TSA Travel Restrictions, Regulations and Requirements

Taking a Photo of TSA on Phone

Updated 02/02/2026:

Expired Driver's License and REAL ID Extension

Starting Mary 7, 2025 all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents age 18 years and older will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. A Real ID is a driver's license issued by a participating state that meets specific federal security standards. It includes enhanced security features to help prevent fraud. Visit your state's motor vehicle department website for specific requirements and procedures to find out how to get your Real ID. You will likely need to provide proof of identity, citizenship or legal residency, and date of birth but double check your state DMV requirements before you go. If you don't have a Real ID you may need to use an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.

What are the acceptable forms of identification?

  •    Real ID-compliant driver's license issued by a participating state
  •     U.S. passport
  •     U.S. passport card
  •     Enhanced driver's license issued by a participating state
  •     Tribal photo ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe
  •     U.S. military ID
  •     Temporary visitor visa
  •     Certain foreign passports

Shoes-Off ERA is OVER! 
Big news for your next trip through the San Francisco Bay Area! As of July 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially retired the 19-year-old "shoes-off" policy. Thanks to advanced imaging technology at checkpoints, all travelers can now keep their shoes on during TSA screening. This change is designed to slash wait times and make your journey through the airport much more comfortable and dignified.

Important travel requirements

When traveling domestically within the United States, it is important to check travel requirements on your destination State Department's website >> https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html 

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

New HAZMAT Ban: Check Your Styling Tools
While the security lines are moving faster, TSA has introduced strict new regulations regarding what can go in your checked luggage. As of August 25, 2025, specific hairstyling tools are now banned from cargo holds due to fire risks.

Banned from Checked Bags: Cordless curling and flat irons that use gas or butane cartridges, and all spare gas refills.

The HAZMAT Risk: Under the Code of Federal Regulations, these items contain flammable hydrocarbon gases (like butane) which pose a significant safety risk in aircraft cargo holds.

The Rule for Carry-Ons: You are still permitted one cordless butane-powered styling tool in your carry-on bag. It must have a secure safety cover over the heating element to prevent it from turning on accidentally. Note: Spare butane cartridges are completely banned from both checked and carry-on bags.

Travel Tip for a Smooth Check-In
To avoid having your luggage flagged or your favorite beauty tools confiscated, we recommend switching to plug-in hair tools or USB-C rechargeable versions, which are safe for both checked and carry-on luggage.

TSA: Prohibited Sharp Items

Lithium-powered portable phone chargers (also called power banks): Carry-On: Yes Checked: No

Box Cutters: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Ice Axes/Ice Picks: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Knives – except for plastic or round bladed butter knives:  Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Meat Cleavers: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Razor-Type Blades – such as box cutters, utility knives, and safety razor blades (disposable razors and their cartridges are permitted):  Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Sabers: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Scissors – metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches:  Carry-on: Yes Checked: Yes

Swords – cutting or thrusting weapons, including fencing foils:  Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

For the full list of prohibited items go to the TSA Travel Website.

Now, TSA has approved 11 specific liquid items that are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. These items can be carried in any amount in your carry-on bag:

Prescription medications (in original packaging)
Over-the-counter medications
Ice and gel packs
Breast milk or formula
Baby food
Liquid-filled teethers
Live fish
Biological samples
Wet batteries
Duty-free purchases (within 48 hours)
Fresh eggs


MyTSA Mobile Application Now Available

MyTSA has multiple functions, including the following tools:

  • Airport Status: Users can see what airports are experiencing general delays (not flight specific) or search for conditions at a specific airport. This information is provided by the FAA.

  • ‘Can I Bring?’: Users can type in an item they plan to bring on a trip to find out if it is permitted or prohibited, and whether they can pack it in carry-on or checked bags.

  • Guide: Users can get travel tips on an array of some of the most popular topics of air travel, including traveling with children, 3-1-1 rules for liquids, gels and aerosols, special medical needs, packing tips, tips for how to dress for airport security, tips for military members, and traveling with food and gifts.

  • Security wait times: MyTSA gives passengers the ability to share their wait time and see what wait times other passengers have posted for U.S. airports.

  • Wait Times: Passengers can also post the approximate amount of time it took them to get through security for other travelers to view.

To get MyTSA on your mobile device, type in www.tsa.gov/mobile.

You can find the MyTSA iPhone app on iTunes.

For any additional, up-to-date information with TSA, please visit their website: www.tsa.gov


 Travel tips, tricks, packing checklists and great travel gear

 

Adapter Finder

Adapter Plug chart with voltage information for each country which will help you to determine whether or not you need a converter or a transformer to change the voltage for your American appliance. 

Travel Packing Checklist

Pack everything you need with our comprehensive travel packing checklist. For your convenience many of the items are linked to travel accessories you can purchase right here. This handy little gem will ensure you don't leave home thinking you forgot to pack something. It also includes pre-departure tasks as well as a home checklist!

Comfort Travel Accessories

As times have changed from the days when the act of traveling was considered glamorous travelers have been forced to deal with less leg room, smaller seats, over-crowded flights and security check hassles. We've compiled tips and travel accessories to make the going efficient, comfortable, and more enjoyable.

Travel Information, Resources & Quick Links You Need to Check

Handy links for travel information, TSA guidelines, passport renewals, Embassy locations and more.

Packing Tips for Perfectly Packed Luggage

No need for stuffing, pushing or jamming your luggage. Follow our guide on what to bring and how to make it fit!

Our Picks for Top 10 Travel Accessories

We've gathered our picks of the top ten travel accessories you shouldn't leave home without.

Airline Regulations for your Carry-on Baggage and Checked Luggage

Things can get a bit confusing when carry-on restrictions vary from airline to airline as well as from airplane to airplane. Check out our general guidelines on what you can take on and what fees you might encounter.

TSA Regulations for your Carry-On Luggage and Bags

Travel information and restrictions on what TSA will and won't allow. Stay up-to-date with the MyTSA Mobile app feauturing handy tools and functions.