If you plan to travel with liquids, gels or aerosols next time you fly, TSA expects adherence to their 3-1-1 guidelines. Containers no larger than 3.4 oz. ("3") can hold these items. Your containers must be placed in one ("1") quart-sized, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Each traveler ("1") is entitled to carry one quart-sized bag through security. TSA claims that this organization speeds up the screening process. They stress that if you are in doubt about an item, put it in checked luggage. Certain items, such as medications and baby formula, can break the 3-1-1 rules, though they must be pre-approved by TSA personnel.
A whole host of items are barred from carry-on baggage. Check with TSA for a complete list. You should check pretty much anything that is sharp, resembles or is a knife, including box cutters and meat cleavers. Scissors are permitted, as long as the blade is shorter than four inches. Baseball bats, ski poles, golf clubs and other large sporting goods must also be placed in checked baggage. TSA mandates that most large tools be checked, but some items--such as screwdrivers and wrenches--that are less than seven inches in length can be carried on.
TSA notes that a litany of items must be checked, rather than brought on an airplane in carry-on baggage. They include cranberry sauce, cologne, dips and spreads, jams and jellies, perfumes, salad dressing, salsa, snowglobes and alcoholic beverages. TSA suggests checking, pre-shipping or leaving these and similar items at home. TSA points out that you can carry pies and cakes on board an aircraft, but warns they will undergo enhanced screening.
