When it comes to traveling via plane, there are several rules and restrictions levied on the baggage. If you want to streamline the screening process and pass through security checks without any hassle, always research the specifications beforehand. As long as you comply with the predetermined safety regulations, you will enjoy a worry-free travel experience.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is in charge of this department and they have imposed some rules on what can not be packed in checked luggage. Keep reading this comprehensive guide to get an overview before your flight!
Security Restrictions on Packed Luggage
A variety of security restrictions have been imposed on checked luggage. These measures are put in place to ensure everyone’s safety and to provide peace of mind. Specific airline guidelines may narrow down and specify the details but generally, the TSA provides a good idea of what can and can not be packed in a checked bag.
If you want to pass through security checkpoints and TSA checkpoints quickly, make sure that you check the guidelines of both TSA and your airline. Any item that is a potential threat to passengers, airport security staff, flight attendants, crew, and the aircraft is prohibited. Violation of these safety and security restrictions can lead to dire outcomes.
In case you are unsure about an item, contact your relevant airline support and ask them beforehand. Based on the item itself, the consequences can vary in degree, ranging from confiscation and criminal penalties to missed flights and even legal action.
Type of Items That Cannot Be Packed in Checked Luggage
The TSA website and authority clearly define all of the items that can not be carried on a plane. However, they can be further organized into categories to help you understand the restrictions and why they are in place.
Hazardous materials
You can not pack hazardous materials or dangerous substances in your checked bag. This includes the following items.
- Lighters: Plasma, arc, electronic, and electronic lighters are not allowed in checked luggage. While you can put them in your hand baggage, you must take preventative measures and ensure that they don’t activate.
- Fireworks: things like popping bang-snaps, sparklers, and fireworks are prohibited in checked luggage due to their flammable nature. Blasting caps and firecrackers fall in this category as well.
- Lithium batteries: these may also pose a threat to safety in some instances. Hence, lithium batteries over 100-watt hours can be packed.
- Paint and fuel: things like flammable paint and fuel are not allowed in checked baggage either.
Flammable items
Some examples of these may include Fuels, Gas torches, Gasoline, Gun lighters, Lighter fluid, Propane, Spray starch, and Strike-anywhere matches. Certain aerosol sprays, lighter fluid, and ammunition are not allowed either.
Electronic devices
Any electronic device that contains lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries is prohibited on a plane. While it can be packed as one of the carry-on items, you must comply with the necessary rules. Some examples of these items are listed below.
- Laptops and tablets
- Smartphones and mobile devices: no phones are allowed in checked luggage but Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is specifically restricted due to its safety concerns
- Portable chargers and power banks: most of these contain lithium-ion batteries
- Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices: as long as you deactivate them properly, they can be carried in hand luggage.
- Cordless curling irons, hair straighteners, and flat irons: those powered by gas, lithium-metal batteries, or lithium-ion batteries aren’t allowed.
Valuables and essentials
The TSA recommends you carry valuable items in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags due to safety reasons. This is because checked luggage goes through various people and the risk of stolen/lost items is a lot higher. You should inform the TSA agent about your valuables, declare them, and perhaps request they screen such items in private.
- Cash and jewelry
- Important documents (e.g., passports, visas)
- Medications and prescriptions
- Keys and keycards
Sharp objects
Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, or tools can not be packed in checked luggage. Hammer, screwdrivers, and other seemingly dangerous items are prohibited.
Unique items
The TSA officers place restrictions on carrying unique and irreplaceable items like artwork in checked baggage because of their value.
Perishable items
Perishable things like food items, plants, certain chemicals, cleaning supplies, and flowers can be carried.
Fragile items
You should refrain from carrying fragile items as well. If you do, make sure to add a lot of padding and secure them in bubble wrap to prevent breakage.
Alcoholic drinks
Alcohol is generally allowed but there are predefined requirements for it. Alcoholic beverages that contain more than 70% of alcohol can’t be packed in checked luggage.
Miscellaneous prohibited items
Some other items, pretty general, are listed below.
- Bug repellants: you can bring the ones that are applied to the skin but bug sprays that are used in the air aren’t allowed.
- Christmas crackers: this seemingly harmless party trick isn’t allowed on a plane because it contains a small amount of gunpowder.
- Dynamite: you are, under no case, allowed to carry dynamite on a plane.
- Replicas of explosives: due to their security hazard, replicas of explosives and incendiaries can not be packed in checked luggage.
- Live fish or coral: while they aren’t to be packed in checked bags, they can be carried in carry-on bags.
- Personal oxygen cylinder: one can not pack their own oxygen cylinder because it’s considered hazardous.
- Tear gas: pepper spray is allowed as long as it does not contain more than 2% mass of tear gas
- Liquid bleach: this isn’t allowed because of its corrosive nature.
- Mercury thermometer or barometer: these can’t be packed in a plane unless you work for a government weather agency.
- Sports equipment: large equipment like cycles aren’t allowed while you can pack things like baseball bats and balls etc.
- Chemicals: the checked luggage rules state that corrosive chemicals like chlorine, strong acids, paint strippers, and drain cleaners are restricted.
Final thoughts
In light of all the facts, it can be seen that all of the TSA rules are in place to ensure a safe travel experience for everyone. The relevant and responsible authorities have clearly defined all of the restrictions so it’s easy for passengers to familiarize themselves. Be it your checked baggage or carry-on luggage, always check TSA’s rules and airline’s specific restrictions before packing. If you have any doubts, go through the official website or consider calling an agent for additional information. You need to be prepared at the airport so it’s much better to solve these issues earlier.
We hope this article helped you understand what you can’t pack in your checked luggage. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask us and we’d be happy to help.
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