🛑 What’s Actually Allowed? The Official TSA Carry-On Rules You Must Know

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Navigating the Security Checkpoint

The security checkpoint is often the most stressful part of air travel. Nothing ruins your morning faster than being flagged down because you accidentally packed a full-size bottle of shampoo. Understanding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules before you leave home is the ultimate key to smooth, stress-free travel.

While the rules can seem complex, they are designed primarily for safety. We’ve broken down the official TSA guidelines for your carry-on bag, focusing on the most common items that cause confusion: liquids, food, and essentials. Master these rules, and you'll sail through security like a seasoned pro.

1. The Infamous 3-1-1 Rule for Liquids

This is the most strictly enforced rule and the biggest cause of hold-ups at the checkpoint.

• The "3": Liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.

• The "1": All liquid containers must fit inside one clear, quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag.

• The Second "1": Only one such bag is allowed per passenger.

• What Counts as a Liquid? This includes gels, aerosols, creams, pastes, and food items like peanut butter, hummus, and soft cheeses. If you can spill, spray, spread, or pour it, it follows the 3-1-1 rule.

2. Exceptions to the 3-1-1 Rule

There are critical exceptions, but they must be declared to an agent:

• Medically Necessary Liquids: Prescription and over-the-counter liquid medications, and medical support devices are allowed in larger quantities, but you must inform the TSA agent.

• Baby Needs: Formula, breast milk, and juice for infants are allowed in reasonable quantities, even if they exceed 3.4 ounces. They will be subject to screening.

3. Carrying On Food

Food items often confuse travelers, but the rules are straightforward:

• Allowed: Solid food items are generally fine (sandwiches, chips, cookies, hard cheese, whole fruit, solid chocolate).

• Restricted: Foods that are spreadable or pourable (soups, sauces, yogurts, jams, dips) must adhere to the 3-1-1 liquid rule.

4. Batteries and Electronics

Safety rules govern how you transport batteries:

• Lithium-Ion Batteries (Power Banks, Laptops): All spare lithium-ion batteries (including external power banks and portable chargers) must be packed in your carry-on bag—never in checked luggage. This is due to fire risk.

• Laptops and Devices: You must remove all electronics larger than a cell phone (laptops, tablets, gaming consoles) from your bag for screening, unless you have TSA PreCheck.

5. Tools and Sharp Objects

When in doubt, check it.

• Razor Blades: Disposable razors are fine. Straight razors and safety razor blades (loose or removable) are not allowed in carry-ons.

• Scissors: Allowed if the blades are less than 4 inches (from the pivot point).

• Knives: All knives, except rounded-blade butter knives, must be placed in checked luggage.

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Mastering the TSA rules requires organization, especially when it comes to the 3-1-1 liquid bag. We have identified a specific collection that consistently ranks as a Best-Selling Product on Amazon—the indispensable accessory that makes organizing liquids for security screening effortless: The TSA-Approved Clear Toiletry Bag Set.

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