What goes in checked baggage

Hold luggage — the bag that goes in the aircraft cargo hold — has fewer restrictions than carry-on, but not zero. You can pack most everyday items: clothes, shoes, toiletries in normal sizes, books, electronics, and personal care products. The real limits come from three rules: nothing that burns or explodes, nothing that's banned by your specific airline, and nothing that exceeds your weight or size allowance.

The weight limit is usually 20 to 23 kilograms (44 to 50 pounds) per bag on most long-haul flights, though budget airlines sometimes charge for anything over 15 kilograms. Check your airline's website or your booking confirmation — the limit is printed there. Size limits are less common for hold luggage than carry-on, but some airlines cap checked bags at 158 centimetres (62 inches) when you add length plus width plus height.

Key Takeaways

  • Liquids, gels, and pastes over 100 millilitres can go in hold luggage, unlike carry-on, so pack full-size shampoo, conditioner, and toiletries in your checked bag.
  • Lithium batteries and electronics with lithium batteries have strict rules — laptops and phones are usually allowed, but power banks and spare batteries often are not.
  • Anything flammable, pressurised, or explosive is banned from hold luggage: lighters, aerosols, paint, bleach, and ammunition cannot fly at all.
  • Your airline's website lists what they specifically prohibit, and these rules vary — what one airline allows another may not.
  • Packing fragile items in the middle of your bag, surrounded by soft clothes, reduces the chance they will break during loading and unloading.

Liquids and gels you can pack below deck

Hold luggage has no 100-millilitre limit for liquids, gels, and pastes. This is the main advantage over carry-on. You can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and moisturiser. Jam, peanut butter, honey, and other thick spreads count as gels and can go in hold luggage in any size.

The catch is that liquids can leak during flight. Pack them in a separate plastic bag or waterproof pouch, and wrap the cap with cling film or a rubber band to reduce spills. If a bottle does leak, it will not ruin your clothes if they are separated. Perfume and cologne are flammable, so check your airline's rules — some allow them in hold luggage in small quantities, others do not.

Electronics and batteries: what the rules actually are

Laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras can go in hold luggage. The device itself is not the problem — the lithium battery inside it is what airlines regulate. A phone or laptop battery is considered safe because it is built into the device and has safety features. Loose lithium batteries and power banks are much more restricted.

Most airlines ban spare lithium batteries from hold luggage entirely, or allow only a very small number in carry-on. If you are bringing a power bank, check your airline's website first — many prohibit them altogether because they have caused fires in cargo holds. E-readers, headphones, and portable speakers are usually fine. Vaping devices and e-cigarettes are often banned from both hold and carry-on luggage, so look this up before you pack.

Chargers without batteries pose no problem. Plug adapters, USB cables, and wall chargers can go anywhere in your luggage.

Items that cannot fly in hold luggage at all

Anything flammable, pressurised, or explosive is banned from the cargo hold. This includes lighters and matches (even in a lighter case), aerosol cans, paint, paint thinner, nail polish remover, bleach, and cleaning products. Ammunition, fireworks, and flares are prohibited. Camping fuel, petrol, and any fuel or solvent cannot fly.

Some items surprise people: dry ice is banned because it sublimates and can damage the aircraft. Certain types of batteries — including some older camera batteries and industrial batteries — are restricted. Corrosive chemicals like strong acids or bases are not allowed. If you are unsure whether something is flammable or pressurised, assume it is banned and check your airline's dangerous goods list before packing.

Fragile items and how to pack them safely

Glassware, ceramics, electronics, and souvenirs can go in hold luggage, but baggage handlers do not treat checked bags gently. Pack fragile items in the centre of your bag, surrounded by soft items like clothes, towels, or jumpers. Wrap each fragile item individually in clothing or bubble wrap. Do not pack fragile things on the edges or bottom of the bag where they will absorb impact.

If you are bringing something very valuable or irreplaceable — artwork, antiques, expensive electronics — consider carrying it on instead, or purchasing additional insurance from your airline. Some airlines offer declared value coverage for checked baggage, though the payout is usually capped at a low amount.

Restricted items that need airline permission

Some items are allowed in hold luggage but require advance notice or special handling. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, skis, and tennis rackets usually fit in checked baggage but may count as an extra bag or incur a fee. Musical instruments are often treated the same way. Firearms and ammunition require special declaration and paperwork — contact your airline weeks before travel.

Medications in their original containers are allowed, including inhalers and EpiPens. Syringes and needles for medical use are permitted if they are capped and packed safely. Compressed gas cylinders (for diving or medical use) are almost always banned. If you are travelling with medical equipment, contact your airline in advance to confirm what documentation they need.

How to check your specific airline's rules

Every airline has a dangerous goods list on their website. Search "[airline name] prohibited items" or "[airline name] dangerous goods" to find it. Your booking confirmation email usually contains a link to baggage rules. If you cannot find the answer online, call the airline's customer service — they can tell you whether a specific item is allowed and whether you need to declare it.

Rules also vary by destination country. Some countries have stricter import rules than others. If you are packing items that might be restricted — certain foods, plants, animal products, or medications — research the rules for your destination country as well as your airline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a hair straightener or curling iron in hold luggage?

Yes, as long as it is not actively hot when you pack it. Let it cool completely and wrap the cord around it. Some airlines ask that you pack it in a protective case, but most allow it in checked baggage without special handling. Do not pack it in carry-on if it has a lithium battery.

What about deodorant and antiperspirant?

Stick deodorant and solid antiperspirant are fine in any size. Spray deodorant is pressurised and banned from hold luggage on most airlines. Roll-on deodorant is a liquid and can go in hold luggage in any quantity, unlike carry-on.

Can I pack my laptop in hold luggage instead of carry-on?

Yes, you can, though most people do not because baggage handlers are rough. If you do pack it in hold luggage, wrap it in soft clothing and place it in the centre of your bag. Backup your data before you travel in case it is damaged.

Are nail clippers and razors allowed in checked baggage?

Yes. Nail clippers, nail files, and safety razors are allowed in hold luggage. Straight razors and razor blades are sometimes restricted — check your airline. Scissors under 6 centimetres are usually allowed.

What if my bag is overweight — will the airline refuse it?

Yes. If your bag exceeds the weight limit, the airline will either refuse to check it or charge an overweight baggage fee, which can be substantial. Weigh your bag at home before you go to the airport. If it is over, remove items or redistribute weight to a second bag if you are allowed one.