Type an item to see whether TSA allows it in your carry-on and in your checked bag, with TSA’s own note on it. The lookup covers all 495 items on TSA’s list as it read in October 2026.
One item at a time, by its everyday name, such as razor, lighter or protein powder.
TSA’s answer
Type an item, or pick one: disposable razors, disposable and Zippo lighters, scissors, protein or energy powders, knitting needles, power banks.
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How to read the answer
- Yes: TSA allows it in that bag.
- Yes, with conditions: TSA’s list says “Special Instructions”. The note under the answer gives them, such as scissors under 4 inches from the pivot point in a carry-on.
- 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less: the liquids rule. In a carry-on, each container holds 3.4 ounces or less and goes in your one quart-size bag. Bigger containers go in a checked bag.
- Ask your airline: TSA’s list says “Check with Airline”, as it does for bicycles, drones and dry ice.
A word that covers several entries, like razor or lighter, lists each one with its answer. Pick yours for TSA’s note.
When your item isn’t on the list
TSA asks you to contact AskTSA when your item isn’t listed. The FAA’s PackSafe chart of dangerous goods warns that an item missing from its chart isn’t necessarily allowed, and sums it up as “When in doubt, leave it out!”
TSA, the FAA and your airline
TSA’s list covers what passes the security checkpoint. The FAA’s rules cover dangerous goods in the cabin and the hold, such as lighters, matches and lithium batteries, and the lookup adds them where they say more than TSA’s note. Your airline sets its own size and weight limits, and some airlines refuse items TSA allows, such as pepper spray in a checked bag.
Flying from the UK
UK airports follow the UK government’s own list (gov.uk, updated October 2026), and it differs from TSA’s in places. Screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches of any size go in the hold there, as do walking poles. Pool cues are allowed in hand luggage. You can carry one lighter, in a resealable plastic bag that stays on you.