A Cuban TikToker identified as @linetamaro shared a series of practical tips on Tuesday for those planning to travel to Cuba with only cabin luggage, in a video posted on TikTok in response to a follower who inquired about the topic.
The first point addressed is the current liquid rule at airports in the United States: only containers of up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) are allowed in carry-on luggage. "If you are traveling to Cuba, you can only take liquid products that are up to 100 ml or 3.4 oz, and I recommend putting them all in a ziplock bag or a transparent little bag in case they ask for them," explained the creator.
It also warns about items that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits in the cabin. "You can't take a hammer, knife, or razor; anything that is sharp is also not allowed," he noted.
Another group of products that causes confusion is food with a paste-like consistency. The TSA classifies peanut butter, regular butter, and cream cheese as "liquids or gels," which means they cannot be taken on the plane in quantities greater than 100 ml.
However, @linetamaro shares a trick that worked for her: freezing the cheese before the flight. “I was bringing goat cream cheese, and what I did was freeze it, and so I packed it frozen with all the other products, and it stayed perfect with no issues either here or in Cuba," she recounted. TSA allows completely solid and frozen foods in the cabin; if they melt during the journey, the liquid rules apply.
One aspect that many travelers are unaware of is the regulations regarding batteries. "Lithium batteries and power banks must go in your personal item, meaning with you in the cabin, not in checked luggage," warned the TikToker. This requirement is due to regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which prohibits these batteries in the cargo hold due to fire risk.
Despite that warning, @linetamaro mentioned that she took two rechargeable fans in her checked luggage without any issues while traveling with American Airlines. It's important to note that Cuban Customs allows a maximum of two rechargeable fans per person; exceeding this limit may result in the confiscation of the equipment, as happened to a traveler in October 2025 who had three out of five fans confiscated during her attempt to enter.
This type of content is part of a well-established trend among Cubans in the diaspora, driven by the chronic scarcity of basic goods on the island and the high costs of excess baggage. Other creators have shared similar methods to maximize what can fit in a cabin suitcase, from packing techniques to strategic product selection.
At the end of the video, the TikToker left the door open for more questions: "If you have any other little questions, just let me know and I'll gladly make a little video for you."
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