Traveling can often involve strict regulations, especially when it comes to TSA size restrictions. Luckily, there have been recent updates that make packing more convenient than ever. Several popular travel items have now received the TSA size restriction green light, allowing travelers to carry these essentials with ease. From handy grooming tools to tech accessories, these items will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Whether it's a must-have beauty product, a portable gadget, or a travel-friendly item for comfort, these ten items now fit within TSA's carry-on guidelines. No need to worry about long security lines or having to toss your favorite travel essentials. Take note of these new approved items and make your next trip a breeze!
Solid Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Solid shampoo and conditioner bars have become a smart solution for travelers trying to avoid liquid restrictions. Since they’re not classified as liquids, they bypass the TSA’s 3.4-ounce rule and don’t need to go in a quart-sized bag. They’re compact, long-lasting, and won’t leak in your bag. Many come in small tins or compostable wrappers, cutting down on waste and clutter. You can pack them in your carry-on or personal item without flagging your toiletry bag for additional inspection. For multi-city trips or long layovers, these bars save space while keeping hair care routines consistent and mess-free.
Portable Neck Fans
Compact and bladeless, portable neck fans now meet TSA’s updated size requirements for carry-ons and personal items. These fans are worn around the neck and direct cooling airflow upward, powered by a small internal battery that meets flight safety standards. They’re especially useful for long airport waits, summer destinations, or crowded transport hubs. Since they don’t have exposed blades or oversized batteries, they no longer trigger additional screenings. Look for models under 7 inches across and easy to pack flat. Whether you're navigating jet bridges or walking across hot tarmac, these fans make travel heat far more manageable.
Foldable Travel Laundry Bags
Foldable laundry bags that compress into palm-sized pouches are now approved for carry-ons and personal items under TSA’s space guidelines. These bags weigh next to nothing and unzip into full-sized compartments, allowing you to separate clean and used clothing on the go. Made from ripstop nylon or mesh, they dry quickly and can be squished into any corner of your bag. Travelers looking to stay organized during multi-stop trips, hostels, or even airport layovers will find them helpful. Since they contain no metal or liquid, they pass through security without issue and help reduce the clutter that comes with longer travel.
Collapsible Silicone Water Bottles
These bottles collapse when empty and expand when filled, making them a great TSA-compliant hydration solution. As long as they’re empty when you reach security and fold under 8 inches when collapsed, TSA allows them in your carry-on or personal bag without problem. After screening, you can fill up at any terminal water station and avoid buying overpriced bottled drinks. Silicone models are lightweight, food-safe, and easy to clip onto a backpack or store in a jacket pocket. Many come with leak-proof lids and wide mouths, allowing for easy addition of ice. They’re especially helpful on long-haul flights or airport treks.
Travel-Size Game Consoles (e.g., Nintendo Switch Lite)
Thanks to clarified TSA guidelines, compact game consoles like the Nintendo Switch Lite and Steam Deck are now permitted to be carried through checkpoints without extra scrutiny. You may still be asked to remove them during screening, but their size no longer triggers delays or confusion. These devices are small enough to tuck into tech pouches or backpacks, and their rechargeable batteries fall well within safe travel wattage. Great for passing time in terminals or on long flights, they turn hours into quick sessions of gameplay. Just remember to keep cords and accessories bundled separately for a smoother screening experience.
Multi-Port USB Travel Chargers
Slim and efficient, multi-port USB chargers are now cleared as carry-on electronics, provided they don’t exceed standard wattage or contain tangled cords. These devices let you power phones, tablets, and e-readers from one outlet—especially useful in hotel rooms with limited plugs or airports where outlets are scarce. TSA may inspect larger charging blocks if they appear bulky, but pocket-size models with foldable prongs pass through easily. Pack cords neatly and avoid stuffing chargers at the bottom of your bag. With one small item, you keep multiple devices topped up while reducing clutter and avoiding outlet-hunting at crowded gates.
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Solid Toothpaste Tablets
Toothpaste tablets resemble small mints but pack the cleaning power of regular toothpaste without the liquid hassle. TSA does not classify them as gels or pastes, which means you can carry as many as you like without using up your quart-size bag allowance. Just chew, brush, and rinse—no tube needed. They’re especially useful for long flights, red-eyes, or travel where packing light is key. These tablets often come in compact tins or refillable containers, making them easy to slip into side pockets or dopp kits. You stay fresh mid-journey without navigating airport bathrooms with half-empty tubes.
Compact Travel Rain Jackets
Packable rain jackets that compress into their own pouch are now recognized as carry-on compliant, as long as they fold under 12 x 6 inches. Whether you're navigating rainy tarmacs or heading into an unpredictable climate, these jackets stow away neatly in backpacks, sling bags, or even large pockets. Made from water-resistant nylon or polyester, they add almost no weight to your load. Some styles come with hoods, zipper pockets, and breathable panels—all without exceeding size restrictions. TSA agents don’t need to inspect them separately, so they won’t slow down screening. Useful in-flight or on arrival, no matter the weather.
TSA-Approved Facial Roller Tools
Small facial rollers made from jade, quartz, or metal are now permitted in carry-ons if they measure under 6 inches and contain no liquids or gels inside. These tools can be helpful for reducing puffiness on long flights or refreshing skin after a red-eye. Since they’re smooth, compact, and non-electronic, they don’t usually require removal during screening. Some travelers keep them in their toiletry bags, while others slip them into cosmetic pouches for mid-flight self-care. Avoid rollers with detachable gel inserts or battery-powered vibration features, as these may require closer inspection. Simpler designs pass through with ease.
Solid Lotion Bars
Solid lotion bars are a clever workaround for TSA’s liquid restrictions. Because they’re solid, they don’t need to be placed in your quart-sized bag, freeing up space for other items. These bars melt slightly on contact with skin, making them useful for treating dry hands, elbows, or feet during or after a flight. Many come in compact tins, reducing bulk and mess inside your bag. They’re also less prone to leaking or pressure changes compared to bottled creams. As long as they contain no embedded liquid cores or breakable packaging, they clear security and pack easily into a carry-on.
TSA’s New Green Light
These ten newly approved travel items make it easier than ever to pack and breeze through security. With fewer restrictions, traveling becomes more convenient, leaving you more time to enjoy your trip rather than worrying about what you can bring. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, these items offer both practicality and peace of mind.
Before your next flight, double-check your essentials to ensure you’re taking advantage of the latest TSA allowances. The key to a smooth airport experience is knowing what you can carry with you, and with these items, you’re one step closer to a hassle-free journey. So go ahead, pack these approved essentials and start your travel adventure stress-free!
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