On US flights, items you can't bring on a plane fall into three groups: sharp objects, tools and bats that must go in checked bags; lithium batteries, vapes and lighters that must stay in the cabin; and hazardous items banned from every bag, such as fireworks, fuel, torch lighters and drinks over 70% alcohol.
Key facts
- Knives of any blade length are banned from carry-on bags; plastic cutlery and rounded, non-serrated butter knives are the exception.
- Tools must be 7 in (17.8 cm) or shorter, measured assembled, to go in a carry-on. Scissors need blades under 4 in (10 cm) from the pivot.
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries are carry-on only. Lithium-ion batteries over 160 Wh are not allowed in any bag.
- Carry-on liquids are limited to 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container, all in one quart-size bag.
- Fireworks, gasoline, camp stove fuel, torch lighters, strike-anywhere matches and alcohol over 70% ABV (140 proof) are banned from carry-on and checked bags.
What can't you bring in a carry-on but can pack in checked bags?
Most carry-on bans are about security: anything that could cut, stab or be swung as a club. These items are fine in checked luggage. Sheathe or wrap anything sharp so baggage handlers and TSA inspectors don't get cut.
| Item | Carry-on | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Knives and pocket or Swiss Army knives | No, any blade length | Yes, sheathed or wrapped |
| Multi-tools with a knife blade | No (blade-free tools are OK) | Yes |
| Scissors with blades 4 in or longer | No | Yes |
| Tools over 7 in (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers) | No | Yes |
| Drills and bits, saws, crowbars, box cutters | No, any size | Yes |
| Loose razor blades and safety-razor blades | No | Yes |
| Corkscrews with a foil blade | No | Yes |
| Baseball and cricket bats, hockey sticks, pool cues | No | Yes |
| Golf clubs | No (balls and tees are OK) | Yes |
| Pepper spray and mace | No | One spray up to 4 fl oz (118 ml) with a safety mechanism; some airlines refuse it |
| Stun guns and Tasers | No | Yes, if it can't discharge by accident |
| Liquids, gels and toiletry aerosols over 3.4 oz (100 ml) | No | Toiletries up to 18 oz (500 ml) per container, 70 oz (2 L) per person |
| Alcohol over 3.4 oz (100 ml) | No | Over 24% to 70% ABV: unopened retail packaging, 5 L per person |
| Gel-type candles | No (solid wax is OK) | Yes |
Two details catch people out. Pepper spray is a US domestic allowance only: international dangerous-goods rules ban self-defense sprays in all baggage. And a stun gun's spare lithium batteries can't go in the hold, so carry them in the cabin with the terminals covered.
Firearms and ammunition are never allowed in carry-on bags. They travel only in checked baggage under TSA's separate declared-firearm rules, so read TSA's firearms page and your airline's policy before you pack one.
What can't go in checked luggage but is allowed in carry-on?
This list is the reverse, and it's about fire. Lithium batteries and small ignition sources can start a fire that nobody would notice in the cargo hold, so the FAA requires them to travel in the cabin where the crew can respond. The full explanation is in our carry-on-only items guide.
| Item | Carry-on rule | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Power banks | Up to 100 Wh; 101–160 Wh with airline approval (max two) | No |
| Spare lithium batteries | Terminals protected; same Wh limits; lithium-metal max 2 g lithium | No |
| E-cigarettes and vapes | Yes; no charging or use on board | No |
| Lighters (disposable or Zippo-type) | One per person, in a carry-on or pocket | Only empty, or (per TSA) up to two fueled lighters in a DOT-approved case |
| Safety matches | One book or packet, instead of a lighter (a lighter or matches, not both) | No |
| Cordless curling irons and flat irons (lithium or butane) | Safety cover on the heating element; one butane iron per person | No |
The lighter rule has a wrinkle: TSA allows fueled lighters in checked bags inside a DOT-approved case, but the FAA's current lighter page lists lighters as carry-on only. The simple, safe choice is one lighter in your pocket or carry-on. Corded hair tools, by contrast, have no restrictions in either bag.
If the airline takes your carry-on at the gate, pull all of these out first and keep them with you.
What is banned from both carry-on and checked bags?
These are hazardous materials. The FAA forbids them on passenger flights entirely, so there's no way to pack them.
- Torch, jet and blue-flame lighters, plus lighter fluid and butane refills.
- Strike-anywhere matches: the kind that light on any rough surface.
- Fireworks of every size, including sparklers, firecrackers and bottle rockets.
- Flammable aerosols that aren't toiletries, such as spray paint, cooking spray, spray starch and WD-40. See aerosol rules.
- Alcohol over 70% ABV (over 140 proof), such as grain alcohol and 151-proof rum.
- Gasoline and other fuels, including all camp stove fuel (canisters, liquid fuel and solid fuel tabs) and equipment that still holds fuel or vapor.
- Lithium-ion batteries over 160 Wh, and any damaged, defective or recalled lithium battery.
- Hand warmers that burn lighter fluid or gas. Air-activated warmers are fine.
What's surprisingly allowed in a carry-on?
Plenty of things people expect to lose at security are fine on US flights:
- Nail clippers and metal nail files.
- Tweezers, pointed ones included.
- Disposable razors and cartridge razors.
- Knitting needles and crochet hooks; just check bladed thread cutters.
- Sewing needles, safety pins and small pencil sharpeners.
- Scissors with blades under 4 in (10 cm), and tools 7 in or shorter.
- Snow globes holding 3.4 oz (100 ml) of liquid or less, if the whole globe fits in your quart-size bag.
- Umbrellas, empty water bottles, solid food, golf balls and tees, and corkscrews without a blade.
TSA officers have the final say on anything that alarms or looks questionable, so an item that's technically allowed can still be refused.
Are the rules different outside the US?
Yes, and usually stricter for sharp items. The UK bans screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches from hand luggage at any size, and corkscrews of any kind. The UK and Canada limit carry-on scissors to 6 cm blades. Canada allows some knives with blades up to 6 cm on certain flights, but never on flights to the US. On international flights, the ICAO rule in force since 27 March 2026 caps power banks at two per passenger, with no recharging them on board. Check our international rules for your route.
Questions people ask
Can I bring nail clippers on a plane?
Yes. TSA allows nail clippers and metal nail files in both carry-on and checked bags on US flights.
Can I bring a lighter on a plane?
One disposable or Zippo-type lighter is allowed in your carry-on or pocket. Torch and jet lighters are banned from all bags.
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Power banks count as spare lithium batteries and must travel in the cabin. Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 101–160 Wh needs airline approval.
Can I bring a screwdriver in my carry-on?
Yes, if it's 7 inches or shorter end to end with the bit installed. Longer tools must go in checked bags.
Are razors allowed in carry-on bags?
Disposable and cartridge razors are allowed. Loose blades, including safety-razor blades, must go in checked bags.
Can I fly with pepper spray?
Not in a carry-on. On US flights you can check one container up to 4 fl oz (118 ml) with a safety mechanism, but some airlines don't allow it at all.
Sources
- TSA: Knives
- TSA: Pocket knife
- TSA: Multi-tools
- TSA: Scissors
- TSA: Screwdriver (longer than 7 inches)
- TSA: Razor-type blades
- TSA: Baseball bats
- TSA: What Can I Bring? Sporting and camping
- TSA: Pepper spray
- TSA: Stun guns/shocking devices
- TSA: Transporting firearms and ammunition
- TSA: Power banks
- TSA: Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices
- TSA: Lighters (disposable and Zippo)
- TSA: Torch lighters
- TSA: Snow globes
- TSA: Tweezers
- TSA: What Can I Bring? Sharp objects
- FAA PackSafe: Lithium batteries
- FAA PackSafe: Lighters
- FAA PackSafe: Curling irons (cordless)
- FAA PackSafe: Fireworks
- FAA PackSafe: Fuels
- FAA PackSafe: Aerosols
- FAA PackSafe: Alcoholic beverages
- FAA PackSafe: Sprays and repellents
- TSA: Alcoholic beverages
- TSA: Gel-type candles
- FAA PackSafe: Hand warmers
- FAA PackSafe: Printable chart
- GOV.UK: Hand luggage restrictions, personal items
- GOV.UK: Hand luggage restrictions, work tools
- CATSA: Bringing sharp objects through security
- ICAO: New power bank restrictions
