2025 TSA Carry-On & Checked Banned Items Guide
This guide details the latest TSA regulations on prohibited items for 2025, covering both carry-on restrictions and checked-baggage rules.
We explain which banned items cannot be brought on board – from sharp objects and firearms to liquids and hazardous materials – citing official TSA and FAA sources.
Updates for 2025 (like new lithium battery rules) are included, along with seasonal travel tips (holiday and summer).
Our expert overview ensures you know what to pack and what to leave behind before hitting the airport.
Key Takeaways
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Firearms & Ammunition: Strictly prohibited in carry-ons. Unloaded firearms and ammo are allowed only in checked bags if locked in a hard-sided case and declared to the airline.
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Sharp & Pointed Items: All knives (except blunt butter knives) and sharp tools (box cutters, ice picks, dart tips, etc.) are banned from carry-on. These can only go in checked luggage, properly sheathed or wrapped. Scissors are allowed in carry-on only if blade <4 inches.
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Liquids, Aerosols & Gels: The 3-1-1 rule still applies in carry-ons: containers must be ≤3.4 oz (100 mL) each, all in one clear quart-size bag. Larger quantities of liquids (including beverages, gels, creams) must be packed in checked baggage. Aerosol cans (e.g. spray paint, bear spray) and other flammables are banned entirely.
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Lithium Batteries & Electronics: New for 2025: Spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries (including power banks and phone-charger cases) are no longer allowed in checked bags. They must travel in carry-on baggage. Passengers may carry two larger spare batteries (101–160 Wh) per person in carry-on with airline approval. Electronic devices (phones, laptops, e-cigs) are allowed in carry-on but generally not in checked (except installed batteries in devices).
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Flammables & Explosives: Gasoline, lighter fluid, camping fuel, fireworks and other explosives are prohibited in any luggage. Lighters are allowed one per person in carry-on (without fuel or in FAA-approved case). Fireworks are expressly banned year-round.
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Self-defense Items: Pepper spray/mace is not allowed in carry-ons. You may pack one container (≤4 fl.oz, 118 mL) in checked baggage only if it has a safety cap. Other weapons (tasers, stun guns, brass knuckles) are generally banned from carry-on and often from checked luggage.
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Seasonal Travel Notes: Peak holiday/summer travel means more scrutiny. For example, 4th-of-July fireworks are always banned. During December holidays, avoid wrapping gifts before screening (officers may need to unwrap bags). Plan extra time at security, and use TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool or AskTSA for any item you’re unsure about.
Carry-On Baggage Restrictions
At the security checkpoint, TSA officers apply strict carry-on restrictions to ensure safety. The following items cannot be carried in the cabin and will be confiscated or require special handling:
Firearms & Ammunition
Not allowed. All guns, rifles, pistols, and ammunition are forbidden in carry-on bags. Travelers must place these items in checked baggage following airline rules.
Sharp Objects & Weapons
Not allowed. This includes knives of any length (hunting/survival, kitchen, box cutters), swords, daggers, ice axes, darts, and large scissors. Even hobby knives and metal razor blades are banned. Plastic or round-edged utensils (e.g. butter knives) are exceptions. Carry on allowed: scissors only if blade <4 inches.
Liquids, Gels & Pastes
Restricted to 3-1-1 rule. Each liquid container must be ≤3.4 oz (100 mL) and fit inside a single clear quart-sized bag. Large bottles of shampoo, drinks, or aerosol cans (hairspray, whipped cream) must go in checked luggage. Exceptions are medications and baby formula (check TSA guidelines).
Flammable Materials
Forbidden. Gasoline, lighter fluid, alcohol over 70%, paint thinners and any highly flammable solvents are banned. Aerosol sprays like pepper spray or spray paint are not allowed in carry-on. Dry ice is limited (≤5.5 lbs) and requires airline approval.
Lithium Batteries & Power Banks
Carry-on only. Spare lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries (removable or in power banks) cannot be in checked bags. E-cigarettes/vapes and power banks must stay in your carry-on. Up to two large batteries (101–160 Wh) are permitted per person with airline approval.
Self-Defense Sprays & Weapons
Not allowed. You cannot take pepper spray, mace, stun guns or tasers in carry-on. (Small personal defense items like pocket knives and brass knuckles are similarly prohibited.)
Sporting Goods & Tools
Not allowed. Items such as golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks, pool cues, sledgehammers, drills, or crowbars are too large or dangerous for carry-on. For example, golf clubs must be checked. Smaller tools (wrenches, pliers) are also banned in carry-on.
Other Hazards
Oxygen canisters (unless empty), fireworks, ammunition, and matchsticks (except one book of safety matches) are not allowed in carry-on. Any “dual-use” item that could be weaponized (like a credit-card knife) is at TSA’s discretion to forbid.
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Checked Baggage Restrictions
Most prohibited items in carry-on are more permissible in checked baggage, but with conditions. Important points:
Firearms & Ammunition
Allowed only if properly declared. Firearms must be unloaded, stored in a locked hard-sided case, and declared at check-in. Ammunition (up to .75 caliber or .410 shotgun) may be packed in the same case as the firearm. Carry-on: no firearms/ammo.
Sharp Objects
Allowed if packed safely. Knives, box cutters, scissors and similar tools can be checked, but must be sheathed or securely wrapped to protect handlers. TSA advises using blade guards or sleeves.
Liquids & Aerosols
Fewer restrictions. Checked bags may hold large bottles of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, etc., with no 3.4 oz limit. Exception: Explosives and most flammables (e.g. gasoline, lighter fluid, solvents, propane) are banned entirely from checked luggage. One exception: disposable/Zippo lighters without fuel are allowed checked.
Lithium Batteries
Strict carry-on only. Spare lithium batteries cannot be packed in checked bags. You may only pack devices with installed batteries (laptops, cameras) in checked luggage (though devices are better kept carry-on to prevent damage). Power banks and extra phone batteries must ride in carry-on.
Lighters
Special rules. You may have one unfueled Zippo or disposable lighter in checked luggage. Fuelled lighters are generally prohibited unless they meet strict DOT case rules (rarely allowed). Carry-on: one personal lighter (with fuel) is permitted.
Self-Defense Sprays
Limited allowed. You may pack one can of pepper spray (up to 4 fl.oz /118 mL) in checked bags if it has a safety mechanism. Sprays with >2% tear gas are prohibited even checked. Always check airline policies first.
Sporting Goods & Tools
Allowed if within airline size/weight limits. Golf clubs, bats, ski poles, and tools (hammers, screwdrivers) can be checked, but they count as luggage and must be secured. Oversized or unusually shaped items may incur extra fees.
Miscellaneous Prohibitions
Explosives (dynamite, grenades, blasting caps) are strictly banned in checked baggage. Many household hazardous materials (bleach, pool chemicals, paints, aerosols like bear spray) cannot be checked.
Example: Contraband Detection
Even items not on the official TSA list (like drugs) are caught by screening technology. The X-ray below shows a piece of luggage at an airport, where concealed cocaine (false-colored in blue/green) was detected and seized by authorities. This underscores TSA’s role in intercepting all illicit or dangerous items before they board.
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Seasonal & Holiday Travel Notes
While banned-item rules stay the same year-round, travelers should note seasonal factors:
Summer Travel (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
With camping and fireworks season, know that no fireworks or large fuel canisters may fly. Even novelty sparklers or small fireworks are confiscated. If camping, transport fuel (gas/oil) via approved containers on road instead. Summer pack carefully: keep sunscreen and insect repellent in the 3-1-1 bag (carry-on) or checked if large.
Independence Day (July 4)
TSA-themed news reports routinely highlight fireworks busts on July 4th. Remember, consumer fireworks are always prohibited. Novelty items (blinkies, glow sticks) are fine, but not aerosol or battery-powered fireworks.
Holiday Season (Thanksgiving–New Year’s)
Airports get crowded and delays increase. Plan extra time (2+ hours pre-flight). Gifts: TSA recommends carrying unwrapped gifts if they may trigger alarms. Wrapped boxes might be opened for inspection. Also, keep holiday foods (jams, turkey gravy) within liquid limits.
Miscellaneous
With Real ID enforcement finalized in 2025 (May 7 deadline), ensure you have compliant ID for domestic flights. Although not a banned item, inadequate ID can lead to “enhanced screening” delays.
To recap in simple form, here is a summary table:
| Item Category | Carry-On | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firearms & Ammo | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes (locked box) | Unloaded, hard-case, declared. Not in cabin. |
| Knives & Sharp Tools | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes | All blades banned carry-on; sheath in checked. |
| Flammable Liquids/Gases | ❌ No | ❌ No | Gasoline, propane, lighter fluid banned. |
| Fireworks/Explosives | ❌ No | ❌ No | Always prohibited. |
| Lithium Batteries* | ✔️ Yes (≤100Wh, installed only) | ❌ No | Spare batteries and power banks must stay in carry-on. |
| Lighters | ✔️ Yes (1, with fuel) | ✔️ Yes (empty or case) | One fuelled lighter allowed on you; DOT-case for checked. |
| Aerosol Sprays (Bear/ Etc.) | ❌ No | ❌ No | Bear spray/pesticides banned. |
| Pepper Spray (Mace) | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes (≤118ml) | With safety cap, up to 4oz. Check airline. |
| Liquids/Gels (>3.4oz) | ❌ No (except ≤3.4oz) | ✔️ Yes | Carry-on limited (3-1-1 rule); checked no limit. |
Lithium Batteries: Removable or spare lithium batteries (any size) are prohibited in checked baggage.
Sources: Official TSA “What Can I Bring?” guidelines and press releases.
In summary, always check TSA’s official list before traveling. When in doubt, err on the side of packing an item in checked luggage or leaving it at home. TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool and AskTSA social channels are excellent resources. By following these 2025 rules and tips, you’ll breeze through security and avoid fines or confiscations at the airport.