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This U.S.-focused guide separates checkpoint screening, aviation safety and consumer protections from airline policies. TSA, the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) set different rules; airlines also make many decisions about baggage, pets, seating and assistance. Check the operating carrier’s current requirements and any destination or transit-country rules before travel.

1. Bring acceptable identification to the checkpoint

TSA requires adults age 18 and older to show valid identification at a U.S. security checkpoint. The accepted forms and implementation details can change, so check TSA’s Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint page before leaving. A passport is one alternative form of ID; do not assume a particular state ID will be accepted without checking the current list.

2. Follow TSA screening instructions

Being allowed to pack an item does not guarantee it will pass through screening without questions. TSA officers may inspect items or require additional screening. Before packing an unfamiliar item, check TSA’s What Can I Bring? resource or prohibited-items list, then follow instructions at the checkpoint. The TSA TSA Travel Tips page collects relevant screening guidance.

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3. Pack ordinary carry-on liquids under the 3-1-1 rule

TSA applies its 3-1-1 limits to most liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in carry-on bags. The rule is not a ban on all liquids: it limits how ordinary products are packed for screening. Medically necessary liquids have an exception; declare them for screening and follow TSA’s instructions. Check TSA’s current liquid and medication guidance if you are unsure whether a product qualifies.

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4. Put spare lithium batteries and power banks in your carry-on

Under FAA passenger battery guidance, spare lithium batteries—including power banks and portable chargers—must travel in the cabin, not checked baggage. Protect them from damage and short circuits. A battery installed in a device is different from a spare battery, so check the FAA’s Airline Passengers and Batteries guidance for how to pack each item.

5. Check the watt-hour rating and get approval when required

The FAA’s current passenger guidance describes these limits for rechargeable batteries: up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are generally permitted; batteries from 101 to 160 Wh require airline approval and are subject to quantity limits; batteries above 160 Wh are not allowed on passenger aircraft. These thresholds are not a blanket rule for every battery chemistry or mobility device. The FAA cautions that airline, TSA and international requirements may be more restrictive, so confirm the specific battery and route with the operating carrier.

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6. Do not pack a hazardous damaged or recalled battery

A damaged or recalled battery that is likely to spark or generate dangerous heat must not be carried in checked or carry-on baggage unless it has been removed or otherwise made safe. Do not treat this as an ordinary packing issue: check the FAA’s battery guidance and contact the airline if you are uncertain whether a device or battery is safe to transport.

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7. Verify carry-on size and allowance with your airline

There is no single carry-on size in the cited federal guidance that applies to every airline, fare and aircraft. The FAA directs travelers to baggage guidance, and TSA advises making sure a bag fits in the overhead bin or under the seat. Before packing, check the operating carrier’s current dimensions, weight limits, number of bags allowed and fare conditions. Aircraft changes can affect available space.

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8. Check security restrictions and dangerous-goods rules separately

TSA screening restrictions and FAA hazardous-material rules address different risks. They can overlap, but passing one check does not automatically settle the other. For an unusual, sharp, flammable, pressurized or battery-powered item, check both TSA’s item guidance and the FAA’s PackSafe for Passengers information before packing. The FAA’s Preparing to Fly page also points travelers to baggage and TSA resources.

9. Do not assume an ordinary pet can travel in the cabin

The FAA leaves the decision to allow ordinary pets in the cabin to each airline. If a carrier accepts your pet, the animal’s carrier generally counts as carry-on baggage and must fit under the seat and be stowed as required. Confirm the carrier’s dimensions, availability and procedures before booking; approval to travel does not mean a pet can ride outside its carrier during the flight. See the FAA’s Flying with Pets guidance.

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10. Treat service animals under the separate DOT rules

Service animals on U.S. airlines are covered by DOT requirements, not the airline’s ordinary-pet policy. Do not assume every animal qualifies as a service animal or that ordinary pet procedures apply. Review DOT’s current requirements and contact the airline about required forms, notice and arrangements for your itinerary.

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11. Ask about pet procedures before you book

Cabin availability, carrier limits, advance notice and other pet procedures are airline-specific. The FAA recommends contacting the airline. Confirm the rules for the operating carrier—not just a booking or marketing partner—and verify the arrangements for each flight segment before paying for a ticket.

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12. Request a refund if you reject a qualifying cancellation or change

DOT says a passenger who declines the alternative offered after a cancellation or qualifying significant delay or change is entitled to a refund, including on a nonrefundable ticket. This does not mean every delay qualifies. DOT’s refund guidance identifies schedule thresholds of 3 hours for domestic itineraries and 6 hours for international itineraries for certain early departures or late arrivals, as well as qualifying itinerary changes. Check the guidance for the exact circumstances and process; a refund right is different from accepting rebooking or other assistance.

13. Know what the 24-hour booking rule covers

For an eligible ticket bought at least 7 days before departure, an airline must allow either a 24-hour hold or cancellation within 24 hours for a full refund. The rule does not apply to bookings made through travel agents or online travel agencies, according to DOT’s Refunds guidance. Check the terms and booking channel before relying on it.

14. Do not confuse a refund with meals, hotels or rebooking

A refund for a qualifying disruption and an airline’s commitments to provide meals, lodging or rebooking are separate matters. DOT’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard shows carrier commitments for controllable delays and cancellations; use it to check the operating airline’s stated commitments, not as a general rating of service quality. A controllable delay is generally one caused by the airline; examples include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and fueling. Check the carrier’s current terms for your situation.

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15. Check the conditions for adjacent family seats

Do not assume a family will get adjacent seats without a fee on every flight. DOT’s Airline Family Seating Dashboard describes the conditions for participating airlines that assign seats and guarantee fee-free family seating: an adult and a child age 13 or under are seated together no later than the day before the flight. Check whether the airline participates and whether your booking meets the stated conditions.

16. Arrange accessibility needs and monitor flight status

Contact the airline about disability-related assistance and accommodations as early as practical. The applicable arrangement can depend on the need and aircraft; DOT’s About the Air Carrier Access Act page explains passenger protections, while the FAA provides accessibility guidance. Before departure, check FAA National Airspace System (NAS) status, weather and the airline’s flight-specific updates, as recommended on the FAA’s Preparing to Fly page.

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