What changed for carry-on and checked luggage rules and how to pack so you breeze through airport screening

Travel rules keep shifting. Below is a guide to what changed in the last year (2025,) what stayed the same, and smart packing rules you can use right now to avoid surprises at security. I looked at TSA guidance, FAA battery rules, DHS/TSA announcements, airline pages and recent news so you can act with confidence.

The updates to know right now

Carry on luggage rules don't need to be too complicated if you stay up to date. It's been years, but now you can usually keep your shoes on at U.S. checkpoints. As of July 2025 the Department of Homeland Security/TSA rolled out a policy allowing most passengers to leave shoes on during screening. You may still be asked to remove footwear if a scanner flags it. Department of Homeland Security+1

Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in the cabin, not checked. This remains a high priority for regulators. Spare lithium metal or lithium ion batteries, plus power banks, must be in carry-on baggage and their terminals protected. Airlines and the FAA are enforcing this strictly. Federal Aviation Administration+1

The 3-1-1 liquids rule is unchanged. Pack larger amounts in checked luggage. Transportation Security Administration+1

Some electronic or battery-powered items were restricted or clarified in 2025. TSA updated guidance and enforcement around electronics and certain appliances that present fire or explosion risks. Items containing gas cartridges or unusual battery chemistries (for example some cordless hair tools or devices with butane cartridges) may now be banned from checked luggage or restricted altogether. Always check the TSA "What Can I Bring?" tool and your airline before packing. BGR+1

Quick packing rules playbook: how to think about your carry on luggage

1. Treat batteries as passengers. If it has a removable lithium battery or it is a power bank, carry it on. Protect terminals with tape or original packaging. Don’t stash power banks in checked baggage. Federal Aviation Administration

2. Prioritize accessibility. Put laptops, tablets and essential electronics near the top of your carry-on so you can remove them quickly if an agent asks.

3. Liquids are still strict. Pack larger suncare, lotions and sprays in checked luggage when possible or buy when you arrive.

4. Know the oddball bans. Tools with pressurized gas or hazardous cartridges are often now prohibited in checked bags. If in doubt, consult the TSA “What Can I Bring?” page or your airline.

5. Shoes: keep them comfortable and scanner-friendly. Avoid heavy steel-toe boots that might trigger extra checks.

6. When crossing borders, check the destination rules. Other countries (even states!) may have different battery or liquid rules or bias in screening.

   
   

Smart packing playbook (with helpful gear)

Here’s a list to help you pack confidently and quickly. I have everything in my suitcases ready to organize when I'm about to jet-off, which makes life so simple ahead of plane travel.

1. Store batteries smartly: Carry spare lithium batteries and power banks in your carry-on.

   • Dial Industries Battery Organizer a compact box for AA, AAA, C, and D batteries

2. Use quart-size clear toiletry bags. My favorites.

   • EzPacking TSA Quart‑Size Toiletry Bag is transparent, zippered, reliable

   • Sonia Kashuk TSA Travel Makeup Bag Kit includes fillable bottles, jar, funnel

   • BAGSMART Clear Makeup / Toiletry Bag is a wide-opening bag for easy packing

3. Easy on-off shoes. Having slip-on styles still helps if flagged.

   • Adidas Hoops Mule Sneakers are comfortable, trendy, easy to wear

   • Seychelles Mule Clogs come in a few, more formal, suede, options

4. Organize tech & cables. Use tech pouches to keep cords, chargers, adapters tidy.

   • U Brands Canvas Tech Organizer has multiple compartments, good for power banks, cables

2025 Luggage Rules Infographic / www.tbltrips.com