Prohibited Items
Civil Sanctions
What happens if I bring a prohibited item to the security checkpoint?
If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint you may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted. A security or law enforcement officer will decide how to handle the situation depending on the item and the circumstances.
Depending on the circumstances, the security or law enforcement officer may allow you to:
- Consult with the airlines for help to put the prohibited item in checked baggage.
- Take the item away from the screening checkpoint.
- Make other arrangements for the item, such as taking it to your car.
- Abandon the item at the checkpoint.
To ensure everyone's security, a security officer may decide that an item that is not on this chart is potentially dangerous and may prevent you from taking it through the checkpoint.
Our list of prohibited items applies to flights originating within the United States. Restrictions on items when you travel from destinations outside the United States may be different. Please check with your airline or travel agent to make sure that you will be able to bring back all the items you are taking on your trip.
To learn more, read our guidance on civil sanctions.
