When preparing for your next journey, it’s crucial to know what to pack where.
Not everything should go into your checked luggage, especially if you want to avoid delays, damage, or loss of your belongings. From essential medications to fragile electronics, this guide outlines 21 items you should never pack in checked bags. Keep these items close to ensure a smoother, safer travel experience.
Keep them in your carry-on for immediate access if needed during travel, and to ensure you’re not left without them if your checked luggage is delayed or lost. Losing medications can be both inconvenient and health-threatening, especially if they’re hard to replace at your destination.
Electronics (like laptops, cameras, tablets)
These items are not only expensive but also fragile; they could be damaged or stolen if checked. Moreover, you might need them during your journey for work, entertainment, or to capture moments.
Jewelry and Valuables
Checking valuables increases the risk of them being stolen or lost; keeping them with you is the safest option. Losing irreplaceable items like family heirlooms or expensive jewelry can be devastating.
Travel Documents
Always carry passports, visas, and tickets in your carry-on; losing them could delay or derail your travel plans. These are essential for identification and entry into countries, and they’re not easily replaceable while abroad.
Cash and Credit Cards
Checked luggage can be lost or stolen, leaving you without access to your funds. Moreover, losing credit cards could lead to potential identity theft if they aren’t immediately canceled.
Lithium Batteries
Due to the risk of overheating or causing fires if damaged, these must be in carry-on luggage. Airlines mandate this for safety reasons, ensuring immediate response if any issue arises. Don’t forget that most electronics contain lithium batteries.
Laptops
Smartphones
Tablets
Portable chargers
Cameras
Drones
Vape pens
Lighters
Guns and Ammunition
They require special handling and declaration; packing them incorrectly can lead to legal consequences. Always check airline policies, as they must be in locked, hard-sided containers in checked luggage when not in use. Also, be aware that firearms are commonly targeted by thieves so be very cautious about flying with your firearms.
Fireworks
Prohibited in all luggage due to their explosive nature, posing a significant risk to safety on board. They could cause damage or injury if accidentally ignited.
Flammable Liquids
These are banned from checked luggage to prevent fires or explosions, particularly if the containers leak. The risk of combustion from items like lighter fluid is too high.
Oxygen or SCUBA Tanks
These are treated as hazardous materials and can explode or leak under cabin pressure changes. They are not allowed in checked luggage for safety reasons.
Hazardous Chemicals
Chemicals like drain cleaners could react dangerously if their containers break or if they’re mixed with other substances. They are strictly prohibited to avoid accidents.
Cremated Remains
While allowed, airlines prefer these in carry-on for easier handling and to ensure they’re treated with the respect they deserve. Losing or mishandling remains can be emotionally distressing.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices
Due to battery fire risks, these must be carried on board rather than checked. They can cause fires if damaged or short-circuited in the hold.
High-Proof Alcohol
Liquids over 140 proof are too flammable for air travel in any luggage type. They could ignite under pressure changes or if the bottle breaks.
Matches and Lighters
Only one book of safety matches or a common lighter is allowed in carry-on; checked luggage risks accidental ignition. The potential for fire is too great in the cargo hold.
Perishable Foods
They can spoil, leak, or be confiscated due to agricultural restrictions, especially on international flights. Carrying them in checked luggage might lead to a mess or health issues.
Fragile Items
The rough handling of checked luggage can easily break delicate items like glassware or ceramics. Keeping them in carry-on ensures they arrive intact.
Spare Lithium Battery-Powered Devices
These should be in carry-on for safety monitoring; if they malfunction, immediate action can be taken. They pose a risk if they short-circuit in the hold.
Important Keys
Losing keys like those to your home or car in checked luggage could leave you in a bind or your property at risk. It’s better to keep them accessible and safe.
Personal Hygiene Products
You might need these during travel, and if your luggage is delayed, you won’t be left without essentials. Also, certain items can leak or spill, affecting other belongings in checked luggage.
Custom-Made or Hard-to-Replace Clothing
If lost or damaged, replacing unique or custom items could be difficult or impossible at your destination. Keep them with you to ensure they make it to your trip safely.
21 Things You Should Never Pack in Checked Luggage
When preparing for your next journey, it’s crucial to know what to pack where.
Not everything should go into your checked luggage, especially if you want to avoid delays, damage, or loss of your belongings. From essential medications to fragile electronics, this guide outlines 21 items you should never pack in checked bags. Keep these items close to ensure a smoother, safer travel experience.
For a comprehensive look at what’s allowed and what’s not, refer to the TSA rules on what not to pack in your checked luggage
What Not To Pack In Your Checked Luggage
Prescription Medications
Keep them in your carry-on for immediate access if needed during travel, and to ensure you’re not left without them if your checked luggage is delayed or lost. Losing medications can be both inconvenient and health-threatening, especially if they’re hard to replace at your destination.
Electronics (like laptops, cameras, tablets)
These items are not only expensive but also fragile; they could be damaged or stolen if checked. Moreover, you might need them during your journey for work, entertainment, or to capture moments.
Jewelry and Valuables
Checking valuables increases the risk of them being stolen or lost; keeping them with you is the safest option. Losing irreplaceable items like family heirlooms or expensive jewelry can be devastating.
Travel Documents
Always carry passports, visas, and tickets in your carry-on; losing them could delay or derail your travel plans. These are essential for identification and entry into countries, and they’re not easily replaceable while abroad.
Cash and Credit Cards
Checked luggage can be lost or stolen, leaving you without access to your funds. Moreover, losing credit cards could lead to potential identity theft if they aren’t immediately canceled.
Lithium Batteries
Due to the risk of overheating or causing fires if damaged, these must be in carry-on luggage. Airlines mandate this for safety reasons, ensuring immediate response if any issue arises. Don’t forget that most electronics contain lithium batteries.
Guns and Ammunition
They require special handling and declaration; packing them incorrectly can lead to legal consequences. Always check airline policies, as they must be in locked, hard-sided containers in checked luggage when not in use. Also, be aware that firearms are commonly targeted by thieves so be very cautious about flying with your firearms.
Fireworks
Prohibited in all luggage due to their explosive nature, posing a significant risk to safety on board. They could cause damage or injury if accidentally ignited.
Flammable Liquids
These are banned from checked luggage to prevent fires or explosions, particularly if the containers leak. The risk of combustion from items like lighter fluid is too high.
Oxygen or SCUBA Tanks
These are treated as hazardous materials and can explode or leak under cabin pressure changes. They are not allowed in checked luggage for safety reasons.
Hazardous Chemicals
Chemicals like drain cleaners could react dangerously if their containers break or if they’re mixed with other substances. They are strictly prohibited to avoid accidents.
Cremated Remains
While allowed, airlines prefer these in carry-on for easier handling and to ensure they’re treated with the respect they deserve. Losing or mishandling remains can be emotionally distressing.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices
Due to battery fire risks, these must be carried on board rather than checked. They can cause fires if damaged or short-circuited in the hold.
High-Proof Alcohol
Liquids over 140 proof are too flammable for air travel in any luggage type. They could ignite under pressure changes or if the bottle breaks.
Matches and Lighters
Only one book of safety matches or a common lighter is allowed in carry-on; checked luggage risks accidental ignition. The potential for fire is too great in the cargo hold.
Perishable Foods
They can spoil, leak, or be confiscated due to agricultural restrictions, especially on international flights. Carrying them in checked luggage might lead to a mess or health issues.
Fragile Items
The rough handling of checked luggage can easily break delicate items like glassware or ceramics. Keeping them in carry-on ensures they arrive intact.
Spare Lithium Battery-Powered Devices
These should be in carry-on for safety monitoring; if they malfunction, immediate action can be taken. They pose a risk if they short-circuit in the hold.
Important Keys
Losing keys like those to your home or car in checked luggage could leave you in a bind or your property at risk. It’s better to keep them accessible and safe.
Personal Hygiene Products
You might need these during travel, and if your luggage is delayed, you won’t be left without essentials. Also, certain items can leak or spill, affecting other belongings in checked luggage.
Custom-Made or Hard-to-Replace Clothing
If lost or damaged, replacing unique or custom items could be difficult or impossible at your destination. Keep them with you to ensure they make it to your trip safely.
Table of Contents
Related Posts
7 Steps to Use a Travel Vision Board to Manifest Your Dream Vacation
21 Things You Should Never Pack in Checked Luggage
When Is the Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park?
Olympic Peninsula Big Tree Road Trip
Day Trip Essentials – Complete Guide
Tallest Bridges of Washington State
About The Author
MadMadViking