TSA Carry-On Rules 2025: What You Can’t Bring on a Plane

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

4 minutes read

Last Updated:  November 13, 2025

Reviewed by:  Amy Lancelotte

Flying can be stressful enough without the added worry of getting stopped at security. By 2025, the TSA has been keeping our skies safe for 24 years, and yet, so many passengers are still caught off guard at the checkpoint.

Just last year, TSA officers discovered over 5,000 firearms at airport checkpoints in the first nine months alone, according to Business Insider. And believe it or not, the most common items flagged are still liquids and gels.

If you’ve ever had to watch a TSA officer toss away your shampoo, your water bottle, or worse, your favourite souvenir, you know the frustration. The good news is, with a little preparation, you can avoid all that stress.

Here’s your complete guide to what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on bag in 2025, plus practical tips to get through TSA smoothly.

TSA Carry-On Rules for 2025

The basics haven’t changed much, but it’s always worth a refresher:

• Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less
• All containers must fit in one clear, resealable quart-sized bag. (The famous 3-1-1 rule)
• Sharp or dangerous items are never allowed in carry-ons

Quick tip: If it can cause harm, it shouldn’t be in your cabin bag. If it isn’t solid (think gels, liquids, creams, spreads), you might want to pack it in your checked luggage instead.

Restricted Items and How to Check Them

TSA rules can be confusing because some items are restricted in carry-ons but allowed in checked bags, while others are completely banned on planes.

To save yourself the headache:

• Use the MyTSA app and check the “What Can I Bring?” feature
• Send a photo of your item to @AskTSA on X (Twitter) or Facebook Messenger
• Text TRAVEL to 275-872 to ask TSA directly

Items You Cannot Bring in Your Carry-On

If you try to bring these items through TSA in your carry-on, they’ll be flagged. Most of them are fine in checked luggage, though:

Weapons & Self-Defence:

• Ammunition
• BB guns and pellet guns
• Brass knuckles and blackjacks
• Stun guns or shocking devices

Sports Equipment:

• Baseball or cricket bats
• Lacrosse sticks and hockey sticks
• Golf clubs
• Bowling pins and canoe paddles

Tools & Hardware:

• Axes, hatchets, and crowbars
• Drills and drill bits
• Nail guns and saws
• Tent spikes

Household & Miscellaneous Items:

• Cast iron cookware (too heavy and dangerous)
• Gel candles or gel heating pads
• Tactical pens
• Hiking poles or walking sticks (unless medically necessary)

Items Prohibited in Both Carry-On and Checked Bags

Some things are completely banned on planes, no matter how you pack them:

Explosives & Fireworks:

• Dynamite and blasting caps
• Firecrackers and sparklers
• Flare guns and flares

Hazardous Liquids or Gases:

• Propane, fuel, or butane
• Cooking spray or spray paint
• Tear gas or bear spray

Chemicals & Miscellaneous:

• Chlorine for pools
• Fertiliser
• Vehicle airbags
• Alcohol over 140 proof
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (still banned due to battery risk)

Important: Compressed gas cylinders must be completely empty to travel.

What Happens if TSA Flags Your Bag?

It’s never fun to watch your bag get pulled aside. You might feel that sudden pit in your stomach, especially if you’re worried about missing your flight. But here’s what could happen and what you can do:

1. TSA Confiscates the Item: If it’s prohibited, they keep it. There’s no getting it back.
2. You Take It Back to Your Car: If you’re parked nearby, TSA may let you step out to store it safely.
3. Use Airport Storage: Larger airports sometimes offer lockers or baggage storage.
4. Mail It to Yourself: If the item is valuable or sentimental, some airports have shipping services.
5. Check the Item Into Luggage: With enough time, you can leave security, check your bag with the airline, and go through screening again.

Pro tip: Give yourself extra time before your flight. The more rushed you are, the fewer options you have if TSA stops you.

8 Tips to Breeze Through TSA Security

Avoiding TSA drama is all about preparation. Here are some practical tips:

1. Download the MyTSA app for instant checks on what’s allowed
2. Empty your daily handbag or backpack before packing. It’s easy to forget about a pocket knife or pepper spray that you keep with you.
3. Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule without exceptions
4. Carry a doctor’s note if you’re travelling with prescription medications
5. Don’t overpack your carry-on. Cluttered bags are more likely to be searched
6. Check your electronics and battery rules
7. Pack food carefully and follow liquids rules for items like soups, sauces, and yogurts
8. Declare baby food or breast milk if travelling with children

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People Also Read:

• Here is What You CAN bring on a Plane
• Should You Check your Bags or Use Carry-On Luggage Instead?
• Foods You Can Bring Through Airport Security

Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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