Checked luggage rules differ by airline and destination

What you can pack in checked luggage depends on three things: your airline's rules, the country you're flying to, and what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or your country's equivalent allows. Most domestic U.S. airlines let you pack common items like clothes, shoes, toiletries in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, and electronics. But some items are banned outright — lithium batteries in certain quantities, flammables, and compressed gases among them — and others require special handling or declaration.

The safest approach is to check your airline's website before packing. Most airlines post their checked baggage rules in a section labeled "baggage" or "what you can bring." If you're flying internationally, also check the rules for your destination country, since some nations restrict items that the U.S. allows.

Key Takeaways

  • Toiletries larger than 3.4 ounces, full-size deodorant, and liquids are allowed in checked bags but banned from carry-on.
  • Most electronics including laptops, cameras, and phone chargers can go in checked luggage, but lithium batteries have strict limits.
  • Flammables, compressed gases, and certain chemicals are banned from both checked and carry-on bags on all flights.
  • Sporting equipment like golf clubs, skis, and tennis rackets usually fit in checked bags but may incur an extra fee.
  • Always declare items your airline lists as requiring declaration, such as firearms or certain medications, before you pack.

Toiletries and personal care items you can pack

Full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other liquids go in checked luggage, not carry-on. The TSA's 3.4-ounce limit applies only to carry-on bags. In checked bags, you can pack a full bottle of perfume, a full tube of toothpaste, or a full container of deodorant without restriction on size.

Razors with removable blades must go in checked luggage. Solid deodorant, bar soap, and solid cosmetics like powder or lipstick are fine in either checked or carry-on bags. Medications in pill or tablet form are allowed in checked bags; if they're liquids or gels, pack them in your carry-on instead so you have them if your checked bag is delayed.

Nail clippers, tweezers, and small scissors (under 7 inches) are allowed in checked bags. Larger tools like full-size hair dryers and electric shavers are fine too. Aerosol cans of hairspray or sunscreen are restricted — check your airline's rules, as some allow them in checked bags in limited quantities while others ban them entirely.

Electronics and batteries in checked luggage

Laptops, tablets, cameras, and phone chargers can go in checked bags. However, lithium batteries — which power most modern devices — have strict rules. A single spare lithium battery (not installed in a device) is banned from both checked and carry-on bags on passenger flights. Two spare batteries are allowed only in carry-on bags, not checked.

Devices with batteries installed, like a laptop or camera, are allowed in checked bags as long as they're powered off and protected from accidental set up. Wrap the power button with tape if you're concerned. Portable phone chargers (power banks) with lithium batteries follow the same rule: the device itself is fine in checked luggage, but a spare battery is not.

Drones, e-readers, and smartwatches all contain lithium batteries and are allowed in checked bags if the battery is installed in the device and the device is off. If you're traveling with multiple devices, keep track of how many spare batteries you have — that's where most people run into trouble.

Sporting equipment and tools

Golf clubs, tennis rackets, skis, snowboards, and fishing rods are allowed in checked bags on most airlines. Baseball bats are typically allowed but may be subject to an extra baggage fee. Check your airline's website for the specific fee, which often ranges from $15 to $50 per item.

Tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches are allowed in checked bags but not in carry-on. Saws, drill bits, and power tools are also permitted in checked luggage. If you're traveling with a toolkit, pack it in your checked bag and leave nothing in your carry-on.

Martial arts equipment like nunchucks or brass knuckles is banned from both checked and carry-on bags. Certain sports equipment — like archery bows or spear guns — may be allowed in checked bags on some airlines but not others, so verify before you pack.

Items that are always banned

Flammable liquids and gases cannot go in either checked or carry-on bags. This includes paint, paint thinner, gasoline, lighter fluid, and propane. Fireworks, flares, and ammunition are also banned. Bleach, drain cleaner, and other corrosive chemicals are not allowed.

Compressed gas cylinders — including those for scuba diving, welding, or camping stoves — are banned unless they meet very specific conditions set by the TSA and your airline. In most cases, you cannot bring them on a passenger flight at all.

Certain types of batteries are restricted or banned. Car batteries and wet batteries (those containing liquid) are not allowed. Recall that spare lithium batteries are banned from checked bags. If you're unsure whether a battery is lithium-based, check the label or the device manual.

Items that require declaration or special handling

Firearms must be declared to your airline before you arrive at the airport. They must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and placed in your checked bag. Ammunition must be in its original manufacturer's box and also placed in checked luggage. Some airlines do not allow firearms at all, so call ahead.

Certain medications, particularly those containing controlled substances, may require a doctor's letter or prescription documentation. Pack them in their original labeled containers and keep the prescription or letter in your carry-on. If you're traveling internationally, research the destination country's medication rules — some countries ban common over-the-counter drugs.

Valuable items like jewelry, cameras, and electronics are safer in your carry-on, but if you must pack them in checked luggage, declare them to the airline. Some airlines offer limited liability for checked bags, so knowing what you packed helps if something is lost or damaged.

International travel and destination-specific rules

Rules change when you cross borders. The European Union, Canada, and Australia all have their own restrictions on what can be checked. For example, some countries ban certain types of batteries or electronics that the U.S. allows. Before you pack, visit your destination country's aviation authority website or contact your airline.

If you're connecting through another country, follow the strictest rules of all countries involved in your journey. A battery that's allowed in the U.S. but banned in your connection country could be confiscated during your layover.

Duty-free items purchased at the airport are allowed in checked bags on your onward flight, but only if they're in a sealed, tamper-evident bag provided by the duty-free shop. Open the bag and the contents may be confiscated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a lighter or matches in my checked bag?

No. Lighters and matches are banned from both checked and carry-on bags on all commercial flights in the U.S. This includes disposable lighters, refillable lighters, and lighter fluid. The only exception is one book of safety matches in your carry-on, which is allowed but not recommended.

Are hair straighteners and curling irons allowed in checked luggage?

Yes, as long as they're powered off and cool. Unplug them and let them cool completely before packing. Some airlines ask that you wrap the cord around the device or place it in a protective case to prevent accidental set up during handling.

Can I pack a full-size bottle of alcohol in my checked bag?

Yes, alcohol between 24 and 70 percent alcohol by volume is allowed in checked bags in limited quantities — usually one liter per passenger. Higher-proof alcohol (above 70 percent) is banned. Pack it in the center of your bag, surrounded by soft items, to reduce the risk of breakage.

What happens if I pack something that's not allowed?

If TSA or your airline finds a banned item during screening, it will be confiscated. You won't be fined for a first offense in most cases, but you may miss your flight if the discovery happens at the gate. Repeat violations or intentional packing of dangerous items can result in fines up to $75,000.

Do I need to declare my checked bag contents to the airline?

Most items do not require declaration. However, firearms, certain medications, and items your airline specifically lists must be declared before you check your bag. Check your airline's website or call their baggage department if you're unsure whether something needs declaration.