Can I Bring This on a Plane? The Complete TSA Packing Guide
The master overview — every major category in one place, with links to the deep-dive guide and full item list for each.
This is the starting point for packing questions of any kind. Every category below links to its own category page (the full item list) and, where one exists, a deeper guide covering the scenario in detail. If you already know the specific item you're packing, searching for it directly is usually faster — this page is for when you're planning broadly, not checking one thing.
Electronics & batteries
The rule that matters most: installed batteries can go in checked bags (not recommended), but spare batteries and power banks can never go in checked baggage — full stop. See Flying With Batteries & Electronics for the watt-hour limits, or browse the full Electronics and Batteries & Power categories.
Liquids & toiletries
Anything liquid, gel, or paste needs to be 3.4 oz or less in carry-on, with no restriction in checked baggage. The full test for what actually counts as a "liquid" — including foods most people don't expect — is in What Counts as a Liquid?. Browse the full Personal Care category for every toiletry item.
Food & snacks
Solid food has no restriction at all; spreadable or gel-like food follows the liquids rule. See TSA Rules for Food for the full breakdown, or browse the Food & Drinks category.
Sports & outdoor gear
Most sports equipment is unrestricted, but a few categories — anything with a lithium battery, anything bladed, and pressurized items like CO2 canisters — follow their own rules. Browse the full Sports Equipment category for the complete list.
Baby items
Almost everything a baby needs to eat is exempt from the standard liquids limit, and most gear gate-checks for free. See Flying With a Baby for the full picture, or browse the Baby Items category.
Medication & medical devices
Medication and medical devices get real exemptions from the standard limits, but they still need to be declared. See Flying With Medication for the complete breakdown, or browse the Medical category.
Related rules
FAQ
- Where's the fastest way to check a specific item?
- Use the search box on the homepage or browse the full alphabetical list — this guide is for planning broadly across categories, not for checking one item, which is usually faster to search directly.
- Does this guide cover every single TSA rule?
- It covers the major categories that cause the most confusion. For the complete, exhaustive list, each category page links to every item we track, and TSA's own site is the ultimate authority.