Things cannot be brought to LA

Carry-on luggage = the bag that you will bring onto the plane yourself.
Checked luggage = the bag that you gave to airline to handle when you check-in.

For Carry-on luggage, you can bring a small amount of liquids only such as lotion and lens solution. They have to be in traveler size, and fit everything into a sandwitch plastic bag.

For checked luggage, there is no limit to liquids or water as long as they are not flammable.

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Some things that I usually like to bring, but I know they are not allowed to enter the USA are products with Meat or Vegetable.
This is the link to US government website for what you are not allowed...

http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml

On all flights to and within the USA, the only permitted liquids are toiletries, such as shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, that are stored in containers that are 3 oz or less in size, and all of these bottles must fit inside a quart-size (about 15cm x 15cm) Ziploc bag. There are no restrictions when the liquids are checked.

You can get more information from the TSA webpage:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm