Guides
Airport security rules for your carry-on
What you can and can't carry through security: the liquids rule, food, medication, power banks and batteries. Short answers first, then the full guides.
The short answers
- Liquids: Containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all in one clear quart-size (about 1 litre) bag per person. Spreads like peanut butter and hummus count. Some UK and EU airports with new scanners allow up to 2 litres; US airports don't. Read more
- Food: Solid food is fine in your carry-on. Anything you can pour, spread, spray or scoop follows the liquids rule. Frozen food passes if it's frozen solid. Read more
- Medication: Pills can be in any container at US security. Medically necessary liquids and ice packs for medicine are allowed over the limit; tell the officer. Abroad, check the destination's rules for controlled medicines. Read more
- Power banks: Carry-on only, never checked. Up to 100 Wh is fine, 101 to 160 Wh needs the airline's OK, over 160 Wh can't fly. Many airlines now limit how many you bring and ban using them on board. Read more
- Knives, sprays and tools: Knives and pepper spray don't belong in a carry-on. Small scissors and nail clippers are usually fine. Read more
Guides
Safety rulesFlying With Medication: Pills, Liquids, Ice Packs, CustomsHow to fly with medication: pill organizers vs bottles, liquid meds and ice packs at security, CPAP, refrigerated pens, and the rules that matter abroad.November 2, 2026 · 9 min read
Safety rulesWhat Counts as a Liquid at Airport Security? (Food Too)The carry-on liquids rule explained: what counts as a liquid (peanut butter, cheese, makeup), food you can bring, alcohol, duty-free on connections, and solid swaps.November 2, 2026 · 10 min read
Safety rulesPower Bank Rules for Flying in 2026: mAh to Wh and LimitsPower banks on planes in 2026: carry-on only, the 100 Wh and 160 Wh limits, how to turn mAh into Wh, and which airlines cap the number or ban using them.October 31, 2026 · 9 min read
Tools and charts
Questions people ask
Can I bring food through airport security?
Yes, solid food like sandwiches, fruit and snacks is allowed. Spreads, dips, yogurt and sauces count as liquids, so they need to be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less and go in your liquids bag.
Can a power bank go in checked luggage?
No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in your carry-on. If your carry-on is checked at the gate, take the power bank out first.
Does liquid medication count toward the liquids limit?
Medically necessary liquids are allowed in larger amounts and don't have to fit in your liquids bag. Take them out and tell the officer; expect extra screening.
More topics
Carry-on and personal item rulesHow big your bags can be, when airlines weigh them, which fares charge for an overhead bag, and what to do at the gate.Packing listsCarry-on sized packing lists for real trips, built from what travelers say they used, forgot or regretted, plus weather data for each destination..