: carry-on only, terminals protected
Restricted Items
Some items are banned from carry-on or the aircraft entirely. When in doubt, pack it in checked luggage or leave it home.
- Knives: not allowed in carry-on; allowed sheathed in checked bags
- Pepper spray: one container in checked luggage with a safety cap
- Tools: items over 7 inches must go in checked luggage
- Firearms: unloaded, declared, and locked in checked luggage only
Vape & Smoking Rules
Vapes and e-cigarettes contain lithium batteries, so they follow strict carry-on-only rules and cannot be used in flight.
- Can you bring a vape on a plane? Yes — carry-on only, powered off
- Disposable vapes: allowed in carry-on, never in checked luggage
- E-cigarette rules: no in-flight use or charging permitted
- E-liquid: subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule in carry-on
Family Travel
Traveling with babies and young children comes with helpful TSA exemptions for formula, milk, and gear.
- Baby formula: allowed above 3-1-1 limits — declare at the checkpoint
- Breast milk: permitted in reasonable quantities, with or without a child
- Strollers: screened separately, usually gate-checked at the jet bridge
Travel Checklists & Popular TSA Guides
Start with these in-depth guides covering the most common TSA questions.
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TSA Rules FAQ
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Sources & References
This guide is based on publicly available guidance from the official organizations below. We summarize and explain their rules in plain language — we do not reproduce their content. Rules, fees, and requirements can change at any time and may vary by airport, airline, or country. Always confirm the latest official requirements directly with the relevant authority before you travel.
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Individual airline baggage and travel policies
Information may change without notice. RealWorldHelper is an independent resource and is not affiliated with any government agency or airline. Verify all official requirements before making travel decisions.