TSA Rules 2026: What You Can Bring on a Plane

TSA Rules 2026: What Has Changed

Understanding TSA rules 2026 before your flight prevents delays, confiscated items, and unnecessary stress at the airport. The biggest change this year is the Real ID enforcement, which means your standard driver’s license may no longer get you through security.

TSA security checkpoint with approved items in bins

This guide covers everything you need to know about current TSA rules, organized as a quick reference you can check the night before your flight. Bookmark it, share it with your travel group, and use it alongside Yopki’s trip planner to keep your travel preparation organized.

Here is what is new or updated for 2026:

Real ID enforcement is active. As of May 7, 2025, you must have a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or other acceptable ID to fly domestically.
CT scanners expanding. More airports have CT (computed tomography) scanners that produce 3D images, which means you may not need to remove liquids or electronics from your bag at some checkpoints.
TSA PreCheck renewal is now $78 for 5 years (reduced from $85).
Digital ID pilot programs are expanding to more airports, allowing TSA to verify your identity using a digital driver’s license on your phone.

Liquids: The TSA Rules 2026 3-1-1 Rule

The 3-1-1 rule remains the most commonly misunderstood TSA regulation. Here is exactly how it works.

The Rule

3.4 ounces (100ml): Maximum container size for any liquid, gel, cream, paste, or aerosol in your carry-on
1 quart-size bag: All liquid containers must fit in a single clear, resealable plastic bag (approximately 7 x 8 inches)
1 bag per person: Each passenger gets one quart bag

What Counts as a Liquid

TSA defines “liquid” broadly. These all follow the 3-1-1 rule:

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Toothpaste and mouthwash
Moisturizer, lotion, and sunscreen
Perfume and cologne
Hair gel, mousse, and spray
Liquid makeup (foundation, concealer)
Contact lens solution
Deodorant (gel or spray – solid deodorant is NOT a liquid)
Lip gloss

Exceptions to the 3-1-1 Rule

These items can exceed 3.4oz in carry-on bags:

Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter liquid medications in reasonable quantities. Declare them at screening.
Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants: Allowed in reasonable quantities. Inform the TSA officer and place in a separate bin for screening.
Medically necessary liquids: Including liquid nutrition, IV bags, and other medical fluids with documentation.

At CT Scanner Checkpoints

At airports with newer CT scanners, you may not need to remove your quart bag from your carry-on. The 3D scanning technology can see through bags more effectively. TSA agents will tell you whether removal is required at your specific checkpoint.

Food: What You Can Bring Through TSA

Solid foods are generally allowed through TSA security without restrictions. Here is the breakdown.

Allowed in Carry-On (No Restrictions)

Sandwiches, wraps, and burritos
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Bread, bagels, and pastries
Candy and chocolate
Chips, crackers, and dry snacks
Nuts and trail mix
Protein bars and granola bars
Cooked meat, pizza, and casseroles
Cheese (solid blocks and sliced)

Subject to the 3-1-1 Rule (Liquid/Gel Foods)

Soup, stew, and chili
Yogurt and pudding
Hummus and dips
Salsa and sauces
Peanut butter (in containers over 3.4oz)
Jam and jelly
Gravy
Canned food (the liquid inside counts)

Frozen Items

Frozen food is allowed if it is completely frozen solid at the time of screening. Partially thawed items with liquid are treated as liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 rule. Ice packs must also be fully frozen. Tip: use dry ice (up to 5.5 lbs, properly packaged and labeled) for keeping items frozen.

Alcohol

In carry-on: Mini bottles (50ml/1.7oz) are allowed in your quart bag. Alcohol over 140 proof (70% ABV) is prohibited entirely.
In checked bags: Up to 5 liters of alcohol between 24-70% ABV per passenger. Under 24% ABV, no limit.
Important: You cannot consume your own alcohol on the plane. FAA regulations require that flight attendants serve all alcohol consumed onboard.

Electronics and Batteries

Carry-On Electronics Rules

Laptops: Must be removed from bag and placed in a separate bin (unless you have TSA PreCheck or are at a CT scanner checkpoint)
Tablets and e-readers: Generally do not need to be removed, but follow TSA agent instructions
Phones: Can stay in your bag or pocket (may need to remove at some checkpoints)
Cameras: DSLR and mirrorless cameras may need to be placed in a separate bin
Gaming consoles: Must be removed from bag like a laptop

Battery Rules

Lithium-ion batteries under 100Wh: Allowed in carry-on and checked bags (this covers most phones, laptops, and tablets)
Lithium-ion batteries 100-160Wh: Allowed in carry-on only, with airline approval. Limited to 2 spare batteries per person.
Lithium-ion batteries over 160Wh: Prohibited on passenger aircraft
Portable chargers/power banks: Must be in carry-on (not checked). Capacity under 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh at 3.7V)
Spare batteries: Must be in carry-on, individually protected (tape over terminals or in individual plastic bags)

Medications and Medical Devices

TSA rules 2026 provide clear exemptions for medications and medical needs.

Medications

Pills and solid medications: No restrictions in carry-on or checked bags. No need to declare. Keep in original containers with pharmacy labels for identification.
Liquid medications: Allowed in carry-on in excess of 3.4oz. Declare them to the TSA agent at the screening checkpoint and place them in a separate bin.
Syringes: Allowed when accompanied by the medication they are used with. Declare at screening.
Insulin and diabetic supplies: Insulin pumps, glucose meters, test strips, and insulin are all allowed. You can request a hand inspection instead of X-ray scanning for insulin pumps.

Medical Devices

CPAP machines: Allowed as an additional carry-on item (does not count toward your bag limit)
Nebulizers: Allowed in carry-on
Hearing aids: No restrictions
Prosthetics: Will go through screening. You can request private screening if preferred.
Wheelchairs and mobility aids: Allowed through security with additional screening

Prohibited Items: What You Cannot Bring on a Plane

Never Allowed in Carry-On

Firearms and ammunition
Knives with blades over 2.36 inches (6cm)
Box cutters, razor blades (loose), and straight razors
Baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks
Martial arts weapons
Tools over 7 inches (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers)
Mace, pepper spray over 4oz
Fireworks and flares
Lighter fluid and strike-anywhere matches

Never Allowed in Carry-On or Checked Bags

Explosive materials
Flammable liquids (paint thinner, gasoline)
Chlorine and bleach
Fireworks
Dynamite and gunpowder
Tear gas

Allowed in Checked Bags Only

Knives (all types)
Scissors with blades over 4 inches
Tools over 7 inches
Sports equipment (bats, clubs, sticks)
Firearms (unloaded, in locked hard-sided case, declared at check-in)
Pepper spray (one 4oz container with safety mechanism)

Real ID Requirements in 2026

The Real ID deadline is now in effect. Here is what you need to know about TSA rules 2026 and identification.

What Is Real ID?

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. Real ID-compliant IDs have a gold star or similar marking in the upper corner. They require additional documentation at the DMV (birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of address) beyond what standard licenses require.

Acceptable IDs for Flying in 2026

Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (look for the gold star)
U.S. passport or passport card
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry card (trusted traveler ID)
U.S. military ID
Permanent resident card (green card)
DHS trusted traveler cards (NEXUS, SENTRI)
Federally recognized tribal ID
Foreign government passport

What If You Do Not Have Real ID?

If your driver’s license is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly by using an alternative acceptable ID (passport is the most common backup). Check your state’s DMV website for Real ID application requirements and processing times. Some states offer same-day Real ID at the DMV, while others have multi-week wait times.

Plan ahead and check Yopki’s passport guide if you need to get a passport as your primary travel ID.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR

Feature	TSA PreCheck	Global Entry	CLEAR Plus
Cost	$78 / 5 years	$100 / 5 years	$189 / year
Faster security line	Yes	Yes (includes PreCheck)	Yes (skips ID check)
Keep shoes on	Yes	Yes	No (unless paired with PreCheck)
Keep laptop in bag	Yes	Yes	No (unless paired with PreCheck)
Expedited customs	No	Yes	No
Application process	Online + in-person	Online + in-person	Online + in-person
Background check	Yes	Yes (more extensive)	No (identity verification only)
Best for	Domestic travelers	International travelers	Frequent flyers at CLEAR airports

Which Should You Choose?

TSA PreCheck: Best value for domestic travelers who fly 2+ times per year. $78 for 5 years is a no-brainer.
Global Entry: Best choice if you take even one international trip per year. Includes TSA PreCheck, so you get both for $100.
CLEAR Plus: Only worth it at airports where CLEAR lanes are available and standard security lines are consistently long. Works best when combined with PreCheck ($189/year + $78/5 years).

What to Expect at TSA Security Screening

Standard Screening Lane

Show your boarding pass and acceptable ID to the TSA agent at the document check podium.
Place all items in bins: shoes off, belt off, jacket off, laptop out of bag, quart bag of liquids out of bag.
Place your carry-on bag and personal item on the conveyor belt.
Walk through the body scanner (millimeter wave) or metal detector.
Collect your belongings from the other side.
If flagged for additional screening, a TSA agent will conduct a pat-down or inspect specific items.

TSA PreCheck Lane

Show boarding pass and ID (your PreCheck status appears on your boarding pass as a Known Traveler Number).
Keep shoes, belt, and light jacket on. Keep laptop and liquids in your bag.
Place carry-on on conveyor belt.
Walk through the metal detector.
Collect your belongings. Total time: usually 2-5 minutes.

Tips for Faster TSA Screening in 2026

Wear easy-on, easy-off shoes. Slip-ons or loafers save time compared to boots or lace-up shoes in the standard lane.
Minimize metal. Leave jewelry, watches, and heavy belt buckles in your carry-on bag instead of wearing them through the scanner.
Have your ID and boarding pass ready before you reach the document check. Digital boarding passes on your phone work at all TSA checkpoints.
Pack your carry-on strategically. Place your quart bag and laptop near the top of your bag for easy removal.
Empty your pockets completely before entering the scanner. Items in pockets trigger additional screening.
Know your airport. Some airports have shorter security lines at certain terminals or during off-peak hours (early morning, mid-day on weekdays).
Check wait times before heading to the airport using the MyTSA app or your airline’s app.
Arrive early. TSA recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.

Keep all your flight details, boarding passes, and travel documents organized in Yopki’s trip planner so everything is accessible on your phone when you reach the security checkpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions About TSA Rules 2026

Can I bring food through TSA in 2026?

Yes. Solid food items are allowed through TSA security in both carry-on and checked bags. This includes sandwiches, fruit, snacks, bread, candy, and most baked goods. Liquid or gel-based foods like soup, salsa, yogurt, hummus, and peanut butter must follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule (3.4oz containers in a quart-size bag) in carry-on bags. Frozen items are allowed if they are fully frozen solid at the time of screening. If partially melted, they are treated as liquids.

Do I need a Real ID to fly in 2026?

Yes. Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA requires a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification (passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck) for domestic flights. Standard driver’s licenses that are not Real ID-compliant will no longer be accepted at airport security checkpoints. Check your license for a gold star or similar indicator to confirm it is Real ID-compliant.

What is the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule?

The 3-1-1 rule means each passenger can carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, placed in 1 quart-size clear plastic bag, with 1 bag per passenger. This bag must be removed from your carry-on and placed in a screening bin at the security checkpoint (unless you have TSA PreCheck). Exceptions exist for medications, baby formula, and breast milk, which can exceed 3.4oz but must be declared at screening.

Is TSA PreCheck worth it in 2026?

Yes, for most frequent travelers. TSA PreCheck costs $78 for 5 years ($15.60/year) and lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, keep laptops and liquids in your bag, and use a dedicated shorter security line. Average PreCheck wait times are under 5 minutes compared to 15-30+ minutes in standard lanes. If you fly more than 2-3 times per year, the time savings alone justify the cost. Global Entry ($100 for 5 years) includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs re-entry from international trips.

Can I bring a razor through TSA?

Disposable razors and their cartridges are allowed in carry-on bags. Safety razors with removable blades are not allowed in carry-on (the handle is fine, but the blade must go in checked luggage). Straight razors and box cutters are prohibited in carry-on bags. Electric razors are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.

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