What Can You Bring Through Airport Security?

Airport Security Rules at a Glance

Airport security screening is designed to keep air travel safe, but the rules about what you can and can't bring through the checkpoint can be confusing. Rules vary by country, airport, and even terminal — but the core principles are consistent worldwide.

This guide covers the rules enforced by TSA (United States), UK DfT (United Kingdom), ECAC (Europe), and aviation authorities across Asia and the Middle East. Whether you're flying from London Heathrow, JFK, or Dubai, you'll know exactly what to pack.

Liquids, Gels & Aerosols — The 3-1-1 Rule

The universal liquids rule applies at virtually every airport worldwide:

• 3 — Each container must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less
• 1 — All containers must fit in 1 clear, resealable plastic bag (quart-sized / 1 litre max)
• 1 — Only 1 bag per passenger

This covers liquids, gels, creams, pastes, aerosols, and any substance of similar consistency. Common items include:

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste
• Deodorant (spray or roll-on), perfume, cologne
• Sunscreen, moisturiser, lip balm (liquid or gel)
• Contact lens solution, eye drops
• Hand sanitiser (max 100 ml in most countries)

Exceptions

• Baby food, breast milk & formula — Exempt from the 100 ml limit. Declare to the officer. May be tested.
• Prescription liquid medication — Exempt but must be declared. Carry a doctor's letter for larger quantities.
• Duty-free purchases — Liquids bought airside (after security) may be carried in hand luggage if sealed in a tamper-evident bag with receipt visible.

CT Scanner Airports

Some airports with next-generation CT scanners (including many UK airports from 2025) are removing the 100 ml restriction. At these airports, liquids can stay in your bag. Check your airport's page for current status.

External resources: TSA Liquids Rule | UK Hand Luggage Rules

Electronics & Laptops

At most airports, you must remove laptops, tablets, and large electronics from your bag and place them in a separate tray for X-ray screening.

• Laptops — Remove from bag, place flat in a tray
• Tablets & e-readers — Usually need to be removed (varies by airport)
• Phones — Can typically stay in your bag or pocket, but must go through the X-ray
• Cameras — Remove DSLR/mirrorless cameras from bags
• Power banks & batteries — Must be in hand luggage (not checked). Lithium batteries over 100 Wh require airline approval
• Drones — Batteries in hand luggage only; drone body can go in checked luggage

TSA PreCheck & CT Scanner Difference

TSA PreCheck members in the US can leave laptops and liquids in their bags. Airports with CT scanners may also allow this. See our Trusted Traveller Programs guide for details.

Food, Snacks & Medication

Food

• Solid food — Sandwiches, fruit, crisps, chocolate, and other solid snacks are allowed through security in all countries.
• Spreads & dips — Hummus, peanut butter, jam — these count as liquids/gels. Must be under 100 ml.
• Frozen food — Allowed if fully frozen at the checkpoint. If partially melted, it counts as a liquid.

Medication

• Prescription medication — Carry in original packaging with your name on it. Bring a doctor's letter for controlled substances or large quantities.
• Over-the-counter pills/tablets — No restrictions on solid pills.
• Liquid medication — Exempt from the 100 ml rule if medically necessary. Declare to the screening officer.
• Syringes & needles — Allowed with verifying documentation (prescription, medical letter). Declare at the checkpoint.
• Medical devices — Insulin pumps, CPAP machines, and other medical devices are allowed. Inform the officer before screening.

Prohibited Items — What You Cannot Bring in Hand Luggage

The following items are never allowed through the security checkpoint in carry-on bags:

• Sharp objects — Knives (any length), box cutters, razor blades, scissors with blades over 6 cm (4 inches in the US)
• Firearms & ammunition — Including replicas, BB guns, and starter pistols
• Explosives & flammable items — Fireworks, flares, lighter fuel, strike-anywhere matches
• Tools — Screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers over 7 cm (some US airports allow tools under 7 inches)
• Blunt instruments — Baseball bats, golf clubs, cricket bats, martial arts equipment
• Chemical substances — Pepper spray, mace, tear gas, toxic chemicals
• Lighters — Most countries allow one disposable lighter on your person (not in bag). Torch/jet lighters are banned.

Note: Most prohibited hand luggage items can be packed in checked luggage (hold baggage), with the exception of explosives, flammable items, and certain hazardous materials. Check your airline's specific policy.

Country-Specific Variations

United States (TSA)

• Scissors with blades under 4 inches (10 cm) from the pivot point are allowed
• One book of safety matches is allowed on your person
• Lighters are allowed in carry-on but not in checked bags
• TSA PreCheck members keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and laptops in bags

United Kingdom

• Scissors with blades under 6 cm are allowed
• UK airports are rolling out CT scanners — check your airport for current liquids policy
• No restrictions on powder-based items (unlike some other countries)

European Union / Schengen

• Similar to UK rules with 100 ml liquid limit
• EU-standard security under ECAC guidelines
• Some airports require shoe removal; others do not

Asia & Middle East

• Singapore — Stricter on lighters (none allowed, even in checked bags)
• Japan — Alcohol over 70% ABV is prohibited entirely; 24–70% limited to 5 litres in checked bags
• UAE — E-cigarettes must be in hand luggage (banned from checked bags)
• India — Lighters and matches banned from both hand and checked luggage at most airports

Always check your departure airport's rules before packing. Visit your airport page for specific information.

Pro Tips for Faster Screening

• Pack smart — Put your liquids bag at the top of your carry-on for easy removal.
• Wear simple clothing — Slip-on shoes, no belt, minimal metal jewellery.
• Empty pockets completely — Keys, coins, phone, wallet, tissues — everything in the tray.
• Use a FastTrack pass — Skip the standard queue entirely. Learn how FastTrack works or find your airport.
• Know your airport — Some airports have faster screening at certain terminals. Check your airport page for tips.