What the TSA allows in checked bags
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits most everyday items in checked luggage that would be dangerous in the cabin — tools, certain liquids, and sporting equipment among them. The key difference from carry-on rules is that checked bags go in the cargo hold, away from the pressurized cabin, so some hazards that matter at 35,000 feet do not explore.
Checked bags can hold tools (hammers, saws, drills), most sporting goods (golf clubs, baseball bats, skis), and larger quantities of liquids and gels than you can bring through security. You can also pack items that would be confiscated from a carry-on — lighters, certain batteries, and aerosol cans — as long as they meet specific rules about quantity and packaging.
The TSA does not charge fees for checked bags or inspect them for prohibited items unless something triggers a secondary screening. Your airline sets the weight and size limits, not the TSA, so check your carrier's policy before you pack.
Key Takeaways
- Tools, sporting equipment, and most liquids over 3.4 ounces are allowed in checked bags but prohibited in carry-on luggage.
- Lighters, certain batteries, and aerosol cans have specific quantity limits in checked bags and must be declared or packed according to TSA rules.
- Firearms and ammunition require advance notice to your airline and must be unloaded, locked, and declared at check-in.
- Your airline sets weight and size limits for checked bags, which vary by carrier and ticket type — TSA does not enforce these limits.
- Hazardous materials like paint, bleach, and propane are prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags under all circumstances.
Tools and sporting equipment you can pack
Most hand tools and power tools are allowed in checked bags: hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, saws, drills, sanders, and nail guns. Axes and hatchets are also permitted. The TSA's rule is straightforward — if it could be used as a weapon in the cabin, it goes in checked luggage, not carry-on.
Sporting goods follow the same logic. Golf clubs, baseball bats, cricket bats, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, ski poles, and fishing rods are all allowed. Skis and snowboards can be checked. Martial arts equipment like nunchucks and throwing stars are prohibited entirely, but most common sports gear is fine.
Firearms must be unloaded, locked in a hard case, and declared to your airline at check-in — do not pack them without calling ahead. Ammunition can be checked in the same locked case, but some airlines have additional rules about quantity and type, so confirm before you arrive at the airport.
Liquids, gels, and aerosols in checked luggage
Checked bags have no 3.4-ounce limit on liquids and gels the way carry-on bags do. You can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and other toiletries. Alcohol under 140 proof is allowed in checked bags in quantities up to 5 liters per passenger, though your airline may have lower limits.
Aerosol cans (deodorant, hairspray, sunscreen) are allowed in checked bags in limited quantities — typically one 2-ounce container per passenger. The can must have a safety cap to prevent accidental discharge. Spray paint and other industrial aerosols are prohibited.
Certain liquids are prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags: paint, paint thinner, gasoline, bleach, and pesticides. If you are unsure whether a liquid is allowed, check the TSA website or contact your airline before packing.
Batteries and electronics in checked bags
Spare batteries are restricted. Lithium batteries — the kind in phones, laptops, and power banks — are limited to two spares in checked bags, and they must be in your carry-on or on your person, not in checked luggage. This rule exists because lithium batteries can overheat and cause fires in the cargo hold.
Standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) are allowed in checked bags with no quantity limit. Rechargeable batteries like NiMH are also allowed in checked bags.
Electronics like laptops, tablets, cameras, and portable speakers can go in checked bags, but packing them in carry-on is safer — they are less likely to be damaged, and you can monitor them. If you do check electronics, pack them in protective cases and consider removing batteries from devices that allow it.
Lighters, matches, and other restricted items
One lighter is allowed in checked bags if it is in your checked luggage only — not on your person or in carry-on. The lighter must have a safety mechanism to prevent accidental ignition. Torch lighters and lighters that produce a flame above 4 inches are prohibited entirely.
Matches are not allowed in checked bags. Strike-anywhere matches and lighter fluid are both prohibited.
Other items with quantity limits in checked bags include self-inflating life jackets (one per passenger) and certain types of dry ice (2.2 pounds per passenger, and you must notify your airline). Camping fuel, charcoal, and self-heating meals are prohibited.
Items that are always prohibited
Some items cannot travel in any part of your luggage, checked or carry-on. Explosives, fireworks, flares, and ammunition for firearms are prohibited. Hazardous materials like paint, gasoline, bleach, pesticides, and propane are not allowed. Realistic replicas of firearms or explosives are also prohibited, even if they are toys.
Certain medications and medical devices have restrictions. Syringes with needles are allowed only if they are for personal use and accompanied by a vial of medication, but you should notify your airline in advance. Inhalers and EpiPens are allowed. If you are traveling with controlled substances, bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
When in doubt, contact your airline before you pack. Rules can vary slightly by carrier, and some items require advance notice or special handling.
Weight and size limits set by your airline
The TSA does not enforce weight or size limits on checked bags — your airline does. Most carriers allow one or two checked bags per passenger at no extra charge, with a standard limit of 50 pounds and dimensions of 62 inches (length plus width plus height). Bags over these limits incur fees, usually $100 to $200 per bag.
Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier charge for checked bags even within the standard size and weight. Full-service carriers like Delta, United, and American typically include one or two free checked bags with most tickets. Check your airline's website or your ticket confirmation to see what you are allowed.
If your bag is overweight, you can repack items into a second bag or remove items at the counter. If it is oversized, most airlines will not accept it at all, so measure and weigh your luggage before you leave home.
How to pack safely and avoid delays
Pack heavier items on the bottom of your bag and lighter items on top. Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space and keep items organized. Wrap fragile items in clothing or bubble wrap to protect them during handling.
Keep a list of what you packed, especially if you are traveling with restricted items like batteries or lighters. If your bag is selected for secondary screening, you can show the TSA agent what is inside and explain why items are there.
Avoid packing items that are obviously valuable or irreplaceable in checked bags — laptops, jewelry, medications, and important documents should travel with you in carry-on luggage. Airlines are not liable for damage to checked bags, so pack accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack a power bank or portable charger in my checked bag?
No. Lithium batteries in power banks must stay in your carry-on or on your person. The TSA prohibits spare lithium batteries in checked bags because they pose a fire risk in the cargo hold. You can bring up to two spare lithium batteries in your carry-on.
What happens if I accidentally pack a prohibited item?
If the item is discovered during screening, the TSA will remove it and dispose of it. You will not be charged or fined for an honest mistake. If you realize before you check in, you can remove the item and leave it behind or take it home.
Do I need to tell my airline about tools or sporting equipment?
No, tools and sporting equipment do not require advance notice. Just pack them in your checked bag and check in normally. Firearms and certain hazardous materials do require advance notice — call your airline before you arrive at the airport.
Can I pack alcohol in my checked bag?
Yes, alcohol under 140 proof is allowed in checked bags up to 5 liters per passenger. Higher-proof alcohol is prohibited. Pack bottles in the center of your bag, surrounded by soft items, to prevent breakage. Some airlines have lower limits, so check before you pack.
Are there different rules for international flights?
International flights follow TSA rules for U.S. departures, but the destination country may have additional restrictions on what you can bring in. Some countries prohibit certain medications, electronics, or sporting equipment. Check the customs rules for your destination before you pack.