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.

Sharp objects

Lock Picks

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Tools that are 7 inches or less in length are allowed in carry-on bags. Please check with local law enforcement regarding traveling with this item.

Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Meat Cleavers

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Nail Clippers

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Pencil Sharpeners

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Pocket Knife

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on baggage; please pack these items in your checked baggage.

Razor-Type Blades

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Box cutters, razor blades not in a cartridge are prohibited in carry-on.

Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Sabers

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Safety pin

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Safety Razor With Blades (allowed without blade)

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Saws

  • Carry On Bags: No
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Including cordless portable power saws.

Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.