TSA strictly prohibits items that could threaten the safety of the aircraft or passengers in carry-on bags. To avoid confiscation or delays at the security checkpoint, leave these core items at home or pack them in checked luggage:
There is no newly mandated universal carry-on size, but major airlines are strictly cracking down on size compliance, detachable power banks, and weight limits.
Yes, you can bring deodorant in your carry-on, but the rules depend on the type.
No, you are generally not required to keep pills in their original bottles when flying. However, the exact rules depend heavily on where you are traveling:
Yes, you can bring toothpaste in your carry-on bag. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) classifies toothpaste as a paste/gel, meaning it must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule:
In your carry-on bag, any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) is strictly prohibited. Additionally, highly flammable, corrosive, or dangerous chemical grooming products are banned entirely from all luggage.
Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Yes, TSA checks all medications—but primarily for safety and volume limits, not to police your prescriptions. Security officers will not ask for your prescription during routine screening, but taking a few precautions makes the process seamless:
Place your money, wallet, and passport securely inside a zipped pocket of your carry-on bag or personal item before you reach the checkpoint. Never keep cash or valuables in loose clothing or pockets, and avoid placing your money in separate bins, as these are highly vulnerable to theft.
Always pack your medication in your carry-on bag. This prevents you from being without vital prescriptions if your luggage is delayed, and protects medications from extreme temperature changes in the cargo hold.
You do not need to place your phone loosely in a security tray. To prevent theft or loss, it is highly recommended to zip your phone into an inner pocket of your carry-on bag before it goes through the X-ray machine.
The "45-minute rule" typically refers to an airline's strict check-in and checked baggage cutoff time for most domestic flights. You must have your bags checked and printed boarding pass in hand at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, or the airline will refuse your luggage and may deny you boarding.
According to TSA, liquid, gel, or aerosol deodorants fall under the 100 ml (3.4 oz) liquid rule. The same “100 ml rule” applies in Europe, and items exceeding this limit should go into checked baggage. (As of 2025, some EU/UK airports that use certified CT scanners now allow liquids up to 2L per container).
For a flight, leggings are the better choice for comfort and circulation, provided they aren't overly restrictive. Because your body swells at high altitudes, tight jeans can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of circulation issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Flight attendants advise against using oversized hard-shell suitcases, four-wheel spinners, and bags with expanding zippers for your carry-on. These styles are frequently flagged for causing issues with overhead bin space, strict airline sizing boxes, and airport maneuverability.
The most frequently forgotten items when traveling are phone chargers, toothbrushes, and sunscreen. Because these are used daily right up until the moment of departure—often in the bathroom or on the nightstand—they are easily left behind.
There is no upper age limit on traveling and having a good time. Many people wonder whether it's safe for older people to fly or travel long distances. There is no age limit for international travel, so as long as your senior parents or loved ones are healthy enough to travel, they can!
If you're traveling by plane within the US, there's no limit on how much cash you can carry. If you're traveling abroad or reentering the US, you can carry up to $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments. Anything above that must be declared to US Customs and Border Protection.
If you are asking about flying as a pilot, the FAA strictly prohibits flying while taking any medication that affects alertness, judgment, or reaction time. Disqualifying medications include sedatives, narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and sedating antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl). You can check exact rules in the FAA Medication Database or the AOPA Medications Database.
The most common items voluntarily surrendered or confiscated by the TSA are oversized liquids, gels, and aerosols that exceed the 3.4-ounce (100 ml) limit. Following closely behind are knives, sharp objects, and tools longer than seven inches.
You do not always need a doctor’s letter, but it is highly recommended. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require a doctor's note for standard pills, you should carry one for international travel, controlled substances, or injectables.
If you're wondering whether you can take this tool in your carryon bag, the short answer is: yes, you can. According to the TSA rules, tweezers are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage, as they are not considered dangerous or sharp enough to pose a threat to other passengers or the aircraft.
In most contexts, the "45-minute rule" refers to the strict airline deadline requiring passengers to complete check-in and drop off any checked luggage at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled domestic departures. Missing this cutoff means the airline can deny boarding or refuse to accept your bags.
You can bring most makeup items on a plane, but liquids, gels, and creams over 3.4 ounces (100ml) are prohibited in carry-on luggage. Any liquid or cream must be packed in containers of 3.4 oz or less and fit together inside a single clear, quart-sized bag.