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, simply snap a picture or send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter. We look forward to answering your questions, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET weekdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays.

 

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

Flammables

Phone Chargers

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

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.

Power Banks

  • 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.

Propane

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Rainbow Flame Crystals

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Many flame crystals contain HAZMAT. 

Passengers may bring flame crystals but only in checked baggage luggage.  Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through checked baggage if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether to allow any item on the plane. Passengers should check the product label for indications of flammable contents or other hazards.

Realistic Replicas of Explosives

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Recreational Oxygen

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: No

Non-medically required, flavored or canned oxygen containers are prohibited.

Safety Matches

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: No

One book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage.

Self-Defense Sprays

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

One 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage. For more information, visit faa.gov.

We recommend checking with your airline as some may not allow this item in checked bags.

Smart Luggage

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