Travel

If you travel by plane, check your suitcase: these items are no longer allowed in carry-on baggage

Avoiding checking in a bag can save valuable time but if your carry-on has one of these items on an updated list you’ll have a little chat with the TSA.

Greg Heilman

Update: Apr 6th, 2025 12:38 EDT

People who are frequent flyers know that avoiding checking in a bag and just traveling with a carry-on can save valuable time at the airport. But preparing for your trip when traveling light is essential.

Just throwing your things into your carry-on without keeping in mind the airline size and weight restrictions and TSA rules for luggage may cause you headaches once you get to the airport.

These items are no longer allowed in carry-on baggage

There are certain items that could get you pulled aside at TSA check points causing unintended delays in what you thought would be an otherwise seamless process of getting to the departure gate to catch your flight on time.

While certain items are completely prohibited on commercial flights, others can only be brought aboard the plane if they are check-in to be carried in the cargo hold. A general rule of thumb for those that travel by plane, if an item can be used as a weapon, to start a fire or is just plain dangerous, it definitely is not going to be allowed in the cabin and perhaps not even the hold.

You can check the TSA’s complete list of what is allowed on flights and specifically in carry-on bags at the agency’s website. But here’s a breakdown of some of the items to watch out for.

Electronic devices

Lithium metal or lithium ion batteries can overheat and burn. For that reason they are only allowed in carry-on bags as flight crews are trained to detect and respond to such incidents which passengers should alert them to immediately.

While remote controlled cars can be brought on the plane, you should check with your airline about packing a drone as they can be considered a dangerous device.

Medicines and medical equipment

The TSA says that if you are traveling with medication in liquid form, while allowed in your carry-on, you have to notify an officer. Containers in excess of the 3.4 ounces limit are allowed in reasonable quantities for the flight.

Medically necessary personal oxygen tanks are not allowed on flights. You should contact your airline to arrange for oxygen service, but they are not required to provide it and many don’t, warns the TSA.

Sharp or cutting objects

Most sharp objects are not allowed in carry on bags like knives of any size even if part of multi-tools and corkscrews. Corkscrews without a knife are allowed. Only scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches (10 cm) from the pivot point are allowed in carry-on bags.

Cosmetics and liquids

Liquids are allowed as carry-ons but only in containers of up to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) can be in your carry-on bag and they must be able to fit inside a single quart-sized transparent bag. This includes aerosol deodorants, creams, gels, lotions, perfumes, shampoo, toothpaste, as well as drinks.

This applies to alcoholic beverages as well up to 140 proof (70%). Alcoholic beverages that surpass 140 proof are prohibited from flights.

Passengers that bring mini bottles of alcohol in their carry-on must be able to fit them into a single quart-sized bag and cannot be consumed on the flight. Only alcohol served by a flight attendant can be consumed on a flight.

Sports accessories

“Sports equipment that can be used as a bludgeon (such as bats and clubs) is prohibited in the cabin of the plane and must be transported in your checked baggage,” states the TSA. Fishing rods are allowed as carry-on objects as well as small lures, but not big fish hooks.

Work tools

Tools like screwdrivers or pliers that are 7 inches (approx. 17.75 cm) or less are allowed in carry-on luggage, but not larger tools. All power tools must be packed in checked bags, including drills and drill bits, but if they have uninstalled lithium batteries, the battery must be packed in a carry-on bag.

If you have any doubts, it is always best to check with your airline before setting off for the airport. And be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through security check points.