TSA Now Prohibits This Beloved Travel Essential in Checked Bags

The TSA has prohibited a contemporary item
trip essential
From checked baggage in a recent travel warning—the most recent one.
several new changes
being implemented at airports throughout the US.
Portable chargers
And power banks that utilize lithium batteries (which constitutes most of them) are now strictly prohibited.
travelers’ checked luggages
, according to
revised guidelines issued by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA).

Why? Lithium-ion batteries found within the majority of portable chargers have demonstrated a potential for causing fires when stored in cargo holds, and an inflight battery fire is undoubtedly something every airline wants to avoid disrupting their schedules.
right about now
The updated regulation allows for the inclusion of lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, such as those found in power banks and mobile phone charging sleeves, within regulated items.
carry-on luggage
only.

The latest modification highlights a larger concern: Numerous travelers remain unclear about what items are permitted (or prohibited) when they travel.
carry-on
Suitcases and checked baggage. With the alterations at US security checkpoints and the fluctuating global rules—which include the
alternating between the 100ml restriction for liquids
In the UK and EU, staying updated on packing dos and don’ts is almost like having a separate pre-travel checklist. Before you start filling your suitcase with all your belongings,
travel essentials
, regardless of whether you’re taking an international or domestic flight, it’s crucial to verify what items are legally allowed as carry-on baggage or checked luggage. For your convenience, we’ve put together a reference list based on the regulations.
TSA’s Security Screening guidelines
.

The content of this article has been refreshed with additional data since it was first published.

Is it allowed to bring a portable charger with you on an airplane?

According to the new regulation, most portable chargers are banned from being included in checked baggage; however, they can still be packed in your carry-on luggage.
FAA does not permit
“Spare lithium metal and spare rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for personal electronic devices like cameras, cell phones, laptops, tablets, watches, and others” should be packed in your checked luggage.

According to the FAA, “Uninstalled lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, such as power banks and cellphone charging cases, should only be transported in carry-on luggage.” The administration also states, “If a carry-on bag needs to be checked at the boarding gate or handed over planeside, all uninstalled lithium batteries and power banks must be taken out of the bag and kept with the passenger inside the aircraft cabin.”

If you have concerns regarding lithium batteries that are already placed within an electronic item such as a laptop, cellphone, or camera, verify against the
FAA’s entry
For “portable electronic devices, which include batteries.”

What other items aren’t permitted in checked baggage?

You might be shocked by the common objects banned from checked luggage. In short: anything that can spark, detonate, catch fire, or spill likely isn’t suitable for your suitcase. If you’re unsure, consult the guidelines.
TSA’s “Can I Carry This?” resource
Before and during the packing process.

In regard to various restrictions, here are some commonly prohibited items according to the TSA’s official guidelines: Electronic cigarettes and vaporizer pens containing lithium batteries can only be carried onboard. Disposable lighters fueled by butane, as well as torch or Zippo-style lighters, may accompany you provided each individual brings just one. Aerosols such as bear repellent, spray paints, and bulkier cleaning supplies cannot go into checked baggage. Similarly, fireworks along with combustible materials, plus personal safety devices including pepper spray and stun guns, alongside certain martial arts equipment, are largely disallowed; those that do meet approval require special packaging and declaration upon request.

What are the regulations regarding liquids in carry-on luggage?

In the U.S., the TSA implements a
3-1-1 rule
This indicates that you’re limited to packing liquids into containers under 3.4 ounces, with these fitting inside a single transparent quart-sized bag. This aligns with the global standard of a maximum of 100 ml for each container (as 3.4 ounces corresponds to approximately 100 milliliters).

As baggage screening technology advances from traditional 2D X-ray scanners to more sophisticated CT scanners, there is optimism that the current 100ml restriction on liquids may eventually be eliminated. However, since airports globally have varying schedules for adopting these newer devices, this regulation is expected to persist for some time.
isn’t going away anytime soon
.

Therefore, precisely which items must follow the 3-1-1 rule for packing? Primarily, these include various liquid-based personal care essentials like shampoo, perfumes or colognes, contact lens solutions, and nail polishes; gel-like substances such as toothpaste, facial serums, and styling gels; aerosol sprays contained in pressurized bottles or cans, including hairsprays and spray deodorants; creamy products like lotions; and even pasty items like certain types of toothpastes. If you’re planning to pack any of these in your carry-on luggage, ensure initially that they are not flammable. Next, verify their sizes based on what’s indicated on the labels before securely placing them inside your toiletry bag.
TSA-approved toiletry kit
.

Keep in mind, TSA regulations focus on the size of the containers, rather than their contents. This means that if your facial cleanser still contains less than 3.4 ounces but comes in a bottle bigger than permitted, you’ll have issues. Similarly, these rules apply to e-liquids used in vaporizers and electronic cigarettes, along with sealed jars like those containing food products.
food
, such as salsa, peanut butter, and cream cheese—and to
alcohol
(mini bottles are allowed provided the alcohol percentage is below 70%)

Certainly, there are some exceptions. For instance,
infant formula and baby food
do not have to follow the 3-1-1 rule—but they do need to be reported for inspection and taken out from your carry-on baggage at the security check point. (Refer to our comprehensive guide for a listing of
Full-sized liquid items you can genuinely bring through airport security
.)

Several unexpected things aren’t permitted in your carry-on baggage. This includes large snow globes and Magic 8 Balls because these usually hold too much liquid beyond what’s acceptable. The TSA officers might appreciate the humor when they say regarding carry-ons: “We consulted the Magic 8 Ball, which responded with… Outlook not so favorable!”
The agency has humor sections featured on its website.
For checked baggage: We consulted the Magic 8 Ball, and it assured us… It is certain!

What additional things aren’t permitted in carry-on luggage?

Bringing a pair of scissors—possibly for removing brand labels from fresh clothes or giving yourself a trim during your trip—is often an unintentional oversight that could disrupt your journey. Small scissors with blades not exceeding four inches measured from the hinge may only be included in your hand luggage. Similarly, compact tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, nail clippers, and bottle openers should each measure less than seven inches overall length. Sharp items like box cutters have to be safely enclosed or packaged within your checked bags.

Sports items including ski or hiking poles, hockey sticks, baseball bats, and tent stakes are prohibited in carry-ons and should be placed in checked baggage. If you have sporting goods like bicycles, longboards, fishing rods, tennis racquets, or snowshoes, check with your airline since regulations may differ (some airlines might impose extra charges for these items).

Most travelers are unable to include the majority of their belongings when packing.
standard self-defense items
In carry-on luggage, though, you can pack pepper spray.
checked luggage
At their heaviest weighing up to 4 ounces—and featuring a safety feature to avoid unintentional firing. Other arms such as
Swiss Army knives
,
black jacks
, and
kubatons
A self-defense keychain tool can only be included in checked baggage, not in carry-on items.

When journeying for an occasion—such as a
destination wedding
—You might end up carrying a wrapped present. Although this idea seems pleasant and you could theoretically bring the package along as carry-on, the items inside must adhere to security regulations. Candles made of solid wax, being an excellent choice for packing gifts, are allowed in carry-ons; however, gel-based candles should go into your checked baggage instead. Keep in mind that security personnel frequently remove wrapping during inspections, so it’s probably best not to wrap your presents until they reach their destination.

What drugs can you bring in your carry-on luggage?

Medications
Medications in pill form or other solid shapes can stay in your carry-on luggage. The TSA doesn’t insist on having them in labeled prescription bottles, although this might make the security check smoother. However, liquid medicines are treated differently.

“TSA permits greater volumes of medically essential liquids, gels, and aerosols provided they are in sensible quantities for your trip; however, these items must be declared to TSA agents at the screening area for examination,” the administration clarifies on their website.
website
Take out all medically essential items from your carry-on luggage and put them in a bin or bowl. Should any medically needed liquids, gels, or sprays trigger extra security checks, this might happen. In cases where these alerts can’t be addressed, such items could potentially be prohibited.

Do not bring these items with you.

Certain restricted items are forbidden in both carry-on bags and checked luggage. You must either leave them behind at home or face potential consequences.
penalty charges
Trying to transport items that can catch fire easily or
certain weapons
may lead to penalties totaling several thousand dollars.

As mentioned, this might be obvious, yet it’s crucial to highlight: avoid keeping combustible substances such as aerosol containers larger than 3.4 ounces containing fuel, gasoline, butane, lighters fluids, etc.,
certain paints
Gas torches, among others, are not permitted on any commercial flights. The rules prohibiting these items also strictly cover explosives, chemicals like spray paint, fertilizers, and bleach, wildlife safety products such as bear spray, and alcoholic beverages stronger than 140 proof, including grain alcohol and 151-proof rum.