What You Can and Can’t Take on a Plane: Carry-On Rules That Cause Most Airport Delays

Before you pack your carry-on luggage, understand carry-on and personal item rules, TSA liquid limits and common prohibited items to avoid airport delays.

Carry-on luggage size requirements vary by airline. While many carriers have similar limits, there is no single industry-wide standard for the dimension of carry-on luggage.

When you take a carry-on to the airport, airlines typically measure:

• Height
• Width
• Depth
• Weight, in some cases

Always check your airline's baggage requirements before you head to the airport, especially if you're flying internationally or with a lower-cost airline.

Yes, a backpack can be a carry-on, but it may also count as a personal item depending on its size and your airline's baggage policy.

Larger travel backpacks typically qualify as carry-on luggage and are stored in the overhead bin. Smaller backpacks often count as personal items and can be placed underneath the seat in front of you. Whether your backpack is considered a carry-on or a personal item depends on its dimensions and your airline's specific size limits.

Before you fly, check your airline's baggage policy to make sure your backpack fits within the allowed measurements and is classified correctly.

Yes, a duffel bag can be a carry-on as long as it falls within the airline's size limits.

Soft-sided duffel bags are popular because they can often fit into overhead compartments more easily than rigid luggage. A smaller duffel may even qualify as a personal item depending on the airline.

A standard carry-on bag can often include:

• Clothing and shoes
• Laptop computers and tablets
• Mobile phones and chargers
• Headphones
• Snacks and many solid foods
• Prescription medications
• Books and magazines
• Travel documents
• Batteries and power banks that meet airline requirements
• Small personal care items that comply with TSA liquid rules

You can typically take batteries on a plane. In fact, airlines often prefer rechargeable lithium batteries and power banks to travel in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage. It’s a good idea to review your airline's requirements before flying.

A personal item is a smaller bag that fits underneath the seat in front of you.

You can typically use one of the following as your personal item:

• Purse
• Handbag
• Small backpack
• Laptop bag
• Briefcase
• Camera bag
• Diaper bag

Many travelers ask, "What is a personal item on a plane?" because they confuse it with a carry-on bag. Your carry-on bag typically goes in the overhead bin, while your personal item stays under the seat.

Airlines often allow each traveler to take one personal item on a plane, but rules differ by airline. It’s helpful to verify carry-on and personal item policies before you pack for your flight.

You can typically take liquids, gels, creams, aerosols and pastes on a plane if they follow TSA liquid rules.

This TSA liquid limit applies to items in a carry-on bag such as:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Makeup
• Hair products

According to TSA liquid limit rules, you can take liquids on a plane in your carry-on bag if they’re stored in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.

Yes, you can take toothpaste on a plane, but the TSA counts it as a liquid or gel.

If you're wondering, "What size toothpaste can you take on a plane," stick to a travel-size tube of 3.4 ounces or less.

You can typically fly with spray deodorant, perfume and cologne if the containers meet carry-on liquid size requirements.

Common mistakes travelers make when packing these products include:

• Bringing full-size bottles
• Forgetting that aerosol sprays are subject to TSA liquid limits
• Packing oversized fragrances in a carry-on rather than checked baggage

If they’re packed correctly, you can fly with perfume, cologne and spray deodorant.

You can fly with spray sunscreen in your carry-on bag as long as it follows TSA liquid rules. Spray sunscreen counts as an aerosol, which is subject to the 3.4-ounce TSA liquid limit for carry-on luggage.

Because many sunscreen cans exceed the TSA liquid limit, travelers often encounter delays when these items are discovered during screening. Travel-size sunscreen products may be an easier option if you want to bring sunscreen in your carry-on.

Examples of items that may not be allowed in a carry-on include:

• Large knives
• Box cutters
• Certain tools
• Fireworks
• Flammable fuels
• Self-defense sprays
• Certain sporting equipment
• Large quantities of prohibited chemicals

If you're unsure what is not allowed on a plane carry-on, check with the TSA and your airline before departure.

A disposable lighter is generally allowed in a carry-on. However, some torch lighters and specialty lighters may not be permitted.

Cigarettes are typically allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage, though smoking and vaping regulations vary by airport and destination.

Yes, you can carry a vape on a plane in your carry-on bag or personal item, although you cannot use it inside the cabin.

Most airlines and airport security authorities require vapes, e-cigarettes and vape pens to remain in the cabin because they contain lithium batteries, which can pose a fire risk if packed in checked baggage.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Pack your vape in your carry-on or personal item.
• Store spare batteries safely to prevent accidental activation.
• Remove vape liquids and e-liquids that exceed the TSA liquid limit from your carry-on.
• Follow the same TSA liquid rules for vape juice as other liquids, gels and aerosols.
• Do not use or charge a vape on the aircraft.

If you're traveling internationally, be aware that laws regarding vaping products can vary significantly by destination. Before you travel, check both your airline's policies and the regulations at your destination.

No, you can’t take bear spray on a plane. Bear spray is considered a hazardous self-defense product and is typically prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Yes, you can fly with nail clippers in your carry-on or personal item.

You may also be able to take small nail scissors on a plane if the blades are under 4 inches long. The rules for nail scissors vary in other countries, so check your destination’s regulations before packing them in your carry-on.

Yes, you can fly with dry ice in certain situations, but it is subject to strict airline and safety requirements.

Dry ice is commonly used to keep food, medical supplies or temperature-sensitive items cold during travel. Because it releases carbon dioxide gas as it melts, airlines limit how much dry ice passengers can bring and how it must be packaged.

Before flying with dry ice:

• Check your airline's specific dry ice policy, as rules can vary.
• Make sure the package is properly vented so gas can escape.
• Label the package if required by the airline.
• Use only the amount permitted by the airline and applicable regulations.
• Be prepared to explain the contents if requested during screening.

While dry ice may be allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage under certain conditions, travelers should always verify the most current airline rules before arriving at the airport.

Try these practical strategies:

• Check liquid sizes before leaving home.
• Empty water bottles before security.
• Review prohibited-item lists before packing.
• Remove forgotten tools from backpacks.
• Separate electronics when required.
• Double-check toiletry bags before every trip.

Many travelers use the same backpack repeatedly and forget about items left inside from previous activities. A quick pre-trip inspection can prevent unexpected delays.

For your carry-on bag, consider packing:

• Passport and travel documents
• Medications
• Valuables
• Electronics
• Phone chargers
• One change of clothes
• Essential toiletries
• Travel insurance information

For checked luggage, consider including:

• Full-size toiletries
• Extra clothing
• Nonessential items
• Larger liquid products

Think about packing items in your carry-on that you’d want with you in case your checked luggage is delayed or misplaced.