The basic guidelines regarding airport screening, as well as the most common items travelers request clarification on include the following:

• Shoe removal required at airport security checkpoints so they may be X-rayed with the passenger’s carry-on bags.
• Small doses of non-prescription liquid medications (up to 4 ounces) are permitted through the airport security checkpoint and onboard airplanes.
• Low blood sugar treatments including glucose gel for diabetics permitted.
• Certain cosmetics, such as solid lipsticks permitted.
• Baby food is permitted.

The TSA recommends travelers review the list of banned substances found on the “For Travelers” section of the TSA website, as well as the full list of prohibited items and other guidelines available on the site.

Because it is impossible to provide an exhaustive list of prohibited items, travelers who have questions or doubts about whether an item is prohibited are encouraged to err on the side of caution and place those in checked baggage.

For more information about the Homeland Security Advisory System, which provides government-issues information about travel advisories, please visit the Department of Homeland Security website.

In addition, travelers are reminded to contact their individual airlines for specific information related to their travel plans.