Most Important TSA Rules to remember when travelling with a Carry-on

If you follow this blog on regular basis, you know that we already explained why carry-on would probably be your best choice. Today, we will go further  into details, while trying to answer one of the most frequently asked questions around. How does the Transportation Security Administration affect the carry-on luggage?

These rules can sometimes be very rigid, but safety is the number one priority, so you have to make sure not to bring any items that are on the banned list. For that reason, we came up with this article, where we will do our best to inform you in the clearest way possible. Without further adieu, let’s jump right to it.

Basic toiletry

No matter if you are planning to go on a short road trip, or taking a long vacation, toiletries are one of the first things most individuals pack. Still, know that some of these items may cause a problem. For instance, disposable razors are allowed, but not when it comes to straight razors (which have a non-removable blade). The ladies would probably want to know if the makeup is allowed, and it sure is, as long as it follows the basic 3.4 ounce rule for liquids. As far as powders and lipsticks go, you can go nuts, as there are no limitations here.

Medication

No need to worry, as the regulations are quite clear on this subject. Even if it comes to liquid medications, travelers are allowed to bring more than 3.4 ounces, as long as they keep it in the normal boundaries. They even encourage passengers to transport the medications in a carry-on, just in case they might need it during the flight. Pills and solid form medications can be carried in unlimited amounts, you only have to be careful about the laws of the country you are heading into.

Food and beverages

Contrary to the popular belief, passengers are allowed to bring their own food on airplanes. Still, not everything is fine and dandy here. Beverages also succumb to the 3.4 ounce rule, so you can most likely forget about your favorite salad dressings, yogurts or maple syrup, just to name a few. Oh yeah, alcohol as well. Sad face. At least we can drown our sorrows with sandwiches, cookies and cakes for what it’s worth. When it comes to baby food, it’s not affected by the general rules, and you can bring as much as you like.

Prohibited items

This is not a joke, people, so don’t try to smuggle any of these items, or you might be in a world of trouble. It doesn’t matter whether you are carrying standard luggage or a carry-on bag, these things are always prohibited! Most of these rules are perfectly understandable, and common sense would be not to carry these items in the first place, but let’s name a few, just in case. As you might have assumed, anything flammable is out of the question, so leave your fireworks, flammable liquids and gun powder at home. Furthermore, aerosol paint and other compressed gas containers are also on this list.

The exceptions to these rules are lighters and vaping devices or electronic cigarettes.

Dimensions of the carry-on bag

It would be a shame if you honored all of these rules, just to fall on the last hurdle. It might seem trivial, but the size of your carry-on bag plays a huge role as well. If your choice is the Standard’s Carry-On you will have no problems, but just for that extra piece of mind, here are some tips regarding the size of your luggage.

Different carriers have different rules, but we will do our best to name a few of the most popular ones. Here are the maximum dimension you need to follow. Measurements are displayed in inches.

• American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9.
• Southwest Airlines: 10 x 16 x 24.
• United Airlines: 9 x 14 x 22.
• Hawaiian Airlines: 9 x 14 x 22.
• Alaska Airlines: 24 x  10 x 17.
• Delta Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9.

Those are just some of the largest airlines in the United States, but in case your carrier is not covered here, make sure to contact them ahead of time and get the info you desire. Have a good trip!