Carry-On Luggage Info

3-1-1- Liquids Rule for Carry-On Luggage

The Transportation Security Administration has created this easy numerical system to help you remember what you are allowed to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.

As a traveler, you are allowed to pack one small bag of liquids, creams, gels, etc. into your carry-on luggage, but there are limits to how much you can bring. You are permitted to carry no more than 3.4 ounces of a liquid substance onto the plane.

Travelers are asked to contain their various packages of liquids in one clear, zip-top bag. This requirement helps maintain the efficiency of the checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 Breakdown:
3 = 3.4 ounces (100 ml) max of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and paste
1 = 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
1 = 1 bag per passenger

Travelers are permitted to carry on certain liquids, such as medication, in quantities that exceed the 3.4-ounce limit. You must declare these for inspection, and a TSA officer may open them for additional screening.

If you need to bring larger quantities of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes on your honeymoon (like sunblock, shampoo, etc.) pack them safely in your checked baggage.

Prohibited Items

Wondering if you can pack your knitting needles, fingernail clippers, or golf clubs in your carry-on luggage? (Yes, yes, no.) There’s an app for that! Download the My TSA app and use the “Can I Bring?” tool to search for items you aren’t sure are allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage. (You CAN pack golf clubs in your checked luggage.)

Please note that even if an item is generally admitted, you may be subject to additional screening by a TSA official.

Common carry on items that are allowed:
Whole fruits (like an orange or banana)
Pre-packaged sauces, oils, yogurt, etc. (must be less than 3.4 ounces)
Disposable razor
Scissors (less than 4 inches in length)
Plastic flatware
Tools such as pliers and screwdrivers (less than 7 inches in length)
Lighters
Toiletries, like toothpaste, lotion, gel, or aerosol (up to 3.4 ounces each and must fit in one clear, plastic, quart-sized, resealable bag)

*Note: the final ruling of what will be allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA agent.

Carry-On Luggage Limitations

Rules for carry-on luggage can differ depending on the airline, so make sure you check before heading to the airport.

The general rule for American carries is to allow their passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onto the plane with them. Some airlines allow you to board with these items free of charge, and some will charge you for them. The amount charged can change depending on your destination, so make sure you check before traveling to avoid any surprise fees at the airport.

Carry-on bags must not exceed the following dimensions, which include handles and wheels: 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches. Or you can think of it this way, the combined length, width, and height of your carry-on bag must not exceed 45 inches, including the handles and wheels.

Personal items must not exceed 9 inches x 17 inches x 10 inches. Examples of a personal item include a purse, briefcase, laptop computer bag, or other similarly-sized totes.

You can measure your carry-on luggage upon check in. If your bags do not meet the requirements, it may be checked and subject to applicable service charges.

Here is a list of things you should plan on packing in your carry-on luggage and personal item. These are things that you should have on hand, should your checked luggage get lost or delayed in transit to your final destination:

• Travel itinerary, tickets, or e-ticket info
• Passport and driver’s license
• Money: cash, credit cards, ATM, etc. Take only what you will need
• Reservation confirmations (hotel, rental car, theater tickets, etc.)
• Photocopies of everything mentioned above, as well as medical or trip insurance documents, prescriptions, and health insurance cards
• Phone numbers for your emergency contacts, doctor, and credit card companies (in case your credit cards are stolen or lost)
• Prescription medicine in its original bottle
• Contraception
• Pain relievers and motion sickness pills
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small bag of makeup
• Hairbrush or comb
• Camera
• Valuable jewelry
• One change of clothing, including underwear
• Long sleeved sweater or shirt
• Swimsuit
• Tampons/pads (if needed)
• Electrical converter/adapter (if needed)
• Sewing kit
• Reading material
• Headphones
• Sunglasses
• Contact lenses and solution
• Travel pillow and/or blanket