If you’re traveling soon, you might want to keep a heads-up on some of the things that shouldn’t be in your checked baggage. The TSA has a whole list of things to avoid, whether that’s because of safety issues or legal restrictions. Let’s make your next trip to the airport a little smoother by looking at 18 things to keep out of your checked baggage.
Lithium Batteries
When you’re packing, make sure to keep any spare lithium batteries out of your checked bags, as they could overheat and catch fire. That’s not exactly something you want happening in the cargo hold of a plane. It’s much safer and TSA-approved for you to carry them with you in your hand luggage.
Firearms and Ammo
Be careful when traveling with firearms or ammunition because you’ll need to give them special attention. These items are a definite “no” in your checked bag unless you’ve declared them and packed them right. Usually, that means putting them in a locked and hard-sided container, but you should always check TSA regulations as well.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Just like with batteries, e-cigarettes and vaping devices aren’t for your checked luggage because they can overheat and explode. It’s much easier and safer for you to put them in your carry-on instead. You’ll also have them in reach just in case you need a quick once you’ve landed, of course.
High-Proof Alcohol
Leave any alcohol that’s over 140 proof out of your checked bags because it’s just too flammable. You can bring lower-proof drinks, but you’re not even allowed to take really strong alcohol in your carry-on baggage. Instead, you’re best off saving that strong stuff for tasting at home.
Bleach and Chemicals
Fancy doing a bit of cleaning when you touch down? Then you’re better off buying that stuff when you get there. Bringing cleaning supplies or other chemicals like bleach in your checked luggage is a huge no-no. They’re corrosive and can cause some serious damage if they leak through your suitcase.
Matches and Lighters
You might think that putting extra matches or lighters in your checked bag will save you some hassle later, but that’s just not true. The pressure and temperature changes in an airplane’s cargo area can increase the risk of things accidentally igniting. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so stick to a single book of safety matches or a lighter.
Powered Personal Devices
Sometimes, our devices seem to turn on by themselves, and while that’s annoying on the ground, it’s a different story in the skies. They can turn on accidentally and overheat, so it’s better to keep them with you in the cabin. Plus, you never know when you might want to use them during the flight.
Self-Defense Sprays
You are allowed to check self-defense sprays if you really need them, but it’s only under certain conditions and in limited quantities. For example, you can take four fluid ounces of mace or pepper spray as long as it has a safety mechanism to stop it from accidentally leaking. But anything more than 2% mass of tear gas is completely banned.
Paints and Aerosals
Under the wrong conditions, like changes in air pressure or temperature, cans of paint and some aerosol cans can actually burst. It’s no surprise they’re banned on checked baggage and it’s best for you to leave them behind. After all, do you really want to miss your light just because of some paint?
Wet Cell Batteries
Wet cell batteries are another item to scratch off your list unless you’ve packed them tightly to avoid any short circuits. They’re known for being pretty dangerous because they leak, and that’s just a whole set of problems that you want to avoid. It’s better for you to keep them secure so you and your belongings are safe.
Sporting Equipment
If you have any sporting gear that looks like weapons, be careful of how you pack it, as it can cause some hold-ups at security. After all, bows and big sticks don’t always look safe. To avoid any delays, pack them properly and make sure they’re declared or, better yet, check if you can just rent them at your destination.
Long Tools
Similarly, you’ve also got to be careful with any long tools, as TSA could see these, too, as potential weapons. Wrap them up safely so they don’t turn into accidental swords, and declare them as tools so you won’t have to deal with any hassle at the airport. This way, these tools will be completely harmless while they’re in transit.
Gel Candles
While those lovely gel-type candles might look innocent, they might look a little suspicious in an X-ray machine, and TSA agents might mistake them for something a lot more dangerous. You should probably leave them at home unless you want to deal with that drama. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about.
Hoverboards
Like several other electronic devices, hoverboards have lithium batteries, which can be pretty dangerous. But the TSA hasn’t actually banned them, and it’s completely up to the airline whether or not to allow them through. You should always double- and triple-check with your airline before you even think about taking them.
Oxygen Tanks
Some people have to take medical oxygen tanks onto flights, but they need to meet certain criteria in order to fly. For example, you have to show that you’ve not messed with or removed the regulatory valve. With any other kind of compressed gas cartridge, you’re not allowed to take it on a flight unless you can prove to TSA that the cylinder is empty.
Perishables
You might not even think there’s anything wrong with taking food like meat or cheese in your checked baggage. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Depending on where you’re going, customs and agricultural restrictions could mean that you’re not allowed to take some of these items. Check ahead to see what’s allowed because nobody wants to deal with the mess or smell of spoiled arrival when they land.
Fresh Produce and Seeds
Similarly, fresh fruits and seeds can introduce pets or diseases to your travel destination, meaning you should check the rules beforehand. You don’t want to bring in anything that could be a problem, especially to places like Australia, where the flora and fauna rules are particularly strict. In some cases, the fines can be almost $4,000.
Valuables and Documents
It sounds simple enough, but you should always keep your cash and any important documents in your carry-on. You never know when you might need them, whether that’s for impulse buys or identifying yourself to security. Losing them in your checked luggage is an easy way to ruin your trip.
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