Most everyday items are allowed in checked bags, but liquids, sharp objects, and certain electronics have real restrictions

Checked luggage is far more forgiving than carry-on bags. You can pack most clothing, shoes, books, toiletries in normal sizes, and everyday items without worry. The main restrictions come down to safety: the TSA and airlines prohibit anything flammable, pressurized, or sharp enough to damage the plane or injure baggage handlers. Batteries, lighters, and certain tools are the most common items people accidentally pack wrong.

The rules are the same across major U.S. airlines—American, Delta, United, Southwest—because they all follow TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines. International flights may have stricter rules depending on your destination country, so check with your airline before you leave.

Key Takeaways

  • Toiletries and liquids over 3.4 ounces are allowed in checked bags, but they must be in containers that won't leak and damage other luggage.
  • Tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches are prohibited in checked bags because baggage handlers could use them as weapons.
  • Lithium batteries (the kind in phones and laptops) are banned from checked luggage entirely; they must stay in your carry-on or be left behind.
  • Flammable items like lighters, matches, and aerosol cans cannot go in checked bags under any circumstance.
  • Knives, razors, and box cutters are prohibited, but regular scissors with blades under 4 inches are allowed.

Liquids and gels that are safe to check

Unlike carry-on bags, checked luggage has no 3.4-ounce limit on liquids and gels. You can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and sunscreen. The catch is that containers must be leak-proof and won't damage other passengers' belongings if they spill during handling.

Pack liquids in the center of your bag, surrounded by clothing or towels that can absorb a spill. Double-bag anything you're unsure about. Perfume, cologne, and aftershave are allowed in checked bags in any quantity, as long as they're in sealed containers. Alcohol (wine, spirits, beer) is allowed in checked bags on domestic flights but is restricted or banned on international flights—check your airline's policy before packing.

Electronics and batteries that must stay in carry-on

Lithium batteries are the biggest electronics restriction. Spare lithium batteries—the rechargeable kind in phones, laptops, tablets, and power banks—are banned from checked luggage entirely. They must travel in your carry-on bag or be left at home. This includes the battery inside your laptop or phone; the device itself is fine to check, but a loose spare battery is not.

Laptops, tablets, cameras, and other electronics can go in checked bags as long as they're powered off and won't turn on accidentally during the flight. Drones are prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags. Hoverboards and self-balancing scooters are also banned because their lithium batteries pose a fire risk.

E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned from checked bags but allowed in carry-on. Conventional lighters are prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags, with one exception: a single lighter in your pocket or a lighter case designed for TSA rules can go in carry-on only.

Tools and sharp objects you cannot pack

Tools are prohibited in checked bags because baggage handlers could use them as weapons. This includes hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, saws, and drills. Axes, hatchets, and ice picks are also banned. If you're traveling for work and need tools at your destination, ship them ahead or buy them when you arrive.

Knives of any length are prohibited in checked bags. This includes kitchen knives, hunting knives, and pocket knives. The one exception is regular scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches, which are allowed in checked bags only (not carry-on). Razors and box cutters are banned. Nail clippers and nail files are allowed.

Flammable and hazardous items that are always prohibited

Lighters and matches cannot go in checked or carry-on bags. This includes disposable lighters, refillable lighters, and lighter fluid. Aerosol cans—spray paint, hairspray, deodorant, insect repellent—are prohibited in checked bags if they're flammable. Non-flammable aerosols like sunscreen spray may be allowed in limited quantities; check with your airline.

Gasoline, paint thinner, and other solvents are banned. Fireworks, flares, and ammunition are prohibited. Bleach and other strong chemicals cannot be packed. Propane and butane cartridges are banned. If you use any of these items regularly, plan to purchase them at your destination or leave them behind.

Clothing, shoes, and personal items with no restrictions

Pack as much clothing as your luggage weight limit allows. Shoes, belts, hats, and accessories have no restrictions. Jewelry, watches, and eyeglasses are fine. Books, magazines, and documents can go in checked bags. Toiletries like deodorant (solid or gel), toothpaste, and shampoo are allowed in any quantity as long as they're in leak-proof containers.

Sports equipment like tennis rackets, golf clubs, baseball bats, and fishing rods are allowed in checked bags, though some airlines charge extra fees. Bicycles must be disassembled and packed in a bike bag or box. Skis and snowboards are usually allowed but may incur a fee. Check your airline's website for specific policies on oversized sports gear.

Weight and size limits that vary by airline

Most airlines allow one checked bag free for passengers on standard tickets, with a weight limit of 50 pounds and dimensions of 62 inches (length + width + height combined). Some airlines charge for a first checked bag, and fees vary. Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier charge for checked bags on most fares, while legacy carriers like Delta and American include one free checked bag for most passengers.

If your bag exceeds 50 pounds or 62 inches, you'll pay an overweight or oversized bag fee, usually $100 to $200 per bag. Some airlines allow a second checked bag for a fee. Check your airline's baggage policy on their website before packing, because limits and fees differ.

What to do if you're unsure about an item

If you're not certain whether something is allowed, contact your airline directly before you pack. Most airlines have a chat feature on their website or a customer service phone line. You can also text a photo of the item to TSA's social media accounts (Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok) and they will tell you whether it's allowed—this service is called "Ask TSA" and usually gets a response within hours.

When in doubt, pack the item in your carry-on instead of checked luggage if possible. Carry-on rules are stricter, so if it's allowed there, it's definitely allowed in checked bags (except for lithium batteries, which are the opposite). If you're traveling internationally, check the customs and security rules for your destination country, because some items banned in the U.S. may be restricted or prohibited where you're going.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Checked bags have no size limit on liquids and gels like shampoo, conditioner, or lotion. Make sure the bottle is sealed and won't leak. Wrap it in a plastic bag or surround it with clothing for extra protection in case it opens during handling.

Are scissors allowed in checked luggage?

Regular scissors with blades under 4 inches are allowed in checked bags only. They cannot go in carry-on. Scissors with longer blades or safety scissors are prohibited. If you need scissors at your destination, pack small ones in checked luggage or buy them when you arrive.

Can I pack my laptop in a checked bag?

Yes, your laptop can go in checked luggage as long as it's powered off and won't turn on during the flight. However, it's safer to keep it in your carry-on to avoid damage from rough baggage handling. Never pack a spare lithium battery in checked bags—it must stay in your carry-on or be left behind.

What happens if I accidentally pack a prohibited item?

TSA may discover it during screening and remove it, or your airline may find it at your destination. Either way, the item will be confiscated. You won't be fined for an honest mistake, but you will lose the item. Check your airline's baggage policy before packing to avoid this.

Can I pack a lighter in my checked bag?

No. Lighters are prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags on all flights. The only exception is a single lighter in a TSA-approved lighter case in your carry-on pocket, but this is rarely allowed and varies by airline. It's safest to leave lighters at home or buy one at your destination.