Regulations for carry-ons and checked baggage vary depending on the item and whether it is brought into the cabin or checked as luggage. Some items are forbidden entirely. Check the list below. If you still have questions on a specific item, check the Transportation Security Administration's website or your airline. It's better to do so in advance than find yourself at the airport with items that need to be rearranged as check-in or cannot be transported at all.
You must limit carry-on items of liquid and gel products such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and sunscreen. You are permitted just 3 oz. of each container, held within one clear plastic bag and available for inspection. Larger sizes must be in checked baggage. Note that, although baby formula and some medications come in liquid form, to be permitted you must present them separately at the security check for inspection. Other items that are strictly forbidden in the passenger cabin include weapons such as guns, knives and other cutting instruments or tools with a cutting surface greater than 4 inches for scissors and 7 inches for screwdrivers. Some sporting goods are also forbidden such as arrows, bats, ski poles, golf clubs and the like.
Some items can be transported as checked baggage only. These include large items of any type that will not fit in the cabin overhead compartments or under the seat. In addition you'll have to check items that are not permitted in the cabin. These include items that could be used as weapons but are not explosive or flammable, such as guns, knives or other cutting instruments, screwdrivers and other manual tools, and sporting goods such as hockey or lacrosse sticks, baseball bats, pool cues, spear guns, golf clubs, ski poles or arrows. Flare guns--but not flares--may be checked as long as they are locked and not loaded; they must be in a secure container. Other items may also be subject to restrictions, so if you have questions, ask the airline how to properly transport the item.
Incendiary devices are forbidden in both carry-on and checked luggage. Though it hardly bears mentioning, items such as dynamite, fireworks, hand grenades and explosives are not permitted anywhere on the plane. Other items not permitted include flammable liquids of all types including lighters with lighter fluid, flammable paints and supplies such as turpentine and paint thinners, chlorine, tear gas and compressed gas. The Transportation Security Administration also forbids some realistic replicas of such devices. If you have any questions, consider the danger to yourself and others and ask the airline for regulations or requirements for ensuring safe transport.
