The amount of liquids that you can carry on a flight is restricted by the TSA. All liquids in your carry-on must be placed in one quart-sized, plastic, clear bag with a zippered closure. Liquids must be in bottles less than 3.4 ounces in volume, but you can place multiple small bottles in your one plastic bag. You are limited to one quart-sized bag per person, and you must place the bag directly in a bin for easy screening. If you are traveling with liquids in bottles over 3.4 ounces, pack them into your checked luggage.
If you require liquid medicines or are traveling with a baby, you can exceed the 3.4 liquid ounces rule. Declare medications, breast milk or baby formula to the personnel at the security checkpoint. You do not need to place these items in a plastic bag. TSA staff will examine the items and permit you to carry them on the plane.
If you are over 18 years of age, you are required to show a photo ID before boarding your flight. You will be asked to show your ID at security checkpoints. You can show a passport, a Department of Homeland Security "Trusted Traveler" card, U.S. military ID card, a driver's license, or a permanent or tribal resident's card. If you forget your photo ID, there is a good chance that you will not be permitted on your flight.
Use your common sense when packing items in your carry-on. If you think an item could be used as a weapon, pack it in your checked bags.
You cannot carry on any item that is a weapon, such as explosives, box cutters, knives, axes, guns, clubs and mace.
Some items that you might not think of as a weapon but could be used to harm airline staff are also prohibited. These items include sporting equipment, such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs and ski pools. Everyday items and tools that could be used to threaten airline staff are also prohibited, such as scissors, hammers, drills, pliers, screwdrivers and lighters with fuel in them.
If TSA staff finds any of the above items in your carry-on bags, TSA will require you to remove them. At this point, you can exit the security line, and find the post office in the airport to ship the items back to your home at your expense. The added time for you to package and ship any prohibited items may make you late for your flight. If you don't wish to leave the security line to mail the items, TSA will confiscate the items and dispose of them for you.
For domestic airlines, you can carry on one bag under 45 linear inches that fits under your seat. In addition, you may carry on one personal item, such as a purse or laptop computer case. For full flights, airlines will check the size and number of bags you are attempting to carry on, and if you exceed their restrictions, you may have to check in your extra or oversized bags before you can board the plane.
