Assuming you’re packing for a flight, there are a few things to remember regarding what is allowed in your checked luggage. The TSA has a pretty extensive list of prohibited items, so it’s important to research before packing. To save you the trouble, we’ve compiled a list of things you bring on a plane in checked luggage!
What may I bring in a checked bag on a plane?
TSA regulations for checked bags are typically significantly more lenient than carry-ons.
Wherever you’re flying, there are regulations about what can and cannot come onto the aircraft. Take the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), for instance – they have a list of items strictly prohibited to ensure security measurements.
Of course, these rules vary depending on your luggage type: whether it’s a carry-on bag in an overhead bin within the cabin or checked luggage stored away in the plane’s hold.
When travelling by plane, certain items are allowed on board. Remember that some of these may only be included in certain types of luggage. Ensure you know what objects and materials can and cannot be taken with you!
Here is a quick overview
- Food
- Medical
- Sharp objects
- Camp stove
- Electronics
- Electrical
Food
When flying, most food varieties are allowed in checked luggage. Foods in solid form can also be carried on. Only non-solid foods are prohibited from being sealed in carry-on luggage. This is because they appear as liquids on scanners.
If alcoholic beverages have an alcohol content of less than 70%, they are permitted in checked bags. But with a limit of 5 litres per passenger for those between 24 and 70%.
Transported items such as bottled water, coffee beans or grounds, solid cheese and chocolate, energy powders, cookies, crackers, dried fruit pies and cakes can be packed in both cabin and checked bags.
Additionally, cooked meat, seafood, vegetable sandwiches, bread, candy gum, and cereal pizza are approved for transportation across the two types of bags.
If you travel with an infant, baby food is allowed onto the plane reasonably. This will need to be taken from your hand luggage at the security checkpoint. If your child is drinking formula, breast milk or juice, you can bring it up on board to a sensible limit.
Medical
From blood sugar test kits to wheelchairs and medical masks, you can safely stow away almost any healthcare item in your luggage! These comprise life vests, prosthetics, support braces (including casts and crutches), instant hot/cold packs, pills or supplements – even contact lenses and thermometers. With all these items, just a short reach away while travelling abroad with ease of mind is the least one deserves.
If you have contact lens solution, eye drops, liquid medications or vitamins with an original container size of more than 100ml in your carry-on luggage, they should place into smaller containers as they are subject to the restrictions on liquids and gels.
While other medical necessities, such as inhalers and liquid medications, can be carried in amounts larger than 100ml, they must be shown to a TSA officer for assessment.
Sharp Objects
It is recommended to store sharp items in your checked bag; however, some are also permitted onboard – typically with certain limitations.
Crochet hooks, knitting needles, sewing needles, disposable razors, lock picks, nail clippers, pencil sharpeners and tweezers need not be subject to limits or regulations – feel free to transport them freely!
Although allowed, it is suggested to place cigar cutters in your checked bag when travelling or forgo the item if you are going without one. The TSA recommends this approach as an additional safety measure.
Sharp objects that are only allowed in checked luggage
- Wire cutters
- Darts
- Ice axes
- Ice picks
- Curved blades
- Non-plastic knives
- Pocket knives
- Swiss army knives
- Razor-type blades
- Swords
- Cutting tools
- Meat cleavers
Camp-stove
When it comes to camping, you can’t take the commonly used flammable fuel with you in your bag. Nevertheless, if you get some propane cylinders on your journey and exhaust them, they are safe for packing into luggage, recycling, or later refilling.
If “the canisters have been carefully cleaned out and don’t contain any residual fuels or vapours,” they should be okay as these types of items don’t come under the classification of hazardous materials anymore.
Electronics
When travelling, remember that you may need to remove large electronic items from their cases and place them into separate screening bins.
This includes laptops, full-size video game consoles, and DVD players. However, smaller devices such as cell phones or tablets do not require removal from your carry-on baggage!
Electrical Items
You can bring electronic items in your checked luggage, from power tools to coffee makers and blenders. However, loose batteries should remain packed away; the only ones allowed are those already in a device.
Additionally, don’t remember to pack these gadgets in cases that prevent them from being switched on or turned off during transport.
Even if something has electrical components or plugs attached to it doesn’t mean it’s not safe for packing! Toasters, hairdryers, irons – all sorts of electric devices are allowed.
Related: What to write on Luggage Tag – Complete guide 2023
Flammable
Both carry-on and hold luggage are permitted to contain cigars and cigarettes. The same holds true for phone chargers and dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D). Additionally, solid candles may be brought on board. Gel-type candles may only be brought on board if they are packed in checked baggage rather than carry-on luggage.
The maximum amount of pepper spray or other self-defence sprays you can include in your checked luggage is 118ml (4 fl oz), and it must have a safety mechanism.
Final words
When packing for your flight, double-check the airline’s policy on what items are allowed in the checked luggage. Furthermore, make sure your carry-on is arranged neatly to ensure a streamlined security screening process.
FAQs
Can I bring my laptop on a flight?
Laptops are permitted on board, yes. If your airline helps you to bring one for free and your laptop case doesn’t exceed the allowed dimensions, you can either stow them in your carry-on or take one as a “personal item.”
Can I take my toothpaste on a flight?
Of course, you can take your toothpaste with you on the plane! Just ensure that the toothpaste tube doesn’t exceed 100ml in size, as it is considered a liquid. Don’t Remember – any liquids or gels (including your toothpaste) should all be within the limit set by TSA regulations when packed into carry-ons.
Can I bring matches on a plane?
Yes, laptops are allowed on board. You can either store them in your carry-on or take one as a “personal item” if your airline allows you to bring one for free and your laptop bag doesn’t exceed the permitted dimensions.
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