Quick answer
As of November 2026: liquids in your carry-on must still be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less and fit in one quart-size bag; you can keep your shoes on at US checkpoints (since July 2025); you need a REAL ID or another acceptable ID such as a passport for domestic flights, or pay a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee; and power banks must go in your carry-on, never checked bags.
What changed recently
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement began.
- July 8, 2025: shoes-on screening at domestic airports.
- February 1, 2026: $45 TSA ConfirmID fee for travelers without acceptable ID.
- Not changed: the 3.4 oz liquids limit. Despite media reports, TSA hasn’t announced a relaxation.
The liquids rule (3-1-1)
According to TSA, liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, and all of them must fit in one quart-sized bag per passenger. Larger containers go in checked baggage.
- Medication: medically necessary liquids over 3.4 oz are allowed. Take them out of your bag for separate screening.
- Formula, breast milk and juice for children: allowed in reasonable quantities above 3.4 oz, outside the quart bag. Tell the officer at the start of screening (TSA).
- Duty-free liquids over 3.4 oz are allowed on connecting flights if they’re in a sealed tamper-evident bag with a receipt from the last 48 hours.
- Water bottles: bring an empty bottle and fill it after security.
What about CT scanners?
Some checkpoints have CT scanners. TSA says these remove the need to take liquids and electronics out of your bag, but only at checkpoints that have them. The 3.4 oz size limit still applies. Follow the officers’ instructions in each lane.
Shoes
On July 8, 2025, DHS and TSA announced that passengers at domestic airports can keep their shoes on at checkpoints. Other screening layers still apply, and officers may ask for additional screening.
Laptops and electronics
In standard lanes without CT scanners, take laptops out and place them in a separate bin. In TSA PreCheck lanes, you can leave laptops, your 3-1-1 bag, belts, shoes and a light jacket on or in your bag (TSA PreCheck FAQ).
REAL ID and acceptable ID
Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, for domestic flights.
No REAL ID? The $45 ConfirmID fee
From February 1, 2026, adults without acceptable ID must pay a $45 fee for TSA ConfirmID:
- Pay online at Pay.gov before you travel and bring the receipt.
- It’s valid for 10 days from the travel date on the receipt.
- Each adult 18 or older pays separately.
- Verification usually takes 10–15 minutes but can take 30 minutes or more, and TSA doesn’t guarantee it can verify your identity.
Children under 18 don’t need ID for domestic flights when traveling with an adult who has acceptable ID.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years. To join:
- Apply online with an enrollment provider (about five minutes).
- Attend an appointment for documents, fingerprints, a photo and payment (about ten minutes).
- Add your Known Traveler Number to airline bookings.
| Provider | New enrollment | Online renewal |
|---|---|---|
| IDEMIA | $79.75 | $58.75 |
| Telos | $85.00 | $69.95 |
| CLEAR | $84.95 | $72.95 |
Fees as listed on tsa.gov in November 2026. Check current fees before applying.
Kids: children 12 and under can use the PreCheck lane with an enrolled parent. Teens aged 13–17 need the PreCheck indicator on their own boarding pass and must be on the same reservation (TSA). Nobody is guaranteed expedited screening on every trip.
Power banks and batteries
Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be in your carry-on, not checked bags (TSA). Under FAA rules, batteries up to 100 Wh are generally allowed; 101–160 Wh need airline approval (two spares maximum); over 160 Wh is forbidden. Since March 27, 2026, ICAO rules also limit passengers to two power banks and ban recharging them on board, and several airlines ban using them in flight altogether. More in our power bank guide.
Common prohibited items
| Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Firearms and ammunition | No | Yes: unloaded, locked hard case, declared to the airline |
| Knives (except plastic or round-bladed butter knives) | No | Yes |
| Scissors | Under 4 inches from the pivot point | Yes |
| Multi-tools with a blade | No | Yes |
| Disposable and Zippo lighters | Yes | Only without fuel, or up to 2 in a DOT-approved case |
| Torch lighters | No | No |
| Bear spray | No | No |
| Aerosol toiletries | 3.4 oz or less | Up to 18 oz per container, 70 oz total per person |
From TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” list. The officer has the final say.
Getting through faster
- Arrival time: TSA says to check with your airline, since recommended times vary.
- MyTSA app: shows crowdsourced checkpoint wait times and busy-time history.
- TSA Cares: passengers with disabilities or medical conditions can call (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to arrange checkpoint assistance.
- Pat-downs: you can usually opt out of the body scanner for a pat-down by an officer of the same sex, and ask for private screening.
- Pack smart: keep your liquids bag and electronics on top. See how to pack a carry-on.
FAQ
Has TSA changed the 3.4 oz liquid limit?
No. As of November 2026, TSA’s official pages still state the 3.4 oz (100 ml) limit and one quart-sized bag.
Do I still need to take my shoes off?
Not at domestic airport checkpoints since July 2025, though officers may still require additional screening.
Can I fly without REAL ID?
Yes, with another acceptable ID like a passport. Without acceptable ID, you can pay the $45 ConfirmID fee, but verification isn’t guaranteed.
Sources checked November 2026: TSA, DHS and FAA official pages.
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
