Prohibited Items in Carry-On and Checked Bags
TSA rules for 2025 continue to ban weapons, explosive materials, and most sharp objects in both carry-on and checked luggage. Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container declared at check-in, while replica and toy weapons face the same restrictions as real firearms. Self-defense sprays, martial arts weapons, and certain tools such as box cutters and drills are prohibited in carry-on bags but may be allowed in checked bags under specific conditions TSA Security Screening Rules.
Lithium batteries and power banks with ratings above 100 watt-hours require airline approval and cannot be placed in checked luggage, while devices with installed batteries must be protected against accidental activation. Spare lithium batteries, including those for vapes and e-cigarettes, are banned from checked bags entirely and must remain in carry-on luggage. TSA data shows that battery-related incidents remain a top safety concern, leading to strict enforcement and on-the-spot confiscation at checkpoints FAA Hazardous Materials Batteries.
Liquids, Aerosols, Gels, and Electronics Restrictions
The 3-1-1 liquids rule remains in effect for 2025, requiring all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes to fit in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag with each container holding no more than 3.4 ounces. Medications, baby formula, breast milk, and disability-related liquids are exempt but may be subject to additional screening at the checkpoint. Duty-free liquids purchased beyond the security point and sealed in a tamper-evident bag are allowed if the receipt is presented and the bag remains intact TSA Liquids Rule.
Laptops, Tablets, and Large Electronics
Laptops, tablets, and large electronics must be removed from bags and placed in separate bins for X-ray screening at most U.S. airports, a practice expanded after the 2024 laptop ban discussions on certain international routes. TSA officers may require powered-off devices and may inspect external batteries, cables, and accessories for compliance with watt-hour limits. Airlines and TSA do not publish a specific ranked list of restricted electronics by brand, but enforcement focuses on devices with damaged batteries, recalled products, or those lacking UL certification FCC Lithium Battery Guide.
Penalties, Airline-Specific Bans, and International Differences
Passengers caught with prohibited items may face civil penalties up to $13,000 per violation, criminal referral for serious offenses such as weapons possession, and automatic confiscation of the item. Airlines including Delta, United, American, and Southwest enforce TSA rules and may impose additional bans on items such as hoverboards, spare lithium batteries, and certain large power banks in both carry-on and checked bags. Airlines also update prohibited-item policies seasonally, and the FAA and TSA publish enforcement action data and annual reports highlighting the most common confiscated items TSA Annual Reports.
International Rules and Destination-Specific Bans
International flights are subject to the rules of the departing country, the destination country, and any transit countries, with common global bans including flammable liquids, corrosive materials, and compressed gas cylinders. The European Union, UK, Canada, and Australia align with ICAO standards but impose additional restrictions on items such