Last checked: July 2026 — sourced against TSA “What Can I Bring?”. Re-verify before you fly.
The verdict, in one line
It depends on the razor. Disposable razors, cartridge razors, and electric shavers are fine in carry-on. Safety razors are allowed too, but you must take the loose double-edge blade out first — a bare blade has to travel in checked baggage. Straight razors are checked-only. In checked baggage, every kind of razor is allowed as long as sharp blades are wrapped.
Razor rules by type
The TSA treats razors differently depending on whether the blade is enclosed or exposed. TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” entry for disposable razors and its safety razor entry are the primary sources here. This table sums it up:
| Razor type | Carry-on | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disposable razor | Yes | Yes | Blade is fixed and enclosed. No action needed. |
| Cartridge razor | Yes | Yes | Same as disposable — the blade sits in a plastic cartridge. |
| Electric razor / shaver | Yes | Yes | Allowed both ways. Battery-powered units are fine. |
| Safety razor (handle) | Yes, blade removed | Yes | The razor body is fine; the loose blade must come out for carry-on. |
| Loose double-edge blade | No | Yes | Bare blades not in a cartridge are prohibited in carry-on. |
| Straight razor | No | Yes | Exposed fixed blade — checked baggage only. |
The dividing line is whether the blade is exposed or loose. TSA’s razor-type blades entry confirms that razor blades not held in a cartridge are prohibited in carry-on, which is why a safety razor’s double-edge blade and a straight razor’s fixed blade both fail the carry-on test while a sealed cartridge passes.
How to pack razor blades safely
If you shave with a safety razor and want to keep it in your carry-on, unscrew the head, remove the blade, and pack the loose blade in your checked bag. Blade banks, the original waxed-paper wrapper, or a small rigid case all work for keeping a bare blade from slicing anything — or anyone — in transit.
For checked baggage, TSA asks that any sharp object be sheathed or securely wrapped so baggage handlers and inspectors don’t get cut when they open your bag. Wrap straight razors and loose blades, and you’re set. Disposable and cartridge razors need nothing special either way — the blade is already sealed behind the plastic guard.
Airlines and international rules
These rules are TSA rules, which govern departures from U.S. airports. Most major security authorities — the UK’s, the EU’s, Canada’s — handle razors in broadly the same way: enclosed cartridge and electric razors in the cabin, loose blades and straight razors in the hold. Airlines generally defer to the local security authority rather than adding their own razor rules.
That said, specifics can vary by country, and a few destinations are stricter about any bladed item. If you’re flying out of a foreign airport, check that country’s security authority before you pack, rather than assuming the TSA list applies. And remember: the TSA officer at the checkpoint always has the final say on whether any given item comes through, even when the published rule says yes.
Sources & verification
Every claim on this page was checked against the primary sources below and last verified July 2026. TSA has no dedicated “straight razor” entry; the checked-only rule for straight razors and bare blades rests on the razor-type-blades guidance.
- TSA — “What Can I Bring?”: Disposable razors (allowed in carry-on and checked; sharp objects in checked should be sheathed or securely wrapped). tsa.gov/…/disposable-razor
- TSA — “What Can I Bring?”: Safety razor (allowed through the checkpoint only with the blade removed; the loose blade must be checked). tsa.gov/…/safety-razor-blades-allowed-without-blade
- TSA — “What Can I Bring?”: Razor-type blades (loose blades not in a cartridge are prohibited in carry-on and must go in checked). tsa.gov/…/razor-type-blades
Related rules: Sharp objects & tools · Nail clippers · Deodorant
FAQ
Can I bring a disposable razor in my carry-on?
Yes. Disposable and cartridge razors are allowed in carry-on and checked bags with no special packing, because the blade is enclosed in a plastic head.
Can I take a safety razor on a plane?
Yes, but the loose double-edge blade must be removed for carry-on. The razor handle and head are fine in the cabin; the bare blade goes in checked baggage. A fully assembled safety razor with the blade left in should stay in your checked bag.
Are straight razors allowed in carry-on?
No. A straight razor has an exposed, fixed blade, so it’s checked-baggage only. Wrap it before packing.
Can I bring an electric razor on a plane?
Yes. Electric razors and shavers are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
What about loose razor blades?
Bare blades that aren’t in a cartridge — including double-edge safety razor blades — are prohibited in carry-on and must go in checked baggage, wrapped so they can’t cut anyone.