Carry-on & Customs Guides

Item pages give you the instant verdict; these guides teach you the underlying regulatory framework so you can travel with confidence. Every guide is derived directly from verified TSA, CATSA, FAA, and CBP regulatory publications.

TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Explained — 2026 Passenger Guide Complete breakdown of the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule: 100 ml (3.4 oz) containers, quart clear bag rules, medical exemptions, and international rules. Power Banks & Batteries on Planes — FAA Rules (2026) Complete guide to flying with batteries: calculate watt-hours (Wh), power bank carry-on rules, spare lithium limits, and checked bag cargo bans. Flying with Medication — TSA & CATSA Medical Rules (2026) Complete guide to traveling with medicine: liquid exemptions over 100 ml, doctor letters, insulin cooling packs, pills, and screening protocols. Bringing Food on a Plane — TSA & CATSA Rules (2026) Complete guide to food on airplanes: solid snacks vs liquid spread limits, peanut butter 3-1-1 rules, frozen ice packs, and international customs. Bringing Cash on a Flight — TSA & Customs Limits (2026) Complete guide to flying with cash: domestic no-limit rules, FinCEN $10,000 international declaration thresholds, and safe airport transit advice. Vapes & E-Cigarettes on Planes — FAA Rules (2026) Complete guide to traveling with vape pens and e-cigarettes: carry-on only mandate, battery fire rules, e-liquid 3-1-1 limits, and zero charging. Forced Gate Checks & Lithium Battery Safety Guide (2026) What to do when airlines force gate checks: removing power banks and vapes, preventing cargo fires, and airline disability rights (14 CFR 382). Duty-Free Liquids on Connecting Flights Guide (2026) How to carry duty-free alcohol and perfume through airport connections: secure tamper-evident bag (STEB) requirements and checkpoint screening. CT Scanners at Airport Security in 2026: 2L Hubs, Bins, Film CT scanners at ~300 US airports: laptops & liquids stay in bags, but 3-1-1 limits remain. The 2L airport list, bin rules, and film risks. Dated and sourced. Customs Biosecurity & Food Declarations Guide (2026) Complete international food travel guide: declaring fresh fruit, meat, dairy, agricultural biosecurity inspections, and avoiding border penalties. Prescription Medication & Controlled Substances Guide (2026) Complete guide to flying with prescription drugs: international controlled substance laws, original packaging requirements, and doctor notes. Scissors, Tools & Sharp Objects on Planes Guide (2026) Complete guide to sharp objects on flights: scissors under 4 inches, tools under 7 inches, knives, box cutters, and TSA vs CATSA blade rules. Souvenirs, Sand & Cultural Artifacts Plane Rules (2026) Guide to bringing travel souvenirs on flights: coral protection laws, sand export bans, cultural heritage rules, and international customs clearance. Checkpoint Rights & Confiscation Alternatives Guide (2026) Know your rights at airport security: alternatives to checkpoint confiscation, supervisor escalation, airport mailing options, and baggage transfer. TSA vs CATSA — US & Canadian Airport Rule Guide (2026) Key airport security differences between US (TSA) and Canada (CATSA): blade limits under 6 cm, cannabis on domestic flights, and powder rules (2026). REAL ID & TSA ConfirmID: The $45 Fee, 10-Day Window (2026) No REAL ID? The $45 TSA ConfirmID fee, 10-day window rules, checkpoint screening, and cost comparison vs getting a REAL ID. Dated and primary sourced. TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry & NEXUS (2026 Guide) Complete 2026 comparison of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and CLEAR: costs, renewal times, international customs lanes, and family traveler benefits. What Happens When TSA Takes an Item? (2026 Rules) What happens when TSA confiscates an item: surrender rights, airport mail-back kiosks, return-to-car options, checked bag rescue, and official dispute rules. Aerosols on a Plane — TSA & CATSA Carry-On Rules (2026) Complete guide to bringing aerosols on a plane: 100 ml 3-1-1 toiletry limits, checked bag allowances, flammability hazards, and TSA/FAA rules. What Changed About Flying in 2026 (And What Didn't) Complete 2026 state of air travel rules, dated and sourced: TSA ConfirmID, CT scanners, airline bag fee wave, what didn't change, and 8-country status map. Does It Count as a Liquid? The Complete 2026 Carry-On List Mascara? Peanut butter? Snow globes? Complete carry-on liquid classification list: 60+ items, the official TSA test, UK and Japan rules. Verified Aug 2026. Do Liquids Have to Be in a Clear Bag? The Real 2026 Rule TSA's page says "quart-sized bag" — no longer "clear." What that means, what officers expect, and real bag rules in the US, UK and Japan. Verified Aug 2026. Power Banks on Planes: The 100 Wh Decision Guide (2026) The limit is Wh, not mAh: under 100 Wh flies, 100–160 Wh needs approval, over 160 Wh doesn't. 3.7V math, label test & 2026 airline caps. Verified Aug 2026. Can You Use a Power Bank on a Plane? 2026 In-Flight Rules You can bring your power bank — but 2026's ICAO regime bans recharging it from seat power. In-flight rules for American, Lufthansa Group & Emirates. Southwest Baggage Rules 2026: Fees, Carry-On Size & Liquids Southwest raised checked bag fees to $45/$55 on April 9, 2026 — the carry-on and personal item stay free on every fare. 2026 fees, size limits & liquid rules. Air Canada Baggage Rules 2026: The Fare × Route Fee Matrix Air Canada raised checked bag fees to $45/$60 (April 13, 2026) and Economy Basic has no carry-on on those routes. The 2026 fee matrix and free-bag escapes. UK Airport Liquid Rules 2026: The 100ml vs 2L Map The UK 100ml rule is no longer uniform: 8 airports allow 2L per container, no clear bag — the rest still enforce 100ml. The full airport-by-airport map. GLP-1 on a Plane 2026: The 21-Day Clock & Checkpoint Rules Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound: carry-on only, 3-1-1 exempt, needles allowed. The per-drug temperature table and checkpoint rules. Verified 2026-08-29. Flying on Ozempic or Wegovy: The 56-Day and 28-Day Clocks (2026) Ozempic: 56 days at room temperature after first use. Wegovy: 28 days before use. The day-math for flying, a neutral cooler table, and the checkpoint rules. Mounjaro/Zepbound on a Plane 2026: 21-Day Clock & 96-Hour Window Mounjaro and Zepbound pens: 21 days at room temperature (KwikPen 30). The 96-hour missed-dose window and day-math for flying. Canned Food on a Plane 2026: The Whole-Can Rule & Which Cans Pass Which canned foods clear security? The TSA whole-can rule, the can-by-can verdict table, the checked-bag path, and the customs layer. Frozen Food on a Plane 2026: The Slushy Line & Dry Ice Limits Frozen food on a plane: the slushy line (frozen solid at the belt passes, slushy fails), dry ice limits (2.5 kg, 49 CFR 175.10), and what thaws in the hold. Baby Food, Formula & Breast Milk on a Plane 2026: The Exemption The full TSA exemption for baby food, formula, and breast milk: what passes the belt, separate screening, slushy cooling packs, and customs rules. Gold Allowance Dubai to India 2026: CBIC Duty-Free Limits Official 2026 Indian customs (CBIC) gold allowance: 20g/40g duty-free caps, 1kg foreign currency rate, bullion rules, and Red Channel declaration steps. Bringing an iPhone to India in 2026: Customs Duty & Rules Flying to India with an iPhone in 2026? Official CBIC rules: 1 personal phone free, ₹50,000 allowance, and the 38.5% customs duty rate on boxed gifts. UK Customs Allowances 2026: Alcohol, Cigarettes & Food Limits Official UK Border Force allowances for 2026: 200 cigarettes, 18L wine, 42L beer, EU cheese rules, and strict bans on non-EU meat and dairy imports. Mexico Customs Allowances 2026: Alcohol, Cigars & Medication Official Mexico SAT customs rules for 2026: $500 USD air franchise, 3L spirits limit, 90-day medication rules, Tramadol warnings, and cigar restrictions. 12 Weirdest Airport Security Items and Their Rules (2026) The 12 most counter-intuitive airport security rules explained: peanut butter, Galaxy Note 7, dry ice, violins, and why physics and law dictate each. Fit to Fly: Medical Timing & Health Rules for Flying (2026) Official 2026 medical flight clearance rules: pregnancy weeks, ear barotrauma, cataract surgery gas bubbles, plaster casts, and diving intervals explained. TSA vs CATSA Carry-On Rules in 2026: Limits, Scanners & Fees Verified 2026 TSA & CATSA carry-on rules: 3-1-1 liquids, 3D CT scanners, $45 ConfirmID, 100 Wh batteries, and key cross-border checkpoint differences. How to Navigate Airport Security Smoothly: 2026 Pro Guide Master airport security checkpoints: pre-queue prep, bin loading strategy, CT scanner rules, body scanners, and your legal rights during secondary screening. Best Carry-On Luggage & Airline Size Limits: 2026 Guide Universal 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on dimensions, sizer box tolerances, linear-inch formulas, and airline size limits across 17 domestic and international airlines. Packing Hacks to Pass Airport Security Fast (2026) Radiographic packing hacks that pass airport security without bag pulls: layer density, cable consolidation, liquid placement, and solid toiletry swaps. Carry-On Packing Checklists for Every Trip: 2026 Edition Verified carry-on packing checklists for domestic weekend, international long-haul, budget airline, and medical travel with zero checkpoint surprises. Traveling With Medical Equipment Abroad: 2026 Legal Guide Fly internationally with medical equipment: 14 CFR Part 382 free carry-on protections, 150% battery runtime formulas, airline MEDIF clearance, and customs. Airline-Compliant Electronic Travel Accessories (2026) Buyer's guide to airline-approved electronic accessories: terminal covers, fireproof LiPo bags, GaN multi-chargers, and compliant Bluetooth trackers (2026). Why Use Can I Carry It Baggage Tools? 2026 Guide Why interactive on-device baggage tools beat outdated blog posts: client-side Wh formulas, 918 verified item records, offline PWA access, and zero signup. Medical Devices in Cabin Carry-On: FAA Rules (2026) Complete guide to medical devices in carry-on: CPAP, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, insulin pumps, 14 CFR 382 rights, and FAA RTCA DO-160 compliance. How to Pack Light for International Flights (2026) Beat strict 7kg and 8kg international carry-on limits: ultra-light luggage, capsule wardrobe packing, solid toiletries, and personal item optimization (2026). Best Power Banks for Air Travel: 2026 Technical Buyer's Guide Guide to travel power banks: 100 Wh airline limits, true mAh to Wh math, 3.7V nominal voltage traps, fast charging protocols, and China CAAC airport rules. Top 5 Power Banks for Air Travel Compared (2026 Benchmarks) Head-to-head comparison of top 5 airline-approved power banks: Anker Prime, Baseus Blade, UGREEN Nexode, Shargeek, and INIU evaluated on Wh, ports, and size. Complete List of Prohibited Items on Commercial Airlines (2026) Complete guide to prohibited airline items: carry-on bans, checked luggage limits, and universally forbidden hazardous materials across TSA, FAA, and ICAO. How to Measure Carry-On Luggage at Home (2026 Guide) Accurate home measurement guide for carry-on luggage: tape measure method, wheels and handles inclusion, linear inches math, and airport sizer tolerances. Pre-Flight Liquids & Batteries Checklist: 2026 Audit 10-minute pre-departure compliance audit: verify bottle capacities, calculate battery Watt-hours, check terminal insulation, and avoid gate-check confiscation. 50 Everyday Items Allowed on Planes: 2026 Travel Guide 50 items permitted through airport security: knitting needles, disposable razors, breast pumps, solid candles, tools under 7 inches, and keys (2026 Guide). How to Pack Liquids & Aerosols Safely for Flights (2026) Prevent cabin pressure leaks and toiletry explosions: 80% fill rule, thread barrier sealing, aerosol nozzle caps, and FAA checked baggage aggregate limits. Best Luggage Scales & Sizers for Air Travel: 2026 Review Avoid airline overweight fees: digital hanging scale tests, luggage measuring tape vs AR smartphone apps, calibration accuracy, and airport sizer box dynamics. Travel Insurance Baggage Coverage vs Airline Liability (2026) Montreal Convention 1,519 SDR liability limit, credit card baggage protection, gate-check item exclusions, and when standalone travel insurance is worth buying. Flying With Power Tools, Drones & Batteries: 2026 Rules Commercial guidelines for contractors, drone pilots, and filmmakers: 101–160 Wh battery permissions, tool carry-on size limits, and checked bag precautions.