WHERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE RULES

When you’re flying domestically, there are at least three places to check before you fly:

Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA publishes a Pack Safe guide ( faa. gov/ about/ initiatives/ hazmat_ safety) that focuses mostly on hazardous materials such explosives, flammable liquids and radioactive materials. These items are not allowed on any commercial flight, so consider this the most authoritative list.

Transportation Security Administration. A far more extensive list of banned items is published by the TSA on its site ( tsa.gov/travel/securityscreening/prohibited- items). But that list can change and, as the TSA notes, the final decision on whether something is allowed onboard or not rests with the TSA screener at the checkpoint. Also, don’t forget to check that liquid rule: tsa.gov/travel/securityscreening/liquids- rule.

Your airline. Airlines have their own list of items that are and aren’t allowed on a plane. Their lists usually match the government’s lists, but not always. See Delta Air Lines’ website, for example: delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling- with- us/baggage/before- your- trip/restricted- items.html.