What Am I Allowed to Carry on an Airplane?

The Transportation Security Administration determines what items you can safely bring on board a plane in your carry-on luggage. All weapons are banned, along with any items that might be explosive or flammable. You still have options for bringing tools on board as well as other items that may come in handy during your flight. If you want to bring any prohibited items with you when you travel, you can pack them in your checked luggage.

While large tools, such as drills, saws, axes and anything measuring more than 7 inches in length, are banned from carry-on luggage, you can bring some small tools on board a flight. The TSA allows you to pack screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers that are shorter than 7 inches on board an airplane in your carry-on luggage. To be safe, only carry scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches in your checked baggage.

Guns of all types, including BB guns and paintball guns, along with all knives, are not allowed on board airplanes. Most large sporting goods, such as baseball bats, golf clubs and ski poles are banned from carry-on bags. Some sporting goods, such as dumbbells and ice skates, are approved for in-plane luggage. Fishing poles are approved for carry-on bags, but fishing tackle must be placed in checked baggage. You may bring one small lighter or one book of matches on board with you when you fly. You can also bring stringed musical instruments, such as guitars, on board the plane with you, while brass instruments must be packed in your checked bags. Knitting needles and crochet hooks are approved for carry-on bags as well.

If you are packing all of your travel goods in your carry-on luggage, note the TSA's rules for bringing liquids on board a plane. All of your carry-on liquids must fit in one clear, quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag. Each bottle must be less than 3.4 ounces in volume. You may bring larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, such as medications, baby food and breast milk on board; just let the personnel at the security checkpoint know that you have extra liquids that require screening.

Electronic equipment, including computers, cellular phones and camera equipment, is permitted in carry-on luggage. You may bring extra batteries, disposable or rechargeable, on board. Pack extra film in your checked luggage, since the machines used to screen carry-on bags can destroy film.