There are two types of travelers in this world: the ones that pack their bags days before their flight takes off and the ones who wait until an hour before they walk out the door. Whichever way you choose to travel, it’s crucial to know what not to pack in your carry-on bag for a flight.
From liquids to foods to batteries and more, here are some of the most important carry-on luggage rules for your next trip, be it business or pleasure.
What Can You Not Take On A Plane?
It should come as no surprise, but weapons are the biggest item when it comes to what not to pack in your carry-on bag for a flight. Regardless of permits or occupation, every kind of gun and ammunition are TSA prohibited items, as are hatchets and axes, billy clubs, bear spray, self-defense weapons like black jacks, bows and arrows and even corkscrews. So basically, if it’s sharp and potentially dangerous to you or fellow passengers, it’s best to leave it at home. But some of these items fall in the what to pack in the carry-on vs. checked luggage category. Here is a complete TSA list for what should go in your carry-on vs. checked bag.
TSA Liquid Rules
The most well-known of the TSA carry-on rules is their kibosh on liquids and gels over 3.4 oz. Yes, just 3.4 oz is the maximum liquid for carry-on in an airplane. TSA liquid rules also recommend you keep all your liquids and gels items, including hand sanitizer and face wash, in one see-through plastic bag. So, when you’re going through security, you can quickly and easily place it in a separate tray to pass through the security scanning machines. This also goes for those sneaky water bottles you always forget about. Be sure to chug it and then recycle it before you pass through those metal detectors.
TSA Food Rules
Whether you’ve picked up some incredible chocolates in Geneva or a pineapple in Maui, TSA carry-on rules don’t discriminate when it comes to delicious food. The good news is TSA food rules allow any solid food item in your carry-on bag. However, TSA regulations for carry-on bags recommend you keep them in a separate, organized area of your bag for screening ease.
However, if you plan on bringing canned food with you, it may count as what not to pack in a carry-on bag for a flight. Due to its appearance on the X-Ray machine, canned goods may be subject to additional screening and even be confiscated. The 3.4 oz liquid rule applies to any liquid in canned items or food.
What Can You Pack In Your Carry-On Bag?
Well, whatever you need for your trip, whether it be a conference in Los Angeles or a girl’s weekend in New Orleans. Everyday essentials like clothing and medications should go in your carry-on bag. Although uncommon, checked bags do have a tendency to get lost, so it’s crucial to keep important travel items and documents in your carry-on bag. Think desert island priorities, OK, maybe not quite as dramatic.
What To Pack In Carry-On vs. Checked
It’s always a good idea to pack the large items like shoes and bulky clothes in your checked bag; any liquids or gels over 3.4 oz will obviously join them.
When deciding what to pack in your carry-on vs. checked bag, things like e-cigarettes, vaping devices, lithium batteries with more than 100-watt hours, power banks and chargers are not allowed in checked luggage, so try to make room in your carry-on. Items like your laptop or digital camera should go in your carry-on bag, as well as any delicate or fragile items. Checked luggage isn’t always handled with care, so be mindful of breakables.
While packing, especially for a long-haul flight, keep in mind things you’d like to access while in the air, from books to headphones to snacks. Bon voyage!