The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or laptop) to be carried on board the aircraft. The size of a carry-on must meet airlines guidelines. Those guidelines can be found on the individual carrier’s website.
No liquids or gels larger than three ounces in size may be taken through the checkpoint. Any liquid, gel or aerosol must be in a container three ounces or less in size and all containers must fit into one, quart-sized, zip-top bag.
For more information check out "What to Know Before You Go" at http://www.tsa.gov/.