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The TSA banned a modern-day trip essential from checked luggage in a recent travel advisory—the latest of several new changes rolling out at airports across the US. Portable chargers and power banks that use lithium batteries (which is most of them) are now officially a no-go in travelers’ checked luggages, according to updated guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Why? The lithium-ion batteries inside most portable chargers have proven to pose a fire risk in the cargo hold—and mid-air combustion is quite frankly the last thing any airline’s schedule needs right about now. The new rule makes it so that lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, are now permitted in carry-on luggage only.
The recent change calls to a bigger issue: Many travelers still don’t know what’s allowed (or banned) in their carry-on suitcases and checked luggage. Between security changes in the US and shifting international regulations—like the back-and-forth on the 100ml liquid limit in the UK and EU—keeping up with packing do’s and don’ts is practically its own pre-travel checklist. Ahead of packing your luggage with all your travel essentials, whether for an international or domestic flight, it’s important to check what’s legally permitted to carry on or below a plane. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a reference list based on the TSA’s Security Screening guidelines.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
Can you take a portable charger on an airplane?
Under the new rule, most portable chargers are not permitted in checked luggage, but you can still pack them in your carry-on. The FAA does not permit “spare lithium metal and spare rechargeable lithium ion batteries for personal electronics such as cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, watches, and more” in your checked luggage.
“Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only,” the FAA says. “When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.”
If you’re worried about lithium batteries that are installed in a device (like a laptop, cell phone, or camera), check against the FAA’s entry for “portable electronic devices, containing batteries.”
What else is not allowed in checked luggage?
You’d be surprised by the everyday items that are forbidden from checked bags. Bottom line: if it can spark, explode, ignite, or leak, it probably doesn’t belong in your suitcase. When in doubt, check the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool before and as you pack.
Regarding other limitations, these are a few of the most common items that are banned on the TSA’s official list: E-cigarettes and vape pens are other lithium battery culprits, suited for your carry-on only. Lighters with fuel, of butane, torch, or Zippo-style, are permitted for packing, though one per person is allowed. Aerosol sprays like bear spray, spray paint, or large cleaning products are not allowed in checked luggage. Nor are fireworks and flammable items, self-defense items like pepper spray, stun guns, and martial arts gear (most are banned entirely, and if they are permitted, they must be carefully packed and declared).
What are the liquid requirements for carry-on bags?
In the US, the TSA enforces a 3-1-1 rule, which means you can only pack liquids into containers smaller than 3.4 ounces that fit all together in one clear quart-sized bag. This is consistent with the international 100ml liquid limit (3.4 ounces is equal to 100 milliliters).
As bag screening technology evolves from 2D X-ray scanners to more advanced CT scanners, the hope is that the 100ml liquid limit will eventually be scrapped—but with airports around the world facing very different timelines for installing the new machines, the rule likely won’t go away anytime soon.
So, exactly which products have to be packed according to the 3-1-1 rule? Most of our personal care items are liquids (shampoo, perfume or cologne, contact lens solution, nail polish), gels (toothpaste, face serums, hair gels), aerosols (in a pressurized spray bottle or can, such as hairspray or spray-on deodorant), creams (lotions), and pastes (toothpaste). When packing any of the above into your carry on, first make sure they are non flammable. Then, check their size as marked on the container label and zip them into your TSA-approved toiletry kit.
Remember, TSA liquid restrictions fall specifically on the container itself, not its contents—so even if your face wash has less than 3.4 oz of liquid left inside, it doesn’t matter if the container is larger than allowed. These requirements also pertain to e-liquids for vaping devices and electronic cigarettes, as well as canned jars of food, like salsa, peanut butter, and cream cheese—and to alcohol (mini bottles are permitted as long as the alcohol content is less than 70%).
Of course, there are a few exceptions. For example, baby formula and baby food are not required to meet the 3-1-1 rule—but they must be declared for screening and removed from your carry-on luggage at the security checkpoint. (See our complete guide for a list of full-size liquids you can actually take through airport security.)
Some surprising items that are not allowed in carry-on luggage? Large snow globes and Magic 8 Balls, as they typically contain more liquid than permitted. And yes, even the no-nonsense TSA can admit this is funny: “For Carry-on bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us…Outlook not so good!” the agency jokes on its website. “For Checked bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us…It is certain!”
What other items are not allowed in carry-on bags?
Packing a pair of scissors, perhaps to cut off new clothing tags or give yourself a mid-trip haircut, is an innocent mistake that can easily derail your travel plans. Only small scissors with blades at a maximum of four inches from its pivot point are permitted in carry-on luggage. Other smaller tools including screwdrivers, pliers, nail clippers, and bottle openers must all be under seven inches long. Any sharper tools (like box cutters) must be securely sheathed or wrapped in checked baggage.
Athletic equipment such as ski or hiking poles, hockey sticks, baseball bats, and tent spikes are not allowed in carry-on bags and must be transported in checked luggage. Check with your airline if you’re traveling with sports gear like bicycles, longboards, fishing poles, tennis rackets, or snowshoes, as the policies can vary (and some carriers charge additional fees).
Travelers cannot pack the majority of standard self-defense items in carry-on bags. However, pepper spray can be packed in checked luggage at a maximum weight of 4 ounces—and with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Other weapons like Swiss Army knives, black jacks, and kubatons (a self-defense keychain tool) can only be packed in checked luggage, not carry-on bags.
When traveling for an event—say a destination wedding—you may find yourself traveling with a wrapped present. And though the thought is nice—and wrapped gifts can, in fact, be carried on board—the interior contents still must meet security standards. Solid wax candles, which make for a nice packable gift, are permitted in carry-on bags, but gel-like candles can only be transported in checked luggage. Note: security screeners often unwrap gifts for inspection, so it might be a safe bet to leave all gifts unwrapped until your arrival.
What medications can be packed in a carry-on bag?
Medications in pills or other solid forms can remain in your carry-on. The TSA does not require that they be packed in a labeled prescription bottle, but it can help facilitate the security screening process. Liquid medications are another story.
“TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your flight, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection,” the agency explains on its website. “Remove medically necessary items from your carry-on bag, and place them in a bin or bowl. If a medically necessary liquid, gel, or aerosol alarms additional screening will be required. If the alarm cannot be resolved, the item may not be allowed.”
Leave these items at home
Some prohibited items are not allowed in neither carry-on nor checked luggage. You will need to leave these at home, or risk facing penalty charges. Attempting to carry on flammable materials or certain weapons can result in fines of up to several thousand dollars.
This may or may not go without saying, but all flammable materials (aerosol cans over 3.4 ounces that hold fuels, gasoline, butane, lighter fluid, certain paints, gas torches, etc.) cannot be flown with on any commercial flight. These restrictions strictly apply explosive materials, chemicals (spray paint, fertilizers, bleach, etc.), wildlife safety items (like bear spray) and alcoholic beverages over 140 proof (such as grain alcohol and 151-proof rum).
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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