What the TSA bans from checked bags

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains a list of items that cannot go in checked luggage under any circumstances. These are things that pose a fire risk, explosion risk, or safety hazard at altitude. The rules explore on every U.S. airline, though individual carriers sometimes add their own restrictions on top.

Flammables are the largest category: lighters, lighter fluid, paint thinner, gasoline, propane, and aerosol cans with flammable contents. Batteries—especially lithium batteries in laptops, phones, and power banks—are prohibited in checked bags because they can overheat and ignite. Explosives and ammunition, including fireworks, flares, and certain sporting ammunition, are completely banned. Oxidizers like bleach and pool chemicals are also forbidden because they accelerate fires.

Some items are banned from checked bags but allowed in carry-on bags in limited quantities. These include aerosol deodorant, hairspray, and perfume (one 3.4-ounce container per item). Alcohol over 140 proof is banned from both checked and carry-on bags. Alcohol between 24 and 140 proof is allowed only in checked luggage, in quantities up to five liters per passenger.

Key Takeaways

  • Lighters, lighter fluid, and flammable aerosols cannot go in checked bags on any flight.
  • Lithium batteries in electronics and standalone battery packs must stay in your carry-on bag.
  • Explosives, ammunition, and fireworks are completely banned from both checked and carry-on luggage.
  • Some items like aerosol deodorant and lower-proof alcohol are allowed in checked bags but in limited quantities.
  • Airlines sometimes enforce stricter rules than the TSA, so check your carrier's website before packing.

Electronics and batteries that must stay in carry-on

Lithium batteries are the most common item people accidentally pack in checked luggage. They include the batteries inside laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, and power banks. The TSA bans them from checked bags because lithium batteries can short-circuit and catch fire in the cargo hold, where the fire cannot be detected or fought.

You can bring these devices in your carry-on bag, but you should keep them powered on or in sleep mode during the flight—not powered off. If a device is powered off, the TSA may ask you to power it on to prove it works. Spare lithium batteries (not installed in a device) are also banned from checked bags. You can bring up to two spare batteries in carry-on luggage if they are in their original retail packaging or have tape over the terminals to prevent short circuits.

Other electronics like hair dryers, electric shavers, and curling irons are fine in checked bags because they do not contain lithium batteries. Standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt) are allowed in both checked and carry-on bags.

Liquids, gels, and pressurized containers

Checked luggage has different liquid rules than carry-on bags. You can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and other toiletries in checked bags with no size limit. The 3.4-ounce rule applies only to carry-on bags.

However, certain liquids and gels are banned from checked bags entirely. These include paint, paint thinner, acetone, and other solvents. Bleach and other oxidizing cleaners cannot go in checked bags. Perfume and cologne over 140 proof are banned from both checked and carry-on luggage. Perfume and cologne between 24 and 140 proof can go in checked bags only, up to five liters per passenger.

Aerosol cans with flammable propellants (like spray paint, insecticide, or air freshener) are banned from checked bags. Non-flammable aerosols like deodorant or hairspray are allowed in checked bags in limited quantities—usually one or two cans depending on the airline. Check your airline's website for their specific limit.

Weapons, ammunition, and sporting equipment

Firearms and ammunition are completely banned from carry-on bags. Firearms can go in checked bags only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. You must also notify the airline in advance—do not show up at the counter with a gun. Each airline has its own process for declaring firearms, so call ahead.

Ammunition is banned from checked bags on passenger aircraft. Some airlines allow it on cargo-only flights, but most do not. Realistic replica firearms, airsoft guns, and paintball guns are also banned from carry-on bags and may be banned from checked bags depending on the airline.

Sporting equipment like baseball bats, hockey sticks, and ski poles can go in checked bags but not carry-on bags. Knives with blades longer than 2.36 inches are banned from carry-on but allowed in checked bags if they are sheathed or wrapped. Razors and razor blades are banned from carry-on but allowed in checked bags.

Chemicals and hazardous materials

Many household and personal care chemicals are banned from both checked and carry-on bags. These include pesticides, herbicides, and other garden chemicals. Dry ice is banned from carry-on bags and allowed in checked bags only in small quantities (usually 2.5 kilograms or 5.5 pounds) with airline approval. You must notify the airline in advance if you want to bring dry ice.

Chlorine tablets and other pool chemicals are banned from both checked and carry-on bags. Camping fuel, lighter fluid, and charcoal lighter are banned. Self-inflating life jackets and life rafts with compressed gas cartridges are banned from carry-on but may be allowed in checked bags if the cartridge is removed or the device is not pressurized.

Some items are allowed in checked bags in limited quantities if they are properly packaged. These include certain medications, perfumes, and alcohols. The TSA website has a searchable database called "What Can I Bring?" where you can look up specific items.

Items that vary by airline

Beyond TSA rules, individual airlines enforce their own restrictions. Some airlines ban certain items from checked bags that the TSA allows. For example, some carriers restrict the number of lithium batteries you can bring or have stricter rules on sporting equipment.

International flights have different rules depending on the destination country and the airline. Some countries ban items that the U.S. allows. If you are flying internationally, check both the TSA rules and your airline's rules, then check the rules for your destination country.

Budget airlines and cargo carriers sometimes have stricter rules than major carriers. Always check your specific airline's website before packing. The airline's baggage policy page lists prohibited items, or you can call their customer service line.

How to learn about something is allowed

The TSA maintains a searchable tool called "What Can I Bring?" on their website at tsa.gov. You can type in any item and it will tell you whether it is allowed in carry-on bags, checked bags, or both. The tool also explains any restrictions or quantity limits.

If you cannot find your item on the TSA website, call the TSA's Ask TSA service. They answer questions by phone, email, and social media. You can also ask at the security checkpoint on the day of your flight, though this is riskier because if the item is banned, you will have to leave it behind or miss your flight.

For airline-specific rules, check your carrier's website or call their baggage department. They can tell you about any restrictions beyond the TSA rules. If you are traveling with something unusual or valuable, it is worth calling ahead rather than discovering a problem at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a lighter in my checked bag?

No. Lighters are banned from both checked and carry-on bags on all U.S. flights. This includes disposable lighters, refillable lighters, and lighter fluid. The only exception is one electric or plasma lighter in carry-on bags on some airlines, but policies vary—check with your carrier first.

What about my laptop battery in checked luggage?

Lithium batteries in laptops, tablets, and other electronics must stay in your carry-on bag. You can pack the device itself in checked luggage if the battery is removed, but most people find it easier to keep the whole device in carry-on. Spare batteries must also go in carry-on.

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

Yes. Checked bags have no size limit for liquids and gels like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and toothpaste. The 3.4-ounce rule applies only to carry-on bags. Pack them normally in your checked luggage.

Are sports equipment like baseball bats allowed in checked bags?

Yes. Baseball bats, hockey sticks, ski poles, and similar sporting equipment are allowed in checked bags but banned from carry-on bags. Pack them in your checked luggage. Some airlines may have additional restrictions, so check your carrier's policy.

What happens if I accidentally pack a banned item?

If a banned item is found during baggage screening, the TSA will remove it and dispose of it. You will not be charged, but you will lose the item. If you discover before check-in that you have packed something banned, remove it and leave it at home or in your car.