The basic rule: checked bags have fewer restrictions than carry-on

Checked luggage allows items that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits in the cabin — mainly because checked bags stay in the cargo hold, away from the flight deck. You can pack most everyday items: clothes, shoes, toiletries in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, tools, sports equipment, and most electronics. The catch is that some items are banned from checked bags entirely, and airlines add their own rules on top of TSA rules.

The TSA website lists what is and is not allowed, but the rules differ between checked and carry-on in ways that matter. A lighter fluid that cannot fly in your carry-on bag might be allowed checked — or might not be allowed on the plane at all. Your airline's baggage policy can be stricter than the TSA's, so checking both before you pack saves time at the airport.

Key Takeaways

  • Checked bags allow toiletries, tools, and most everyday items that carry-on bags do not, as long as they are not on the TSA or airline prohibited list.
  • Lithium batteries, flammables, and certain chemicals are banned from checked luggage entirely — these cannot fly in any bag on a passenger plane.
  • Your airline's baggage rules can be stricter than TSA rules, so you need to check both your carrier's website and the TSA website before packing.
  • Packing items in checked luggage does not mean they will not be inspected — TSA officers open and examine checked bags routinely.

What is allowed in checked bags but not carry-on

Toiletries and personal care items larger than 3.4 ounces are the most common example. You can pack a full-size shampoo bottle, a large tube of toothpaste, or a quart-sized container of lotion in checked luggage. In carry-on, these same items must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a single quart-sized bag.

Tools are another category. Hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and saws are prohibited in carry-on but allowed checked. Power tools with lithium batteries are more complicated — the battery itself may be banned, but the tool without the battery might be allowed. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, golf clubs, and ski poles are allowed checked but not carry-on. Check your airline's website because some carriers have length or weight limits on sports gear.

Certain electronics are allowed checked but not carry-on. A laptop, tablet, or camera can go in checked luggage, though airlines recommend keeping valuable electronics in your carry-on to reduce theft and damage risk. Portable chargers and power banks with lithium batteries have specific rules — see the section below on batteries.

Items banned from all luggage: checked and carry-on

Some items cannot fly on a passenger plane in any bag. Lithium batteries are the most common restriction. Spare lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries cannot be packed in checked or carry-on luggage. Batteries installed inside a device — like a laptop or phone — are allowed, but loose batteries or batteries removed from devices are prohibited. This includes power banks and portable chargers if they contain lithium batteries.

Flammable liquids and gases are banned from checked luggage. This includes lighter fluid, paint thinner, gasoline, propane, and aerosol cans with flammable contents. Some aerosols — like deodorant or hairspray — are allowed in carry-on in limited quantities, but they are prohibited in checked bags. Check the label: if it says "flammable" or "combustible," it cannot go in checked luggage.

Explosives and weapons are prohibited in all luggage. This includes fireworks, ammunition, firearms (even unloaded), realistic replica guns, and certain sporting equipment like flare guns. Martial arts weapons like nunchucks, brass knuckles, and throwing stars are also banned. Some items that seem harmless — like certain types of lighters or torch lighters — are prohibited because they are considered fire hazards.

Corrosive and toxic substances are restricted or banned. Bleach, drain cleaner, pesticides, and certain cleaning products cannot be packed in checked luggage. Some chemicals are allowed in very small quantities under specific packaging rules, but most household cleaners are safer left at home or purchased at your destination.

Alcohol and other restricted items

Alcohol is allowed in checked luggage but not carry-on. You can pack beer, wine, or spirits in checked bags as long as the alcohol content is between 24 and 70 percent by volume. Bottles must be unopened and packed securely so they do not break and leak. Some airlines limit the quantity — often to five liters per passenger — so check your carrier's policy. Alcohol above 70 percent alcohol by volume is prohibited entirely.

Medications are allowed in checked luggage, but it is safer to keep them in carry-on where you have access to them during the flight. If you do pack medications checked, keep them in their original labeled containers with your name on the label. The TSA does not require a prescription copy, but having one with you can help if questions arise.

Lighters are complicated. Standard disposable lighters are prohibited in both checked and carry-on luggage. Torch lighters and electronic lighters are also banned. The only exception is one disposable lighter in your carry-on bag if you are traveling to or from certain countries, but this is not allowed in checked luggage under any circumstance.

Lithium batteries: the detailed rules

Lithium batteries cause fires that are difficult to extinguish at high altitude, which is why the rules are strict. A battery installed inside a device — such as the battery in your laptop, phone, or camera — is allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage. The device itself can be checked or carried.

Spare batteries and power banks are different. Lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable) and lithium-metal batteries (single-use) cannot be packed in checked luggage at all. They are also limited in carry-on: you can bring up to two spare batteries in carry-on only, and they must be in your personal item or carry-on bag, not checked. Some airlines have stricter limits, so verify with your carrier.

Batteries for mobility aids — like wheelchairs or scooters — have their own rules. Wet batteries and non-spillable batteries may be allowed in checked luggage under specific conditions. If you use a mobility device, contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to confirm what is allowed.

How to pack checked luggage safely

Pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This protects fragile items and makes the bag easier to handle. Wrap breakable items — like glasses, dishes, or electronics — in clothing or bubble wrap. Seal liquids and gels in plastic bags to contain leaks if a container breaks during handling.

Keep your bag under the airline's weight limit. Most carriers allow 50 pounds per checked bag, but some allow less. Overweight bags incur fees, and extremely heavy bags may be refused. Weigh your bag at home before heading to the airport.

Do not pack items you would regret losing. Checked luggage can be delayed, lost, or damaged. Keep valuable items, medications, important documents, and electronics in your carry-on bag instead. If you must pack something valuable, consider purchasing baggage insurance through your airline.

What happens if you pack a prohibited item

TSA officers inspect checked luggage randomly and also screen bags that trigger alarms during X-ray scanning. If a prohibited item is found, the TSA will remove it and may leave a notice in your bag. You will not be charged if the item is discovered before your flight departs, but you will lose the item. If a prohibited item is discovered after you have left the airport, you may face fines or other penalties depending on what the item is.

If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, do not pack it. Contact your airline's baggage department or check the TSA website before you travel. A few minutes of research prevents losing an item or facing delays at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a hair dryer or curling iron in checked luggage?

Yes. Hair dryers and curling irons are allowed in checked bags. They are also allowed in carry-on. If the device has a lithium battery, the battery rules explore — the device itself is fine, but spare batteries are not.

Are lighters allowed in checked baggage?

No. All types of lighters — disposable, torch, and electronic — are prohibited in checked luggage. They are also prohibited in carry-on. The only exception is one disposable lighter in carry-on on flights to or from certain countries, but this varies by route and airline.

Can I pack my laptop in a checked bag?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Checked bags are handled roughly, and laptops can be damaged or stolen. Keep your laptop in your carry-on bag instead. If you must check it, wrap it well and consider purchasing baggage insurance.

What if my checked bag is opened by TSA and something is missing?

The TSA leaves a notice in bags they inspect. If an item is missing and you believe it was taken, file a claim with the TSA within 30 days. The TSA has a claims process on its website, though recovery is not may provide. For valuable items, purchase baggage insurance through your airline.

Can I pack a power bank in checked luggage?

No. Power banks contain lithium batteries, which are prohibited in checked luggage. You can bring up to two power banks in carry-on only, and they must stay with you during the flight, not in checked bags.