What Items Are Banned In Carry-On Bags? TSA and Airline Rules 2025

Travel in 2025 will seem easier at first glance: online reservations, mobile tickets, smart luggage, and it will be possible to check in online, board the plane using mobile tickets, but the airport police have become more thorough and strict. Thousands of passengers lose their items every year at the checkpoints because they pack something incorrectly in their carry-on.

The list of TSA-prohibited articles in 2025 26 is constantly expanding, and most passengers are shocked that what they carried several years ago can no longer be carried with them. Common items such as spray bottles, electric lighters, oversized power banks, and self-defense devices are regularly found in the trash at the airport security checkpoints.

International security regulations are never the same. Although the TSA is in charge of the screening in the United States airports, airlines also have restrictions. Even foreign airlines that land in the U.S. are bound by TSA regulations on top of their respective airline regulations regarding security.

This article can be used as a comprehensive airport security manual for both novices and frequent fliers.This guide is based on TSA security regulations and airline dangerous goods policies updated for 2025. You’ll discover:

• What not to carry on Anything prohibited on carry-on bags.

• What should be included in the checked luggage?

• What goes beyond TSA at the airlines?

• How to pack safely

• Ways to prevent penalties, seizure, and boarding refusal.

Security can be achieved within minutes in case you pack smart. Mispack, and you may lose the baggage or the plane.

Understanding TSA Rules 2025-26

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) establishes the minimum security regulations applicable to all passengers traveling in the U.S. airports. All airlines that fly in and out of the U.S. should also adhere to the TSA.

The TSA has five criteria of safety that determine whether an item is harmful or not:

• Is it something that can be used as a weapon?

• Could it ignite?

• Could it explode?

• Could it cause injury?

• Would it have any impact on aircraft safety systems?

In case the response to this question is yes, it is either restricted or prohibited altogether.

What Happens If You Violate TSA Rules?

TSA may:

• Confiscate the item

• Discard the product

• Delay your screening

• Turn you into security officers.

• Fines may apply

• Cause missed flights

Travelers must never consider the previous journeys cas onstituting permissible things. Rules change yearly.

Also Read: How Carry-On and Check-In Luggage Rules Work in 2025-2026?

Major Categories of TSA Banned Items 2025-26

The four largest categories that present confusion at the airport security every day are provided below.

1. Liquids over the allowed limit.

Liquids are one of the most prevalent security errors.

TSA follows the 3-1-1 Rule:

• All liquids should be in 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less containers.

• All liquids should be placed in a single clear quart-sized bag.

• Every passenger can bring a single liquid bag.

Banned examples

• Full-size shampoo

• Spray deodorant

• Facial mist

• Mouthwash bottles

• Sunscreen

• Snow globes

• Liquid makeup

• Peanut butter

• Yogurt

• Alcohol in more than the allowed amount.

Allowed

• Prescription medicines

• Baby formula

• Contact solution (declared)

• Travel-size toiletries

Any water that is bigger than what the law requires will be taken out, even costly cosmetics.

2. Sharp Objects

A sharp object is regarded as dangerous. Such products should not be placed in a carry-on bag.

Banned

• Pocket knives

• Scissors over 4 inches

• Razors

• Ice picks

• Tweezers

• Needles (Sewing needles- non-medically necessary)

• Box cutters

• Utility blades

No, May go in checked baggage.

3. Electronics and Batteries

Technology is accelerated – and so are the safety regulations. Some of the most misconceived restrictions are batteries and electronics.

Allowed

• Phones

• Laptops

• Tablets

• Cameras

• GPS devices

• Power banks under 100Wh

• Banned or Restricted

• Batteries in checked baggage: Lithium.

• Power banks over 100Wh

• Damaged batteries

• e-cigarettes in checked bags

• Hoverboards

• Electric skateboards

• Rechargeable scooters

Proper packing cannot be ignored. Keep your lithium batteries in your carry-on where the fire hazard can be easily controlled.

4. Flammable and Explosive Material.

There is no exception to the following:

• Gas lighters

• Fireworks

• Oxygen tanks

• Fuel

• Paint thinner

• Camping fuel

• Gunpowder

• Explosive chemicals

• Gas cylinders

In case TSA notices such items in your luggage, the airport police are instantly informed.

5. Weapons and Self-defense tools.

Carry-on luggage is prohibited from carrying weapons of any type.

Completely Banned

• Firearms

• Ammunition

• Pepper spray

• Taser guns

• Nunchucks

• Batons

• Brass knuckles

• Tasers

Other firearms can be checked legally when they are declared beforehand.

Airlines’ Prohibited Items vs TSA Rules

TSA rules are the baseline. Airlines often go further.

Airlines frequently ban:

• Smart luggage that has non-removable batteries.

• Large oxygen canisters

• Magnetized items

• Heavy equipment

• Certain battery types

• Oversized electronics

• Hazardous materials

Still, your airline might not take something that TSA does not permit to carry.

Carry-On Banned Items Table (2025)

Category	Where Allowed Instead
Liquids over 100ml	Checked
Sharp tools	Checked
Weapons	Must declare
Fireworks	Not allowed
Power banks over 100Wh	Not allowed
Fuel	Not allowed
Pepper spray	Checked (varies)
Hoverboards	Not allowed

Airline Specific Restrictions

Even though TSA policies are relevant in all parts of the country, airlines introduce extra safety inspections.

Southwest Airlines

Bans smart luggage that has a non-removable battery and restricts the size of the battery.

Delta Air Lines

Imposes more stringent requirements concerning medical oxygen equipment, lithium battery equipment, and personal mobility equipment.

American Airlines

Restrict baggage contents that contain heat sources, chemicals, and battery-operated devices.

United Airlines

Prohibits the use of hoverboards or other kinds of electronic mobility aids, even where TSA grants them.

Spirit Airlines

Bans battery-operated products and places size limits on electronics.

JetBlue

Imposes new restrictions on medical equipment and massive electrical equipment.

In the section on safety and dangerous goods, every airline releases a limited list of items.

Beginners’s Travel Safety Checklist

Before leaving home:

• Follow liquids rule
• Measure battery capacity
• Remove sharp items
• Check airline policies
• Fully powered by electronics
• Carry documents
• Label medical items
• Use TSA-approved locks
• Recheck carry-on dimensions

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

Numerous passengers lose precious things through mere negligence:

• Forgot to take a full-size deodorant.

• Carrying pocket knives

• The introduction of power banks is in control.

• Packing cooking sprays

• Carrying tools

• Mishandling of the vaping devices during packing.

• Movement of flammable lotions.

To be free of these is to have a hassle-free airport experience.

What To Do If You’re Unsure About an Item

If you’re uncertain:

• Check the TSA website

• Survey airline limits.

• Contact customer service

• Ask at security early

• Put the item in the baggage items that are checked.

• Ship the item by mail

• Arrive earlier than usual

• Never pack on guesswork.

Information verified against TSA and airline security rules for 2025.

Final Thoughts

Security legislation is more restrictive in the year 2025, but more straightforward.

Remember:

• TSA sets the base rules
• Airlines add layers
• Batteries belong in carry-on
• Liquids must be small
• Sharps go in checked
• Weapons must be declared

Ready travelers have less time wastage, no seizure, and less stress.

Need Help With TSA or Airline Carry-On Rules?

If you’re unsure whether an item is allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage, get expert guidance before you travel to avoid confiscation or delays.

Call us toll-free at +1-855-510-5187 for quick assistance with TSA and airline baggage rules.

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