Can you fly with a vape? Find out what questionable items will or will not fly on planes in 2025 

In 2025, everyday items like snacks, makeup, and even vapes are generally allowed in carry-ons, as long as those products comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rules and airline-specific policies. But to avoid passenger perils, travelers should be wary of crossing borders with meat, certain aerosols, and weed. To avoid issues at security, it's essential to check both TSA guidelines and the specific rules of the country you’re flying to.

It’s not uncommon for you and someone you know to bring spoils from their travels–special snacks from certain countries, unique skincare, or just regular souvenirs. But sometimes travel restrictions get in the way, for better or for worse. That Serrano ham or prosciutto from your European world tour might be tempting to bring back, but the USDA has an iron claw on travelers looking to bring it back into the United States with their personal luggage. 

But what about other innocuous things? Here’s a list of every question asking what you may or may not bring onto certain or all flights in 2025–starting from the least to the most likely contraband.

Joni Hanebutt

Can you bring snacks on a plane? 

Snacks from your home country can be comforting en route to your destination and, equally, bites from your latest voyage allow you to immediately reminisce of a great trip. 

If you’re flying through the United States, most snacks like chips, crackers, cookies, nuts, granola bars, and popcorn are allowed. Even meals like sandwiches, wraps, pizza, and pasta are generally permitted. However, the moment that your food runs into “liquid” territory, like sauces, humus, salsa, or yogurt, you may be asked to throw it out before boarding the plane. 

I’ve had a run-in with the TSA in the JFK airport stopping me with some homemade beans I packed–but the officer let me off the hook. Not every officer is the same with their definition of viscous foods. 

There is a small disclaimer at the bottom of the TSA’s official webpage on acceptable foods that “the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.” So, it may end up being the luck of the draw if you want to take the risk. 

A list of permitted foods according to the official TSA website includes but is not limited to: 

• Canned food (with special instructions)
• Candy
• Bread
• Cereal
• Cheese*
• Chocolate*
• Coffee grounds
• Cooked meat, seafood and vegetable
• Cookies
• Crackers 
• Creamy Dips and Spreads*
• Dried fruits 
• Fresh eggs 
• Fresh fruits and vegetables¹
• Honey* 
• Gravy* 
• Jam and jelly* 

*If liquid or creamy, must be less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml

¹ Passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland cannot take most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.

For a full list of permitted foods, you can find them organized here. 

What’s not allowed? 

• Generally anything liquid or liquid-like over 3.4oz/100 ml
• Frozen liquids that have become a slurry/melted at security checkpoint

For the liquids/quasi-liquids, it’s recommended by the TSA to play it safe and leave it in a checked bag. 

Now, if you’re flying through Europe, double check what foods you bring. 

Even something as innocent as an apple might get you flagged in countries like Germany. A friend of mine warned me about the stern talking they received for an apple found in their backpack when they flew through a German airport coming from Italy. 

The European Union’s policy on traveling with foods is similar to the United States’ but with some distinctions. If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you. You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey. Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are also allowed.

If you’re thinking about sneaking it in, you may get a slap on the wrist and be forced to toss it or faced with hefty fines. 

Ultimately, can you bring food on a plane? Yes, but be mindful of each country’s unique security policies and make sure to do your homework before running into a possible situation in airport security.

TSA Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule

TSA enforces a Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule that generally applies to many items on this list. Anything liquid or liquid-like over 3.4oz/100 ml must be in a checked bag, anything less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml can be in a personal bag or carry-on. 

The TSA enforces a 3-1-1 rule that dictates that passengers can only carry as many 3.4oz/100 ml bottles that can fit in one quarter-sized plastic bag. 

The exemptions to the TSA 3-1-1 rules are duty free liquids. 

Duty Free Liquids 

Duty Free refers to items bought in an airport that exempt you from paying the taxes in that original country (since you are taking the product internationally).  An article by Travel and Leisure on this subject pinpoints alcohol and tobacco as providing the most savings due to having the highest taxes. 

When you purchase a duty free liquid over the 3.4oz/100 ml limit, the liquids are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer. If you do not break the seal and keep the receipt, you’ll be OK flying with it for the next 48 hours of your trip. 

For more details on the duty free regulations for TSA, you can find more information here. 

Can you bring toothpaste on a plane?

This falls underneath the TSA Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule. You should be fine bringing a toothpaste if it follows the volume regulations online. 

Can you bring deodorant on a plane? 

If it’s a solid deodorant, you’re all clear. But if it’s a liquid or aerosol variety, be careful of running into those liquid restrictions. 

Can you bring sunscreen on a plane?

Same rule applies for sunscreens in terms of liquid limits. 

However, you should be careful of the type of sunscreen you’re taking on your sunny trips–especially if you’re doing any eco-tourism. Certain countries have bans on sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other coral-toxic ingredients to protect coral reefs. 

Some of these countries are:

• Jamaica 
• Thailand
• Belize
• U.S. Virgin Islands 
• Mexico in certain regions (Cancun, Cozumel, and protected parks) 

You will not be searched for these sunscreen types upon entering these countries, so you can technically fly with them. 

But you may face fines or violations for bringing them to the actual destinations in parks or ecovillages. 

Can you bring makeup on a plane?

If the makeup product is not liquid, you should be fine. But be wary of those liquid restrictions on your cosmetics, which span concealors, mascaras, foundations, etc. 

Can you bring aerosol on a plane?

Aerosols are defined as small particles suspended in the atmosphere. They could be mineral dust or smoke… or the spray from your hair spray and dry shampoo. Aerosol items fall underneath the 3-1-1 rule for TSA. 

Aerosols are not treated the same across the board. The type of aerosols you’d be typically allowed to fly with are those related to toiletries (think hair spray, deodorant) and not something like bug spray or WD-40. The majority of airlines follow guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and national aviation authorities. Most aerosols not toiletries-related are subject to stricter regulations. 

Some international airlines have their own policies on types of aerosols allowed. Delta Air Lines prohibits aerosol products like cooking spray and anti-static spray in carry-ons and checked baggage. United Airlines restricts items like spray paint, household cleaners, and pesticides. British Airways follows standard protocol with allowing aerosols on carry-ons if they are 100 ml or less. 

The flammability of an aerosol is normally indicated on their can. If they are labeled as flammable, they are likely not allowed onto the plane. 

You should always check with your airline if you’re unsure whether your specific aerosol products are allowed. 

Can you bring cologne on a plane? Can you bring perfume on a plane?

Both cologne and perfume would fall underneath the standard aerosols regulations. While most perfumes and colognes are flammable, they are permitted when sealed properly. 

Can you bring hairspray on a plane? Can you bring dry shampoo on a plane?

You should apply the same standards for liquids, gels, and aerosols to hairspray and dry shampoo. Make sure they’re not flammable and that they have a proper cap sealing them. 

Can you bring nail clippers on a plane? Can you bring nail polish on a plane?

If you’re just taking a few items and nothing industrial or salon-sized, you should be smooth sailing. However, nail clippers can be confiscated if they’re found to be too sharp in certain airports. Whether your nail clippers are sharp enough to qualify as a weapon might be at the discretion of the security officer. 

Nail polish, while flammable, is allowed in small quantities on flights. While it may be tempting to bide your time doing your nails, the fumes from nail polish can lead to complaints from other passengers. Airlines are typically strict about this type of self-care in the cabin. 

Can you bring alcohol on a plane?

Now we’re getting into substance territory. 

According to the TSA, “Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.” 

Now if you’re trying to get buzzed before your flight and buy a bottle in the airport after security clearance, you should know that U.S. law (FAA regulations) and most international aviation laws prohibit passengers from drinking their own alcohol during the flight — even if it was purchased in the airport.

Can you bring zyns on a plane?

Zyns are nicotine pouches that can be stored between the gum and lips when used. Since they are tobacco-less and smoke-less, they are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. 

Just make sure you are cautious if going to certain countries. Singapore is famously strict on most substances and Australia has banned nicotine pouches. 

Can you bring weed on a plane?

Weed laws vary wildly from state and country. Marijuana also remains illegal under federal law in the U.S. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a federal agency and operates under these laws. So even if you’re in a state that allows recreational marijuana, you are subject to federal laws when entering through TSA and boarding flights. You cannot store marijuana in your checked bags either. 

According to an article by GoodRX, the TSA stated that it does not search for cannabis. But if they do find it, they are required to report it to the police. 

Medical marijuana is not exempt from these rules. If flying domestic, you’re recommended to see if you can purchase medical marijuana at your destination instead. If you try to take medical marijuana abroad, you could face serious legal consequences from local laws in that country. 

It is not recommended to bring weed on a plane, unless you’re willing to risk serious repercussions. 

Can you bring a vape on a plane? 

“Can I bring a vape on a plane?” Vapes, or e-cigarettes, are a form of aerosol. If you’re wondering what happens if you put a vape in carry-on, you should be happy to know that vapes are generally allowed in carry-ons. However, because they are battery-operated, they are considered a potential fire hazard and are not allowed in checked baggage.

The same rules apply for flying internationally–check the laws of the country you’re visiting. Overall, can you fly with a vape? Yes, but just make sure the vape isn’t bigger than the liquid policies (since it contains liquid that is then “vaporized” into an aerosol) and be wary of checking it in your luggage. 

Can you bring vapes on a plane (plural)? Multiple vapes, according to the rules explored so far in this article, cannot exceed the 3-1-1 TSA rule. 

Can you bring a lighter on a plane?

Lighters are interesting because they are inherently a fire hazard. TSA recommends passengers to remove batteries from lighters and placing the lighter in a protective case to prevent accidental flames on an aircraft. 

They are not allowed in checked bags. This is another situation where it’s a good idea to check the regulations of your destination country, as rules about lighters can vary internationally.

Can you bring candles on a plane? 

Regular wax candles are OK without specific quantity or size restrictions. These include paraffin, soy, beeswax, and palm wax candles. 

Can you bring pepper spray on a plane?

Pepper spray cannot be brought in your carry-on luggage. It can be checked in bags if it doesn’t exceed 4 fluid ounces, it has the proper safety mechanisms in place, and the spray does not contain more than 2% by mass of tear gas. 

Heavier, bigger sprays like bear spray are not permitted. Some airlines vary in their policies on pepper spray in checked bags, so be sure to double check. 

This article by Executive Flyers has a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts by airlines. In most countries around the world, pepper spray is banned or requires permits. So unless you’re flying domestically, you might want to leave the pepper spray behind. 

Can you bring scissors on a plane? 

The TSA allows scissors to be packed in checked bags. If they are brought in carry-on bags, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point. They advise travelers to wrap or securely sheathe any sharp objects in checked bags. 

Can you bring a razor on a plane?

Razors can vary from disposable to reusable. So which ones are safe to bring? Can you bring razors on a plane? Disposable razors are fine to bring in both carry-on and checked bags, according to the TSA. Apparently straight edge razors and safety razors are not TSA approved. Razor-type blades and box cutters can only go in checked bags. Safety razors are only permitted through a security checkpoint if it does not have the blade attached–otherwise, you can leave it in a checked bag (securely wrapped). 

This extends to the question: can you bring an electric razor on a plane? Electric razors are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. 

Conclusion

Overall, as the summer season starts to heat up and travelers begin to flock to their dream vacations, you should always exercise caution and good research wherever you fly. Most of these items fall under the TSA 3-1-1 rule and if they are not a liquid or aerosol, you should always double check the airline and country you’re flying into to make sure your abroad adventures aren’t cut short.