Between wrapping up tasks at work and organizing someone to water your plants, there are numerous things to do before embarking on a trip. In the rush, it’s sometimes easy to forget to pack your sunscreen, airplane pillow or worse — your essential travel documents.
Our guide highlights TSA carry-on restrictions, travel document requirements and other airport necessities so you’re more prepared before your flight. Here’s a complete list of everything you should bring to the airport for a seamless travel experience.
TSA Carry-On Restrictions and the Airport Security Process
Taking the time to ensure your carry-on items meet TSA regulations helps you pass through the screening process quickly and easily. Review these packing guidelines and tips to avoid costly fines and delays.
The Liquid Rule
If you’re planning to pack toiletries in your carry-on, you must comply with the TSA liquid rule. This requires you to put all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. You can purchase travel-sized toiletries or pour your liquids into appropriately sized containers. Once you’ve organized your liquids, place all containers into a quart-sized transparent and resealable plastic bag. Each passenger is only allowed one clear bag, so you’ll need to be selective about what you pack.
The Airport Security Process
Before getting to your gate, you’ll have to go through the airport security check. You’ll place your carry-on items on a conveyor belt for X-ray screening, and you’ll step through a screening machine as well.
Before joining the screening line, take a moment to empty your pockets and remove bulky jewelry. It also helps to get your ID and boarding pass ready for inspection. Once you reach the front of the line, you must remove your bag of liquids, large electronics, belt and shoes for screening. It helps to wear shoes that are easy to remove to speed up the process.
Pack your carry-on bag in layers — shoes at the bottom, followed by clothes and then electronics — to make it easy to access items during screening. If you’re using a soft-shell carry-on bag, consider putting your liquids bag in the front pocket for instant access.
Additionally, make sure to double-check your toiletry bags. It’s easy for restricted items to mistakenly end up in these bags, and you don’t want TSA officials to confiscate them.
What to Pack as Carry-On Luggage
The length of your flight often impacts what you pack in your carry-on bag. On the long trek from New York City to Singapore, for example, you’ll most likely need extra snacks and reading material to keep you occupied for the 18-hour duration. If you’re checking a bag, it’s wise to pack your liquids in there rather than in your carry-on. That way, you won’t have to follow the 3.4-ounce liquid rule or place your liquids in a small bag. In any case, these items are allowed in your carry-on:
- Toiletries: Deodorant, lip balm, toothbrushes, and small containers of liquids like facewash and moisturizer are allowed in your carry-on.
- Tech devices: Laptops, e-readers, tablets, cellphones, earbuds and headphones can help keep you entertained while in the air.
- Travel pillow: A good-quality travel pillow will help support your head while you sleep. If you’re someone who feels the cold easily, you may want to pack a light blanket, too.
- Hand sanitizer: Lots of people hop on and off planes throughout the day. Keep your hands clean and prevent possible infections with alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Travel wallet: From your passport to your driver’s license, travel wallets help to keep all your important documents in one place.
- Snacks: Yes, they often offer food on flights, but that extra energy bar or bag of potato chips is always a good idea.
- Medication: You’ll want to keep medications on hand in case of lost luggage or delayed flights.
Lost luggage is not a common occurrence, but it’s best to prepare for every eventuality. Ensure you’re able to get by for a day or two by packing the following essentials in your carry-on bag:
- Lightweight jacket
- Extra medication
- Change of clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- An additional pair of shoes
What You Cannot Pack in Your Carry-On
These items are not allowed in your carry-on:
- Liquids over 3.4 ounces
- Alcoholic beverages over 3.4 ounces
- Guns and ammunition
- Plasma lighters, arc lighters, electronic lighters and e-lighters
- Sharp objects
- Self-defense items, such as pepper spray
- Fireworks and other explosives
- Spray paint, bleach and other potentially dangerous chemicals
Most of these items are allowed in your checked bag.
What Should You Bring to the Airport?
Let’s start with the most important items — a form of photo ID, your boarding pass and your passport if traveling internationally. Even if you’re sure you’ve packed these items, double-check before locking up your home. It’s worth making copies of these travel documents for greater peace of mind. Some other items to bring for a stress-free airport experience include:
- Cellphone chargers.
- Empty water bottles to fill once you’re through security.
- Money — in American dollars and the currency of your destination, if applicable.
- Motion sickness patches or medication.
- Clear, resealable bags.
- Cables ties.
- Face masks.
It’s good practice to get to the airport well before your flight, but there are several things you can do before you leave home for a more seamless travel experience. These include checking in online and weighing your checked bags before bringing them to the counter. If your bags are too heavy, paying for the extra weight is one more thing you’ll have to do before getting in the security line. If you’re traveling internationally, some countries require you to fill out a visitor’s arrival form once you’ve disembarked, so it’s a good idea to write down any emergency contact numbers and your hotel’s address to simplify the process.
Essential Travel Documents
While you can get by if you forget to pack an extra pair of socks or your favorite snacks, you won’t get very far without your travel documents. You also need to ensure all documents are valid. Before leaving home, check you have the following:
- Passport: All United States citizens — including babies and toddlers — need a passport to travel internationally. Most countries enforce a six-month passport validity rule, but you’ll want to confirm before planning your trip.
- Photo ID: Travelers over 18 need to present a government-issued ID that indicates their full name, gender and date of birth. Minors between the ages of 15 and 17 will also need to carry a form of ID — such as a school ID or driver’s license — if they’re traveling alone. Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers will need to ensure their ID is REAL ID-compliant.
- Visas: Some countries require you to apply for a visa before your trip. It’s best to check travel regulations with the relevant embassy in advance.
- Arrival or departure forms: Travelers who are not residents of the U.S. will need to complete a virtual I-94 and I-94W form ahead of their trip.
Simplify Your Travel Experience With 24 Hour Passport and Visas
When packing for your trip, use our guide as a checklist to ensure you have everything you need to get on a plane. You can also confirm any travel regulations with a travel agent or embassy before your flight.
24 Hour Passports and Visas offers travelers a more convenient travel document experience. We assist you in obtaining new or replacement passports as well as visas for your travel destination. Take one thing off your to-do list by booking an online appointment and speaking to our team!
