As a traveler, I know how stressful it can be not knowing what things not to pack in carry-on.
One of the keys to a stress-free flight is making sure you pack the right items in your carry-on bag. It’s not just about what to bring, but also how much to bring and which items to avoid.
In this post, I will provide all the essential information about what is not allowed in carry-on bags on planes.
I will also share a complete list of items you should avoid to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
Let’s dive right in.
What can you not put in your carry-on luggage?
How Much Liquid and Toiletries Can You Bring on a Plane?
The TSA liquid rules are pretty straightforward: you can only bring 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container inside quart sized, resealable plastic bag.
Anything you can pump, squeeze, spread, smear, or spray is subject to the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
Remember, the TSA focuses on the size of the container, not the amount of liquid inside. So, a 12 oz container even if it only contains 3.4 oz of liquid is not allowed.
Medically necessary liquids and baby formula are exempt from this rule.
Can You Bring Shampoo on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring shampoo in carry-on luggage, but liquid shampoo must be 3.4 oz (100ml) or less. The same applies to aerosol dry shampoo.
Solid shampoo, however, is not subject to the liquid rule.
I prefer aerosol dry shampoo it saves space and won’t leak in your bag.
Can You Bring Toothpaste on a Plane?
toothpastes is considered a liquid, so it must follow the 3.4 oz (100ml) rule.
Larger tubes must go in checked baggage.
Can You Bring Perfume in Carry-On Luggage?
Most perfumes come in 3.4 oz (100ml) bottles, making them suitable for carry-on.
Avoid using perfume onboard, as other passengers may be sensitive or allergic.
Can You Bring Soap on a Plane?
Liquid soap must follow TSA rules, but you can carry any amount of solid soap in your carry-on without issue.
Can You Bring Eyeshadow Palettes?
solid eyeshadow palettes are fine in carry-on bags.
Cream eyeshadow must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less and packed in your liquids bag.
Can You Bring Nail Polish?
Yes, Nail polish is allowed, but it must be inside your quart-sized liquids bag and comply with the 3.4 oz (100ml) limit.
What About Hairspray?
aerosol hairspray is allowed in carry-on bags but only in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less.
Larger containers must go in checked baggage and cannot exceed 18 oz (500ml).
Can You Bring Lotion?
Lotion is a liquid and must follow the 3.4 oz rule in carry-on baggage.
Larger containers must go in checked baggage.
Can You Bring Deodorant?
It depends on the type. Stick deodorant is usually fine. Gel, spray, or roll-on types must follow the TSA 3.4 oz rule.
For more details, see: Can I Bring Deodorant On A Plane?
Can You Bring Liquid Food?
You can bring fruits, vegetables, and meats, but liquid foods like soups and sauces must comply with the TSA liquid rule.
It’s better to avoid these in carry-on bags. International travelers must check the rules of their destination country.
What Types of Batteries Are Allowed?
Most batteries are allowed in carry-on bags, but there are exceptions.
Refer to this guide: Can you take batteries on a plane?
Can You Bring Scissors?
Scissors are allowed if the blades are less than 4 inches from the pivot point.
But keep in mind that the final say always rests with the TSA officer at the airport.
Can You Bring Lighters and Matches?
You can bring one disposable or zippo lighter and one book of safety matches in your carry-on bag.
Can You Bring E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices?
Electronic cigarettes, like Juul and Puff Bars, are allowed but only in carry-on luggage. Do not pack them in checked bags. E-liquid must follow the 3.4 oz rule.
What’s allowed in a carry on bag Without Any Limits
Can you bring disinfectant wipes on carry-on?
You can bring disinfectant wipes on carry-on baggage without any issues, even though some passengers may consider them as part of the liquid rules , but the TSA stated that disinfectant wipes do not count as a liquid.
Hand sanitizer is also allowed on planes, but it needs to follow the TSA liquid rule.
Can you bring phones and chargers on a plane carry-on?
Phones and chargers are allowed on carry-on baggage, you will need to remove any electronics larger than a cell phone from the carry on bag and place it in a separate bin for further screening.
Are hair dryers allowed on planes?
Yes, hair dryers are good to go in carry-on bags, learn more about traveling with hairdryers on planes.
Can you bring Razors on a plane carry-on?
Even though razors are sharp and can best be used as a self defense tool, some of the razors are allowed in carry-on baggage, especially disposable razors.
Can you bring knitting needles on a plane carry-on?
Knitting needles are good to go in carry-on baggage, however ensure that you don’t bring some type of long metal knitting needles.
I would recommend bringing wooden knitting needles if you wanted to pass time on your flight, as they are less suspected at the sect checkpoint.
Can you bring glass Items on a plane carry-on?
Even though glass can be used as a weapon when it is broken, but the TSA and most airlines do allow glass onboard the airplane.
For example the TSA won’t ban a beautiful vase because they assume that a passenger will break it and use it as a self defense item, the chance of that happening is rare.
Just ensure that your items are within your airline carry on size limits.
Can you bring toys on a plane carry-on?
Oh i don’t forget about your lovely ones.
Most of the toys and games are permitted on board, stuffed animals, Playdoh or any other toys.
The only thing you need to remember is that the toy do not replicate a weapon, like toy guns , these types of toys won’t be allowed in carry-on bags.
But overall toys a re good to go on planes.
Can you bring powders on a plane carry-on?
Whether it is spices, protein powder or makeup powder, they are all allowed in carry-on bags.
Larger amounts of powders more than ( 12 oz / 350 ml ) will be subject for additional screening at the airport, you will need to remove them for your bags.
The TSA claimed that to avoid any inconvenience it is better to place any type of powder larger than 12 oz / 350 ml in checked baggage.
What not to pack in your carry-on bag?
Can you bring knives on a plane carry-on?
Obviously knives and swords will not be allowed in carry-on bags, as they are the most common weapon.
Plastic knives or rounded butter knives are allowed in carry-on bags, other types of knives should be packed in checked bags.
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane carry-on?
No, pepper spray is not allowed in carry-on bags, as they are considered dangerous weapons.
Anything that can be used as a weapon is not permitted in carry-on baggage.
If you wanted to bring pepper spray you can bring it in checked baggage but in a limited quantity.
Make sure to contact your Airline as they may have different rules for transporting these types of items in checked baggage, also if you are traveling internationally, check the rules on the country of your destination.
Can you bring guns on a plane carry-on?
Firearms are not allowed in hand luggage.
If you want to bring a firearm contact your airline for further regulations, and if they allow them in checked baggage.
Ensure that you also check the laws of your state or country of destination.
Can you bring sharp and bulky tools on a plane carry-on?
If you are using your hammer for carpentry, some bad guys out there are ready to use it to knock someone in the head.
So it is better to place these tools ( a hammer or a drill ) in a checked bag, if you bring these items through the equity checkpoint, it will be confiscated, especially if you don’t have a checked bag.
Some small tools may depend on the security officer you encounter at the security checkpoint, but to avoid any inconvenience it is better to send them in your checked bag or leave them at home if possible.
Can you bring camp stoves on a plane carry-on?
Camping is a lot of fun, but taking a camp stove that has fuel trace is not allowed on a plane.
The TSA stated that passengers can bring a camp stove in both carry on and checked baggage if the stove is fully cleaned, but I think they mean a brand camp stove .
In my opinion the TSA and most airlines are more strict about flammable items in general, which is the right thing to do.
Can you bring sporting equipment on a plane carry-on?
Sporting equipment, this includes, baseball bats ,golf clubs, skis, and other sporting equipment they can be difficult to fit in a carry-on bag.
They can also be used as a weapon, so you can’t bring these things in carry-on bags.
But other sport equipment like balls for example is okay to bring in carry on, just ensure that it is deflated.
Final thoughts what can you not put in your carry-on luggage.
Packing smart and light is essential for a hassle-free flight.
Avoid prohibited items, especially anything sharp, bulky, or have a weapon shape.
Place bulky or questionable items in your checked luggage.
You can find more information on what is allowed in checked baggage in this detailed guide.
I hope this helps
Happy travels.
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