Packing for a flight is stressful enough without worrying about what might get your suitcase flagged. While TSA rules seem focused on carry-ons, there’s actually a long list of stuff they don’t want in your checked luggage either, so to help, here’s what to leave out.
E-Cigarettes and Vape Pens
You might think tossing your vape into checked baggage is a no-brainer, but the TSA says no, because they can overheat and even catch fire during the flight. For that reason, electronic smoking devices like vapes or e-cigarettes must always go in your carry-on, and you’re also not allowed to use them anywhere on the plane.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries, especially spares that aren’t installed in a device, are a major no-go in checked bags because these batteries have a history of catching fire when they’re damaged or short-circuited. So if you’re bringing extra batteries for your camera, drone, or other gadgets, make sure they’re packed properly in your carry-on, with the terminals covered.
Fireworks
This might seem obvious, but people still try to sneak sparklers or novelty fireworks into their checked luggage when security is very clear: anything explosive or flammable, including tiny firecrackers or party poppers, is strictly prohibited.
Even if it seems harmless, like a little fountain for New Year’s, it still counts, so if they find it, expect delays or a fine – or worse.
Lighters With Fuel
If you’re carrying a refillable lighter, like a Zippo, it needs to be empty, or you’ll likely lose it during screening, because a lighter filled with fuel can pose a fire risk. You can bring a lighter with you when you fly, but there are some pretty specific rules about it, and disposable lighters are allowed in carry-ons.
Guns and Ammunition
The Transportation Security Administration doesn’t ban firearms from checked baggage completely, however, there are strict rules around how they must be packed and declared. The gun needs to be unloaded, placed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared at check-in, and while ammunition is allowed too, it has to be packed separately and in specific packaging.
Loose Matches
Strike-anywhere matches, the kind you can light on any surface, are banned altogether – it’s a fire hazard no matter how small the risk seems, so they’ll definitely get confiscated.
Most people don’t realize that matches are actually considered hazardous on flights due to the fact that loose matches can ignite with friction.
Self-Defense Sprays
Pepper spray or mace might make you feel safer, right? But it’s something TSA is very particular about, so when in checked luggage, you’re allowed one container under 4 ounces, but only if it has a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge.
Alcohol Over 140 Proof
If you picked up a bottle of something wild on vacation, make sure it’s not too strong to fly, otherwise, you’ll lose it at the checkpoint, no questions asked. Regular booze is okay in your checked luggage (as long as it’s in unopened bottles and under the quantity limit), but anything stronger than 70% alcohol by volume is completely banned.
Household Cleaners and Bleach
Even sealed bottles of household cleaners can leak or react with other items during transport, especially when it’s bleach, therefore if you’re trying to bring your own cleaning products, switch to travel-sized, non-toxic versions. These items are classified as hazardous materials due to their corrosive and potentially toxic nature.
Aerosol Insecticides
We know that spraying bugs is likely part of your travel plan; aerosol insecticides aren’t welcome in checked luggage, though. Most insect sprays contain flammable propellants, which makes them a red flag for airline safety, and the only exception is if the can is labeled for personal use (like bug repellent).
Camping Stove Fuel
Loving the outdoors is great, nevertheless that doesn’t mean your camping stove fuel can’t come with you in your checked bag. Whether it’s propane, white gas, or any kind of pressurized or flammable liquid, TSA prohibits it because of the risk of explosion or fire in the cargo hold, so even small fuel canisters are off-limits
Paint and Paint Thinners
It’s best to buy your supplies once you get there if you’re heading to a job site or DIY project destination, because your suitcase isn’t the place for them. Paint is no exception when it comes to flammable materials that security will flag, and this includes oil-based paints and paint thinners.
Hoverboards and Electric Scooters
Always check your airline’s specific policy before even attempting to fly with a hoverboard or electric scooter, as many airlines want nothing to do with them. It all comes down to the large lithium-ion batteries they use, which have been known to overheat or catch fire, resulting in these devices being banned from both carry-on and checked baggage on most airlines.
Fertilizers or Garden Chemicals
Depending on where you’re flying, transporting these kinds of items across state or national lines can raise agricultural and environmental issues, so don’t be tempted to bring some specialty plant food or lawn treatments back from a trip. A lot of garden products contain nitrates or other chemicals that raise serious security concerns.
Replica Weapons or Inert Grenades
Save those souvenirs for display at home because if it looks even remotely like a real weapon, TSA doesn’t want it anywhere near a commercial flight.
Furthermore, fake weapons or deactivated military gear can cause a big stir at checkpoints, too, and items like replica grenades, toy explosives, or non-functioning ammunition might seem harmless, but they’re still banned from checked-in bags.
Perishable Foods That Can Leak or Rot
You’re okay for most food in checked bags, but if it’s perishable or likely to spoil mid-flight, you might want to rethink it, so we’re talking meats and seafood. Leaking or going bad in the belly of the plane means they could damage other bags or stink up the cargo area; plus, spoiled food can attract pests and create a mess for baggage handlers.
Flammable Souvenirs
It’s likely you’ve picked up something beautiful on your trip, like a handmade candle or bundle of incense, but the TSA is strict as we know when it comes to flammable materials. While many items are okay in small amounts, it depends heavily on how they’re made and what’s in them when some incense sticks contain oils that pose fire risks, and some gel candles might be flagged for their contents.
This article may include content generated by AI and has been reviewed and edited by our editorial team for accuracy and clarity.