Working for TSA I would say that unless you plan to work while in the air I'd check it all....There are limits on how much liquids you can carry on ie.. 3.4 oz containers that will fit in a 1 quart bag is the limit...that's paint, glue, and anything for your personnel grooming needs... For more on what you can and can't take I'd go to the TSA web sit TSA.gov. One other thing to remember the size of the airport has a lot to do with what gets by. A big airport dosen't have the time to look too deep into your carry on, were as a smaller like where I work will look at everything and has the time to dig. Good luck!