What You Can and Can’t Bring Through Airport Security in 2026

If you’ve ever second-guessed what’s allowed in your carry-on, you’re not alone. TSA rules can feel confusing, and even frequent flyers sometimes get tripped up at security checkpoints. In 2026, new scanning technologies and updated TSA guidelines make the process a bit faster — but the fundamentals still matter.

This complete guide breaks down exactly what you can and can’t bring through airport security in 2026, plus insider tips for packing smarter and getting through screening with zero stress.

1. The TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule (Still the Foundation in 2026)

The 3-1-1 rule remains unchanged for liquids in carry-ons:

Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less.

All containers must fit in one quart-sized clear plastic bag.

Only one bag per traveler is allowed in your carry-on.

This applies to liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes — everything from shampoo to peanut butter.

✅ Allowed examples: travel-size toothpaste, hand sanitizer (up to 12 oz until further notice), lip balm, lotion, and small bottles of perfume.
❌ Not allowed: large bottles of sunscreen, full-size mouthwash, jars of peanut butter, or oversized drinks purchased pre-security.

Pro Tip (2026 update): Many airports are now installing CT (computed tomography) scanners, which let travelers leave liquids and laptops inside their bags — but only at specific lanes. Check signage or ask a TSA officer before assuming.

2. Food Rules: What You Can Bring

Bringing snacks for the flight? TSA allows most solid foods in both carry-on and checked luggage.

✅ Allowed:

Sandwiches, wraps, and baked goods

Solid snacks (chips, granola bars, trail mix)

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Candy and chocolate

Sealed packaged foods

❌ Restricted or banned:

Soups, stews, sauces, or dips that count as liquids

Yogurt, pudding, or salsa in large containers

Frozen foods that have melted

If it can “splash, spill, or spread,” it’s treated as a liquid.

International Note: Always check customs rules before bringing food into another country. Even a sealed apple can be confiscated at entry points like Australia or New Zealand.

3. Electronics and Battery Rules

As devices get more powerful, the TSA and FAA continue to regulate lithium batteries carefully.

✅ Allowed in Carry-On:

Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras

Power banks under 100 watt-hours (Wh)

Spare lithium-ion batteries properly protected from short-circuiting

❌ Not Allowed in Checked Bags:

Power banks or spare lithium batteries

E-cigarettes and vapes

If your laptop or power bank has a removable battery, it must stay in your carry-on.

Pro Tip: Use a TSA-approved electronics organizer to make screening faster — agents can instantly identify devices without unpacking your whole bag.

4. Medications and Medical Devices

You can absolutely bring prescription medications, even in liquid form, through security. But there are a few things to remember:

✅ Allowed:

Prescription pills and liquids (no volume limit if medically necessary)

Insulin, EpiPens, inhalers

Medical devices like CPAP machines or glucose monitors

When in doubt, declare it to the TSA officer before screening. You do not need to fit medication liquids into your quart bag.

Tip: Keep your meds in their original labeled containers to avoid confusion or questions.

5. Sharp Objects, Tools & Sporting Gear

This is where travelers often slip up.

✅ Allowed:

Nail clippers and small scissors (under 4 inches)

Disposable razors

Small tools (under 7 inches in length)

❌ Not Allowed:

Knives or multitools with blades

Box cutters or screwdrivers longer than 7 inches

Baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, and hockey sticks

You can pack sports gear in checked luggage — just make sure it’s secure and within weight limits.

6. Duty-Free Liquids and Airport Purchases

Bought a big bottle of perfume or liquor after security? You can bring it onboard — with a catch.

✅ Allowed:

Must be in tamper-evident sealed bag (STEB)

Must include receipt dated within 48 hours

Must remain sealed until you reach your final destination

If you have a connecting international flight, liquids purchased duty-free might be confiscated if you re-clear security at another airport.

7. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR: A 2026 Advantage

Travelers with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus can skip most of the hassle.

You don’t need to remove shoes, belts, or laptops.

You typically wait less than 5 minutes at dedicated security lanes.

PreCheck now works in over 230 U.S. airports, and CLEAR expands to new terminals each year.

Even with these perks, PreCheck rules still require following the 3-1-1 liquid limits and banned item lists.

8. Special Items and Gray Areas

These items confuse travelers the most — here’s the breakdown:

Item Allowed? Notes
Hair straighteners ✅ Must be unplugged during screening
Disposable lighters ✅ Max 1 per person
E-cigarettes/vapes ✅ (carry-on only) Prohibited in checked bags
Snow globes ✅ Must fit in 3-1-1 bag under 3.4 oz
Scissors ✅ Blades under 4 inches
Wrapped gifts ✅ May be unwrapped by TSA for inspection
Baby formula/breast milk ✅ Exempt from 3-1-1, declare at security
9. How to Speed Through Security in 2026

Here’s how to make your experience seamless:

Pack smart: Keep electronics and liquids accessible.

Use clear travel bags: TSA can see contents quickly.

Check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool: Updated weekly on tsa.gov.

Wear slip-on shoes and minimal jewelry.

Empty water bottles before screening — refill after.

Bonus Hack: Many major U.S. airports now feature express security lanes for travelers without carry-ons. Look for signs that say “Bags Checked Only.”

10. If TSA Confiscates Something

If an item gets flagged:

You can surrender it voluntarily.

You may exit the line to place it in checked baggage if time allows.

Some airports have mail-back kiosks for banned items — a useful option for expensive tools or souvenirs.

Always stay calm and courteous. TSA agents have discretion, but politeness goes a long way.

11. Final Takeaway

In 2026, TSA rules are simpler and more digital-friendly than ever — but the 3-1-1 rule, lithium battery restrictions, and liquid limits still matter.

Pack smart, plan ahead, and you’ll breeze through security like a pro.
When in doubt, use the official TSA “What Can I Bring?” tool or the MyTSA mobile app before leaving home.