What Can I Bring?

Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. Read about civil penalties for prohibited items.

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The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

 

Officers may ask you to power up your electronic device, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. TSA does not read or copy information from your device.

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Power Charger

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: No

Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.

For more information, see the FAA guidance on portable rechargers.

Spillable Batteries

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Except those in wheelchairs.

Stun Guns/Shocking Devices

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Tasers, Stun Guns, and Electro-Shock Weapons (Conducted Electrical Weapons) must be transported in a manner that renders the device inoperable from accidental discharge. Some of these devices are manufactured with lithium batteries. 

For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries.

Tattoo Guns

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.  Most other consumer devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.

TENS unit

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. If your doctor has told you that your specific TENS unit shouldn't go through an X-ray, you should notify the TSA officer so they can conduct alternate screening. To help you get through security more efficiently, remove your TENS unit from your carry-on bag and put it in the screening bin so the TSA officer can get a clear view of it. For more information, see TSA special procedures.

Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.  Most other consumer electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations

Tools

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Tools 7 inches or shorter (measured from end to end when assembled) may be allowed in carry-on baggage. 

Power tools and all tools longer than 7 inches (measured from end to end when assembled) are prohibited in carry-on baggage; these items must be packed in your checked bags.

 For tools powered by lithium batteries, see FAA regulations.