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.

  • For items not listed here, our AskTSA team looks forward to answering your questions 365 days a year; live assistance is available from 8 am – 6 pm (ET).
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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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Spillable Batteries

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Except those in wheelchairs.

Sports Cleats

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

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.

Spray Paint

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Spray Starch

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Staplers

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Starter Pistols

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

Starter pistols carried in checked bags must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Check with your airline to see if they allow firearms in checked bags. Read the guidelines for traveling with firearms.

When traveling, be sure to comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international government.

Steel Toe Boots

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

To help officers get a clear look at your bag and reduce the need for additional screening, we suggest you pack your bag in neat layers.

TSA PreCheck® travelers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. Please see TSA PreCheck® for more information. 

Stick Pins

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Strike-anywhere Matches

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Stuffed Animals

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.