TSA Carry-On Rules 2026: Liquids, Power Banks, Food and Medicine

Getting stopped at security for a forgotten bottle of sunscreen or a power bank in your checked bag wastes time and money. This guide covers the TSA’s current carry-on rules for liquids, batteries and power banks, food, medicine and common gray-area items, plus what changed in 2025–2026.

What changed recently

• Shoes: since July 2025, travelers no longer need to remove shoes in standard TSA lanes.
• REAL ID: enforced since May 2025; a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee applies since February 2026 if you lack accepted ID (see REAL ID requirements).
• Liquids: the 3-1-1 rule still applies. TSA has discussed easing it at airports with new CT scanners, but no nationwide change has been made.
• Power banks: several airlines now restrict using or charging power banks during flights, in addition to TSA and FAA rules.

The 3-1-1 liquids rule

What counts as a liquid

Anything you can pour, spread, spray or pump: shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, sunscreen, perfume, hand sanitizer, mascara, hair gel, peanut butter, yogurt, jam, dips and sauces. A 6-ounce tube with only a little left is still not allowed — the container size is what matters.

Exceptions to 3-1-1

• Medications (liquid prescription and over-the-counter) in reasonable quantities.
• Baby formula, breast milk and juice for infants and toddlers.
• Medically necessary liquids and gels, plus ice packs and gel packs used to cool them.
• Duty-free liquids in a secure, tamper-evident bag with receipt (for international connections).

Declare exempt items to the officer at the start of screening; they may be tested separately.

Batteries and power banks

How to calculate watt-hours (Wh)

Wh = mAh × volts ÷ 1,000. A typical 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V is about 74 Wh, below the 100 Wh limit. Most power banks print the Wh rating on the case.

In-flight power bank rules

Some airlines require power banks to remain visible while in use, and others ban using them to charge devices on board. Check your airline’s policy before you fly, and never put a power bank in the overhead bin if the airline asks you to keep it accessible.

Food: what you can bring

International trips have extra rules: fresh fruit, meat and dairy are often restricted when entering other countries and when returning to the U.S. Declare food at customs.

Other common items

• Razors: disposable and cartridge razors are fine; loose razor blades are not.
• Scissors: allowed if blades are shorter than 4 inches from the pivot.
• Knives: not allowed in carry-on (plastic or round-bladed butter knives excepted).
• Lighters: one disposable or Zippo lighter is allowed on your person; torch lighters are banned.
• Aerosols: toiletry aerosols follow 3-1-1 in carry-on; spray paint and similar are banned.
• Hair tools: curling irons and straighteners are allowed; cordless butane ones have extra rules.
• Firearms: never in carry-on; only declared, unloaded and locked in checked baggage.

Not sure? Use the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool or ask @AskTSA on social media.

Security checklist

1. Pack your quart-size liquids bag at the top of your carry-on.
2. Keep power banks and spare batteries in your carry-on, never checked.
3. Empty your water bottle before the checkpoint.
4. Remove laptops if you are not in PreCheck (PreCheck lets you leave them in — see PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR).
5. Have your ID and boarding pass ready.

Bottom line: follow 3-1-1 for liquids, keep every battery and power bank in your carry-on, and check food rules for international trips. For everything else to pack, see our travel packing checklist.

Rules can change and the final decision rests with the TSA officer. Check tsa.gov and your airline before you fly.