Though the many Transportation Security Administration regulations regarding what you can and can't take on airplanes can feel restrictive, their purpose is to guarantee the safety of the passengers and flight crew. While packing your bags, check that everything in both carry-on and checked luggage is allowed on board, or serious consequences could follow.

Liquids

Liquids may be brought in carry-on baggage as long as they meet size regulations. All liquids, such as shampoo, lotion and mouthwash, must be in original containers of 3.4 ounces or less. Place all your liquid containers in a quart-sized plastic bag. Only one bag of liquids is allowed per passenger. Opened bottles that hold more than 3.4 ounces but only contain small amounts of liquid are not allowed in carry-on luggage and must be checked.

Breast Milk, Juice and Formula

Hungry babies and their parents can rejoice: Breast milk, juice and formula are allowed on airplanes in bottles holding more than the standard 3.4 ounces and do not need to be placed in a baggie. While it's not necessary for anyone to taste the items to prove their safety, security officers may subject them to tests or open containers to check the contents. To make things easy, present these items separately when going through security.

Banned Carry-On Items

Certain items are banned from carry-on luggage. Sharp objects, such as scissors, box cutters and knives, must be placed in checked bags. Sporting goods that could cause injury, including baseball bats, fencing foils and golf clubs, must also be checked, according to the TSA. Firearms and ammunition must be put in checked bags, and guns must be unloaded, placed in a hard, locked container and declared separately before you fly.

Items Banned From All Baggage

Some items are considered too dangerous even for checked baggage and are not allowed on planes under any circumstances. Explosives, including fireworks, dynamite and blasting caps, may not be brought on flights -- and this includes realistic fakes of explosive items, like a toy grenade. Bleach, gasoline and lighter fluid, in addition to other dangerous chemicals, are banned from all planes. Strike-anywhere matches cannot be placed in checked bags, but one pack is allowed in a carry-on bag.

About the Author

Hallie Engel is a food and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in several international publications. She served as a restaurant critic for "Time Out Abu Dhabi" and "Time Out Amsterdam" and has also written about food culture in the United Arab Emirates for "M Magazine." She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and film studies from University of Amsterdam.

Photo Credits

  • Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images
SHARE