Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows nail clippers and small scissors in carry-on and checked bags.
✅ Nail polish is considered a liquid → must follow the 3-1-1 rule in carry-on.
⚠️ Sharp tools over 4 inches are not allowed in carry-on.
Details
- Nail clippers: Allowed in both carry-on and checked without restriction.
- Nail scissors: Allowed in carry-on if the blade is ≤ 4 inches (10 cm) from pivot point; larger scissors must go in checked.
- Nail files (metal or glass): Permitted in both carry-on and checked.
- Nail polish:
- Must be in containers ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) if carried on.
- Larger bottles allowed only in checked luggage.
- Nail polish remover is flammable — only small bottles (≤ 18 oz / 500 ml per container, max 70 oz total) are allowed in checked baggage under FAA rules.
TSA Nail Care Rules Summary
| Item | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Nail clippers | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Nail scissors ≤ 4 in | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Nail scissors > 4 in | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Nail files | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Nail polish ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Nail polish > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Nail polish remover | ✅ ≤ 3.4 oz (quart bag) | ✅ ≤ 18 oz/container, 70 oz total |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Scissor length matters: TSA measures from the pivot point, not the blade tip.
- ✈️ Polish remover caution: It’s flammable; keep containers small and tightly sealed.
- ✈️ Carry-on liquid limit: Even tiny nail polish bottles must fit in your quart bag with other liquids.
- ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow the same 100 ml liquid rule and 4-inch scissor rule.