Air Travel: Carry-On Essentials And Rules

Travelling by plane can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing. The rules around what you can and cannot take on a plane in your carry-on luggage can be confusing, but they are important for ensuring the safety of everyone on board. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US determines what you can carry on board, and their rules apply to all carry-on bags, including suitcases, backpacks, purses, and laptop bags.

The most well-known TSA rule is the 3-1-1 rule, which outlines the travel limitations for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. This rule states that all travel-sized containers must hold no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid, and all containers must be placed within one sealed quart-sized bag. Only one quart-sized bag is allowed per passenger, regardless of how many carry-on bags they have.

In addition to the 3-1-1 rule, there are restrictions on certain items such as sporting equipment, sharp objects, and electronic devices. It's important to review the TSA guidelines before packing for your trip to ensure a smooth experience at the airport.

Liquids, gels and aerosols

Liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in carry-on luggage, but there are strict rules regarding their size and packaging. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US enforces the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage:

• All travel-sized containers must hold no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid.
• All containers holding liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be placed within one sealed quart-sized bag (946 milliliters).
• Only one quart-sized bag is allowed per passenger, even if you have multiple carry-on bags.

This rule applies to nearly all liquids, gels, and aerosols, including food, drinks, and toiletries. Examples of these are beverages, contact lens solution, shampoo, makeup products, liquid medicine, nail polish, perfume/cologne, face toner, hair gel, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, face serum, hairspray, dry shampoo, spray-on deodorant, and even food items like peanut butter and creamy cheese.

Medically necessary liquids, such as insulin, baby formula, breast milk, and baby food, are exempt from these restrictions but must be declared to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. It is recommended to transport these liquids in clear, translucent bottles instead of plastic bags or pouches to facilitate screening.

Additionally, containers holding more than 3.4 ounces of liquid that are purchased at duty-free stores after a security checkpoint are permitted on international flights into the US, but they must be unopened and sealed in tamper-proof bags.

Electronics

When it comes to electronics, there are a number of items that are allowed in your carry-on luggage when travelling by plane. These include:

• Hair straighteners/curlers
• E-cigarettes (these are not allowed in the hold)
• Cameras (although there may be restrictions on specialist equipment)
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Mobile phones
• Portable power banks
• Smartphones
• Data loggers
• PDAs
• Electronic games
• Watches
• Calculators
• MP3 players
• Drones
• Electronic toys

It's important to note that some airlines or countries may have different restrictions, so it's always a good idea to check with your airline before you travel. Additionally, make sure your devices are easily accessible, as you may need to remove them from your bag during security checks. Keep them in a separate tray, and be prepared to power them up if requested by security staff. Devices with flat batteries may not be allowed on board, as they could pose a security risk.

Lithium batteries are a particular concern for airlines. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries (such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones) should be carried in your hand luggage. These batteries are prohibited in checked baggage. If you are carrying spare lithium batteries, they must be placed in your carry-on luggage and protected from damage and short circuits.

Medication

If you are carrying liquid, gel, or aerosol medications that exceed 3.4 ounces (100 ml), you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. It is recommended, but not required, that your medications be labelled to facilitate the security process. Medications that are not medically necessary, such as contact lens solution, should be placed in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids.

Additionally, if you are travelling with a child, baby formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) are allowed and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. These items are considered medically necessary liquids. You must inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items, and they may need to be tested for explosives or prohibited items. Accessories such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are also allowed without restriction.

Food and drink

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows almost all solid food items to pass through security checkpoints, and liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. This means that travellers are allowed to bring on most liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less, and they must be in a 1-quart-sized bag.

Foods that are considered solids and are therefore allowed in carry-on luggage include:

• Bread
• Candy
• Cereal
• Chocolate
• Coffee grounds
• Cookies
• Crackers
• Dried fruits
• Fresh eggs
• Meat
• Seafood
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Pizza
• Salt
• Sandwiches
• Dry snacks

Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in checked bags. This includes foods such as:

• Jams
• Jellies
• Sauces
• Dips
• Oils
• Vinegars
• Honey
• Salsa
• Yogurt
• Gravy

Baby food, formula, breast milk, and toddler drinks are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. These items are considered medically necessary liquids.

Duty-free items

If you are travelling on an international flight to the United States with a connecting flight, you may carry duty-free liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres in your carry-on bag, provided certain conditions are met. Firstly, the duty-free liquids must be purchased internationally. Secondly, they must be packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer, without any signs of tampering. Additionally, you must present the original receipt showing that the purchase was made within 48 hours. It's important to note that any item inside the secure bag that alarms during screening or cannot be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on.

For duty-free items that do not meet these criteria, it is recommended to pack them in checked baggage. This includes duty-free liquids that are not in a secure, tamper-evident bag, as well as any liquids, gels, or aerosols that exceed the 3.4-ounce limit.

It's also important to be mindful of the types of duty-free items you are carrying. Some items, such as alcoholic beverages, may have specific restrictions. Always check with the relevant authorities and your airline for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions