10 Items That Travelers Always Ask The TSA About

Passing through a TSA security checkpoint usually occurs right after you have checked in your bags and received your boarding pass at the front ticket counter. Going through TSA can vary in time depending on the time of year that you are flying in, airport location, and other circumstances at the airport. Because of this reason, it is important to always arrive at least two hours before departure time.

The process of going through the travel security screening and having your items pass through the advanced imaging technology equipment can be time consuming. Some TSA Officers will go back and forth on some luggage just to make sure they don’t miss anything during the screening. Being prepared with the right items in your carry-on bag can make the process of going through security much easier, even a breeze. This article will help you achieve just that!

Travelers Ask TSA About These 10 Items Before Traveling

Travelers usually ask themselves, “What items can I bring on the plane?” while they are packing. It can be a little confusing as to what items are allowed on the plane versus what can be packed to go underneath. The checked bags can carry just about anything within the weight limit but the carry-on bags need to be able to pass the TSA checkpoint. You can find the top 10 questions that travelers ask before arriving at the airport below.

1. Can you bring aerosols such as hairsprays and dry shampoo on a plane?

According to TSA aerosols are safe to bring aboard an aircraft in limited quantities. All aerosol containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller. Any items larger than the amount listed will be confiscated at the security checkpoint. All of the 3.4 ounce containers that you bring must be stored in a clear, zip-top, plastic bag that is 1 quart in size. There is only one quart sized, plastic, zip-top bag allowed per passenger inside their carry-on bag. Any other items will also be confiscated by the TSA. However, you can still pack larger bottles of these aerosols in your checked-in luggage underneath the plane at the front check-in counter.

2. Can you bring razors on a plane?

Razors is a confusing subject when packing. To clear things up there are different types of razors that are allowed and not allowed in your carry-on bag.

• Safety Razors: These types of razors are allowed to be in your carry on bag as long as there is NO blade in your bag or on the razor.
• Disposable Razors: This includes razors that are attached to the handle as well as razors with replaceable blades. Both of these are allowed on the aircraft. The cartridges are allowed in your carry-on bag as well.
• Electric Razors: These are allowed in carry-on bags as well.
• Straight Razors: These are only allowed to be carried in  your checked luggage, NOT your carry-on bag.

3. Can you bring glass on a plane?

While glass can be sharp if broken, glass containers are allowed to be in your carry-on bag. As long as they aren’t broken or seem alerting to the TSA, you shouldn’t have an issue taking a glass bottle or container through the security checkpoint.

4. Can you bring an electric toothbrush on a plane?

An electric toothbrush is allowed on the plane. The reason they allow electric toothbrushes is because the battery is covered and not exposed. They just recommend that you pack it in a case so it doesn’t accidentally turn on during your trip.

5. Can you take deodorant on a plane?

Deodorants that are solid or powder are allowed on the plane in any size. However, liquid or semi-liquid are limited to a container of 3.4 ounces or smaller to be allowed in your carry-on bag. Like previously mentioned, these 3.4 ounce containers all must fit into a quart sized zip-top, clear, plastic bag and only one of these bags is allowed per person.

6. Can you bring tweezers on a plane?

Tweezers are always so convenient to have, and lucky enough, they are allowed to be packed in your carry-on bag. Just make sure to keep it put away in a safe spot in your luggage to avoid getting lost throughout the trip.

7. Can you bring an umbrella through TSA?

Yes, according to the TSA, umbrellas are allowed as a carry-on item but only certain sizes and it also depends on the airline you are traveling with. I would recommend a small, short sized umbrella to play it safe versus the long umbrellas. Just check with your airline prior to traveling to verify the size of the umbrella that they allow on their aircrafts.

8. Can you take a lighter on a plane?

Lighters that are disposable or refillable lighters such as Zippo lighters can be carried in your pocket or placed in your carry-on bag. However, they are prohibited in checked baggage unless they have NO fuel in them and it complies with the Department of Transportation exemption. For more information you can check out the TSA website here.

9. Can you take batteries and power banks on a plane?

Yes, you are allowed to take power banks with lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less in your carry-on bag but they are not allowed to be packed inside your checked luggage. Dry AA, AAA, C, and D batteries are also allowed in your carry-on.

10. Can you bring bottled water on a plane? What is the limit for liquids when flying?

You can not pass a bottle of water through the TSA check-point but you are able to bring a reusable water bottle that is empty and fill it up after you pass security. You can also buy a water bottle at the shops in the airport after the security check.

The limit for liquids is 3.4 ounces and these containers must be able to fit in the quart sized bag as mentioned above. Only one bag per passenger. The only exception to this is for child nourishment such as water for formula for your baby and medications with proper doctor prescription labels.

Please note that if you do have items that fit under the exemptions of TSA that they will place your liquid containers in a machine to verify the contents in the container. Safety is key at these security checkpoints. If you do have these items, make sure to be prepared to have a small delay during your security screening.

TSA PreCheck Makes Traveling A Breeze

Curious how to make your TSA security screening process easier? Do the TSA PreCheck to skip the lines. No removing your belt, shoes, and laying out all of your items on the conveyor belt in bins anymore. To learn more go to the TSA PreCheck®  website here.

Safe and Happy Travels

Well I hope these travel tips help you go through TSA quickly and without any issues. You can always head on over to TSA’s list of allowed and prohibited items for security screening for more information.

Related: Can You Wear Jewelry through TSA