What goes in checked luggage versus carry-on

Checked luggage has fewer restrictions than carry-on bags because TSA screeners inspect it before it goes into the cargo hold, and you are not bringing it through the cabin. You can pack most everyday items — clothes, shoes, toiletries in normal sizes, electronics, books, and tools — without the tight limits that explore to carry-on. The main rule is that nothing inside can be a fire hazard or an explosive, and nothing can be so heavy or oddly shaped that it damages the plane or injures baggage handlers.

The practical difference: a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo is fine in checked luggage but forbidden in carry-on. A laptop is fine in both. A lighter is forbidden in both. A full-size toolbox is fine in checked luggage as long as it does not weigh more than your airline's limit (usually 50 pounds) and the tools themselves are not weapons.

Key Takeaways

  • Liquids, gels, and pastes have no size limit in checked luggage, so pack full-size shampoo, lotion, peanut butter, and jam without restriction.
  • Lithium batteries and electronics with lithium batteries have strict rules — most are banned from checked luggage entirely, including power banks, e-readers, and hoverboards.
  • Flammable items like lighters, aerosol cans, and nail polish are forbidden in both checked and carry-on luggage.
  • Tools and sharp objects are allowed in checked luggage if they are not weapons — a hammer, saw, or kitchen knife is fine, but a sword or brass knuckles is not.
  • Weight and size limits vary by airline, so check your carrier's website before packing to avoid fees or having items removed at the airport.

Liquids, gels, and pastes with no size limit

This is the biggest advantage of checked luggage. The TSA's 3.4-ounce liquid rule applies only to carry-on bags. In checked luggage, you can pack a full-size bottle of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, jam, peanut butter, yogurt, honey, or any other liquid or gel without measuring it. Pack them in a leak-proof container or a plastic bag in case something spills, because baggage handlers do not treat luggage gently.

Medications in liquid or gel form — including inhalers, eye drops, and liquid vitamins — follow the same rule. You do not need a prescription label visible, but it is a good idea to keep medications in their original bottles so TSA can identify them if your bag is inspected.

Electronics and devices with lithium batteries

Laptops, tablets, cameras, and phones are allowed in checked luggage, but lithium batteries and devices powered by lithium batteries have strict limits. The TSA bans most lithium battery devices from checked luggage entirely because they can catch fire in the cargo hold. This includes power banks, e-readers, hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, and some smart watches.

Spare lithium batteries — the kind you buy separately to replace a dead one — are forbidden in both checked and carry-on luggage on passenger flights. If you need to travel with a power bank or spare battery, you must carry it on the plane with you, and even then, most airlines limit you to two per person. Check your airline's website before packing, because rules vary slightly between carriers.

Regular electronics without lithium batteries, like hair dryers, electric shavers, and curling irons, are fine in checked luggage. Rechargeable devices like electric toothbrushes are also fine as long as they are powered off and protected so they do not turn on accidentally during the flight.

Tools, sharp objects, and sporting equipment

You can pack a hammer, saw, screwdriver set, wrench, or drill in checked luggage. Kitchen knives, scissors, and box cutters are also allowed. The rule is that the tool itself cannot be a weapon — a regular kitchen knife is fine, but a throwing knife or a blade designed to conceal is not. If you are unsure whether something counts as a weapon, call your airline before you pack it.

Sporting equipment like baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, and fishing rods are allowed in checked luggage. Firearms and ammunition have their own rules and require advance notice to your airline; contact them at least 24 hours before your flight if you need to travel with a gun. Explosives, fireworks, and flares are never allowed in any luggage on a passenger flight.

Clothing, shoes, and personal items

Pack as many clothes, shoes, socks, and underwear as you need within your weight limit. Belts, hats, scarves, and jewelry are fine. Shoes do not need to be in a separate bag — just pack them normally, though putting them in a plastic bag first keeps dirt off your other items.

Perfume and cologne are liquids, so they follow the liquid rules: unlimited size in checked luggage, but 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on. Solid deodorant is not a liquid and has no size limit in either bag.

Items that are forbidden in all luggage

Some things cannot go in checked luggage under any circumstances. Lighters and lighter fluid are banned entirely — this includes disposable lighters, refillable lighters, and zippo-style lighters. Aerosol cans like spray paint, insect spray, and air freshener are also banned. Nail polish and nail polish remover are flammable and forbidden. Bleach, drain cleaner, and other corrosive chemicals cannot fly.

Fireworks, flares, and any explosive material are never allowed. Ammunition is forbidden in checked luggage on passenger flights (it requires special handling and advance notice). Realistic toy guns and replica firearms may be confiscated, so pack any toy weapons in carry-on where you can explain them, or leave them at home.

Weight limits and packing strategies

Most airlines allow one checked bag of up to 50 pounds and 62 inches in total dimensions (length plus width plus height). A second checked bag usually costs extra and has the same weight and size limits. If your bag is over 50 pounds, the airline will charge an overweight fee, typically $100 to $200 for the first overage and more for each additional 50 pounds. Some airlines charge for the first checked bag itself, so verify your carrier's policy before you pack.

Weigh your bag at home on a bathroom scale or a luggage scale before you leave for the airport. If it is close to 50 pounds, remove a few items and pack them in your carry-on instead. Heavy items like shoes, books, and tools should go on the bottom of your checked bag, with lighter items like clothes on top. Use packing cubes or compression bags to fit more without adding weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a full-size bottle of shampoo in checked luggage?

Yes. The TSA's 3.4-ounce limit applies only to carry-on bags. You can pack a full-size bottle of any liquid or gel — shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, jam, or peanut butter — in checked luggage without restriction. Wrap it in a plastic bag to prevent leaks.

Are power banks allowed in checked luggage?

No. Power banks contain lithium batteries and are forbidden in checked luggage because they can catch fire in the cargo hold. You must carry a power bank in your carry-on bag, and most airlines limit you to two per person. Check your airline's website for their specific rules.

Can I pack a knife or hammer in checked luggage?

Yes. Tools and sharp objects like knives, hammers, saws, and screwdrivers are allowed in checked luggage as long as they are not weapons. A regular kitchen knife or pocket knife is fine, but a throwing knife or concealed blade may be confiscated. If you are unsure, contact your airline before packing.

What happens if my checked bag is overweight?

Most airlines charge an overweight fee if your bag exceeds 50 pounds. The fee is typically $100 to $200 for the first overage. Weigh your bag at home before you leave for the airport, and remove items if needed to stay under the limit.

Can I pack perfume in checked luggage?

Yes. Perfume and cologne are liquids, so they have no size limit in checked luggage. In carry-on bags, they are limited to 3.4 ounces. Pack perfume in a leak-proof container or plastic bag to prevent spills.