Surprising Items You Can Take Through Airport Security in 2025

Store liquids, gels, and aerosols in a quart-size bag and position it for quick access at screening to reduce delays for the passenger. Use travel-size containers for essentials, label oils clearly, and limit residue by consolidating duplicates. These steps help passenger flow.

Oversized belongings should be separated; laptops and large electronics move to the belt for separate screening, while accessories stay in transparent bags. Machines perform the primary pass, with supervisory staff ready to direct a quick test if needed. In undeveloped screening areas, procedures still rely on clear labeling and simple flows.

For babytoddler needs, keep infant formulas and milks in sealed containers and pack ready-to-use utensils in a separate pouch. Use clear labeling, keep spoons and bottles accessible, and ensure no spills that could create residue on holds or cases.

Sanitizer and personal care supplies must stay inside the quart-size bag; gel products should be under the limit and oils kept in sealed containers to reduce leakage beyond holds. Walmart offers compact, compliant options, and simple packaging improves recognition by arts-inspired icons on the label, which speeds the process; these options are practical for ongoing travel.

These steps help passenger flow and, year after year, rely on a few means to navigate lines efficiently; stay above the fray by keeping holds organized and respecting the staff’s directions. For frequent travelers, a calm routine reduces stress and makes the experience easier to enjoy.

Airport Security 2025: Quick Guide to Surprising Items

Recommendation: pack a single transparent bag for liquids, gels, and pastes, with each container at 100 ml or less; place this bag at the top of the carry-on for afterward inspection.

Liquids such as juice, soup, or distilled water qualify when stored in compliant containers; larger quantities exceed limits and must be left behind or moved to checked luggage.

Medicines and essential accessories should stay in original packaging; bring a doctor’s note if needed. Staff may refuse non-compliant substances, except when clearly labeled and declared.

Phone and other electronics should be powered down; remove from pockets, place in a separate tray for this inspection; press the power button to confirm off.

Vaping gear and spare batteries are commonly refused; doesnt carry them in checked luggage; ensure batteries stay with the device in carry-on.

Minimal accessories such as belts, watches, and jewelry should be arranged for ease of inspection; this ease reduces hold-ups and tear in the flow.

Travel planning for weeks long trips, especially to Hawaii, should include extra containers and accessories; this packing avoids needing replacements and helps you stay free of delays.

Guidance varies by destination and checkpoint, but the core 100 ml standard persists ever; in airplanes, ensure you meet limits before boarding; ahead of flying, suggest removing doubtful goods. This doesnt replace official rules, and it helps reduce injury and hassle while moving in lines.

Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols: size limits and clear bag requirements

Recommendation: Place all eligible liquids, gels, and aerosols in a single, transparent quart-sized bag; ensure each container is 100 ml (3.4 oz) or smaller and contained securely with caps to prevent leakage.

Qualifying items include beverages, sauces, creams, lotions, gels, pastes, and sprays. Each container must be ≤ 100 ml and contained inside the quart bag. usually, only one bag suffices, unless an exemption applies for medical needs; local guidance may vary. Keep items in their original packaging when possible to aid identification by staff.

Choose an uncluttered, neat transparent bag from a local source; having everything in order helps applying the rule at the checkpoint. Place the bag within the carry-on luggage compartment to ensure quick access during inspection.

Medicines, child nutrition, and meals for younger travelers may qualify under an exemption; carry documentation if available and keep items in their original packaging. Items labeled as eligible for accommodations should be declared if instructed by staff.

Caps must be tightened; avoid sharp-tipped components that could damage other contents. Aerosol products are powered by propellants and are fueled; ensure they remain contained and do not leak. Non-beverage liquids such as sauces (for example pizza sauce) must stay in containers ≤ 100 ml; preservatives in cosmetics do not affect limits; still, avoid consuming items at the checkpoint to minimize spills and contamination.

At the screening area, an advertisement board often reminds travelers of the limits; find the posted guidance and apply it promptly. If a notification arises, a relay from staff may provide quick instructions; if any remains outside the bag, it must be relocated. Be able to present the bag for inspection along with luggage; then proceed to the gate with confidence. Drinks purchased after screening and stored in a cooler must comply with the same cap. If a quick test confirms compliance, the journey continues smoothly.

Solid Foods and Snacks: what travels through security without extra checks

For placing dry, solid foods into a resealable bag and placing them on top of other belongings to speed inspection by agents and handlers; keep a vest-ready setup for quick access if needed; follow the following guidelines to protect everyone and ensure smooth handling.

Exceptions exist for substances that transition to liquidsnon-solid or that contain spreads; those require extra scrutiny and may be moved aside for separate inspection. Specific substances may be prohibited in large quantities; wine is often restricted by destination rules; reservations about amounts apply; advanced preparation helps avoid problems.

A few practical rules: keep free from added sauces or glaze; removed packaging only if asked by officials; keep to specific, clearly labeled portions to minimize interruptions; if in doubt, err on the side of smaller quantities to avoid problems with authorities or reservations about the destination. Be mindful of watt-hour considerations for any powered accessories accompanying snacks and ensure they are kept separate from edible items.

Medicines and Medical Devices: packing tips and declaration steps

Recommendation: Keep medicines in their original labeled containers and attach prescription notes when entering the screening desk; that matters for quick handling.

For cpap setups, place the machine, hoses, and rechargers in a single transparent bag; surround the unit with foam for protection, and keep connectors attached to the device.

Declarations for cylinders: Present documentation for cylinders and gas-delivery components; even small oxygen cylinders require it, and staff will inspect. For butane-fueled equipment, declare and store in a labeled case separate from personal packs.

Liquids tied to devices stay in labeled, leak-proof containers; limit large amounts and avoid excess volumes. For humidifier water or cleaning solutions, use travel-sized bottles and keep them in a transparent bag, with volumes expressed in milliliters or a practical handful of gallons if needed.

First step at the desk is to present a complete declaration form; the team will review the presence of devices and ensure labeling is clear so inspectors can move efficiently.

Prevent accidental spills by keeping liquids away from cpap units; store liquids in a sealed bag and check seals before moving.

Most travelers forget to separate non-medical items such as teethers, blenders, and vegetables from medical gear; packs should be arranged to ease inspection, with non-medical items placed in a transparent bag to minimize disruption.

Care about the overall arrangement; remains of packaging should stay intact to avoid delays and keep the line moving, ensuring that care extends to others in the process.

Electronics and Power Banks: allowed devices and battery safety basics

Always keep spare lithium-ion batteries in your carry-on with terminals protected and contacts insulated. This reduces risk during handling and helps staff assess devices quickly.

While packing, thoughts about space, weight distribution, and risk pose practical considerations; this guide aims to help travelers and staff align expectations and keep procedures clear.

• Battery capacity and permissions: Spare packs up to 100 Wh per unit are usually allowed in carry-on; packs between 100 Wh and 160 Wh may require activation by staff and a separate report; anything above 160 Wh is typically restricted or requires special approval.
• Examples and math: A 10,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V is about 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 25,000 mAh ≈ 92.5 Wh; a unit near 100 Wh weighs roughly 12 ounces; plan accordingly when packing.
• Device types and attachments: Computers, camera (with attached lenses or accessories), tablets, and other handheld gear usually stay in carry-on; spare batteries must be kept separately in a protective pouch or original packaging; the camera should be powered off for screening.
• Separately pack spares: Terminals must be protected; use tape or a dedicated case; keep spares in a clear bag to facilitate inspection.
• Labeling and identification: Clearly label Wh rating on each unit; if labels are missing, refer to the manufacturer’s information; this helps staff assess risk at a glance.
• Prohibited items and exceptions: Knives, blades, and other sharp implements must not be in carry-on; metal cylinders or similarly dangerous items should be left at home or packed in checked baggage if permitted by the carrier.
• Liquids and aerosols: Wine and hairspray are restricted; carry-on liquids must follow container size limits and be placed in a separate, transparent bag.
• Special cases and certain devices: Some devices with multiple cylindrical cells or unusual configurations may trigger additional checks; contact staff in advance for bookings that involve film gear or studio equipment (activation may be required).
• Family items: Teethers and other baby items can travel in carry-on; pack them in a separate pocket or bag to avoid confusion with electronics.
• Weather and temperature considerations: Extreme heat or cold can affect battery performance; avoid leaving packs in hot cars; store in a cool, dry place before transit.
• Reporting and team workflow: If there is any sign of swelling, overheating, or a strange smell, report to staff immediately; maintain a short log with model, capacity, and status in the report for follow-up.
• Where to start and additional steps: The staff usually follow a standard activation and screening process; for complex bookings, a dedicated team will coordinate with the traveler to ensure compliant packing and placement.
• Thoughts on best practices: We want to ensure devices with attached accessories are presented separately and treated with care; then follow the on-site instructions to avoid delays.
• Poses and welcome reminders: Welcome guidance from staff appears in the workflow, posing a barometer of risk that helps keep a smooth pace at the line.
• Computers and weather checks: When computing power needs, ensure spares stay in a clear bag and are kept away from liquids; staff will verify the rating and the activation status if applicable.
• Where to store cylinders and other components: Cylinders inside devices should remain installed; spare batteries and power banks stay in carry-on and are not placed in checked baggage.
• Thoughtful summary: Then reap the benefit of a streamlined process, with calm teamwork and thorough checks, especially for teams with multiple bookings.
• Customer notes: Welcome travelers should review these considerations before departure; the goal is to minimize re-packings and communication during the line.
• Additional tip: If a device poses concerns, keep it in a separate bag and request a quick review by staff; this approach helps maintain safety and efficiency.

Duty-Free Goods and Special Items: how post-purchase items are treated at screening

Recommendation: Seal liquidsnon-solid products obtained in duty-free shops in the official tamper-evident bag, with the receipt visible outside. Keep the bag unopened until arrival; at screening, present the bag and the receipt. If inspection occurs, the bag may be opened briefly and resealed by staff.

Liquidsnon-solid are governed by a 100 ml per container rule in most hubs. Containers must fit in a single transparent bag (roughly 1 liter). If any vessel is partially outside the bag, or contained within a separate pouch, screening may request removal or re-packaging before passage. Some travellers receive assistance from a specialist at a precheck desk to verify compliance and correct labeling.

Dietary goods, maple products, and other special goods purchased post-purchase require attention to ingredients and preservative additives. The policy clarifies that products must be 100 ml or less if going into carry-on, or kept sealed in the duty-free bag; ingredient lists should be legible. Certain preservative additives may trigger additional checks. The January update below explains which forms are acceptable and where to declare them when travelling between airlines and hubs, as well as where to store them in hotels or during layovers.

Equipment like medical devices or vehicle components is treated as equipment; some devices may require separate screening, and batteries may demand extra care. Precheck lanes and airline specialists provide guidance; if a package contains such gear, it may be removed for separate inspection or resealed for onward transport in hold luggage. Travellers travelling with fragile or perishable goods should receive explicit directions from the counter staff to avoid delays at screening; the ultimate aim is preserving product integrity.

In addition, plan for long journeys: map routes that include hotels along the way; consider how to transport store-bought liquids or dietary goods in the cabin versus checked baggage. For engine parts or heavy machinery components, declare at the desk and follow specialist instructions; with proper labeling and containment, most posts beyond the initial screening proceed smoothly.