Most everyday items are allowed in checked bags, but liquids, sharp objects, and anything flammable are not

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains a list of prohibited items that applies to all checked luggage on flights departing from U.S. airports. The core rule is straightforward: anything that poses a fire, explosion, or safety risk to the aircraft or passengers cannot go in your checked bag. This includes all liquids over 3.4 ounces, lighters, flammable materials, and weapons of any kind. Beyond those categories, most items you use daily—clothing, shoes, books, toiletries in solid form, electronics, and tools—are permitted.

The rules differ slightly between checked and carry-on bags. Checked luggage has fewer restrictions than what you bring into the cabin because checked bags are stored in a pressurized cargo hold away from passengers. This means some items banned from carry-on bags are actually allowed in checked luggage, such as certain tools and larger quantities of some substances. However, the TSA's prohibited items list applies to both, so you cannot pack something in checked luggage just because it is not allowed in your carry-on.

Key Takeaways

  • Liquids, gels, and aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces are prohibited in checked bags, including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and spray deodorant.
  • Sharp objects like box cutters, razors, and ice picks are banned, but scissors with blades under 4 inches and safety razors may be packed in checked luggage.
  • Flammable items including lighters, matches, paint, gasoline, and fireworks are never allowed in any luggage on a plane.
  • Tools such as hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers are permitted in checked bags but not in carry-on bags.
  • Electronics like laptops, cameras, and power banks are allowed, but lithium batteries in excess of certain limits require special handling.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols that must stay home or be checked

The 3.4-ounce (100 milliliter) liquid rule applies to checked luggage the same way it does to carry-on bags. This means shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste, and liquid foundation all count as liquids. If your bottle is larger than 3.4 ounces, it cannot go in your checked bag. The rule exists because these items can leak during flight and damage other passengers' belongings or create safety hazards.

Aerosol cans—including spray deodorant, hairspray, and spray sunscreen—follow the same restriction. A single aerosol container larger than 3.4 ounces is prohibited. However, you may pack multiple smaller containers as long as each one is 3.4 ounces or less and the total does not exceed 2 kilograms (about 4.4 pounds) for your entire bag. Solid or powder forms of these products, such as deodorant sticks, powder sunscreen, or dry shampoo, have no size restriction and are safe to pack.

Sharp objects and tools with specific size limits

Most sharp objects are prohibited in checked luggage, including box cutters, utility knives, ice picks, and straight razors. However, the rules are more lenient for certain items than carry-on restrictions. Safety razors and disposable razors are allowed in checked bags as long as the blades are enclosed or covered. Scissors are permitted if the blades are under 4 inches long and the handles are rounded.

Tools such as hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and saws are allowed in checked luggage but banned from carry-on bags. Knives are generally prohibited, with narrow exceptions: butter knives and plastic knives are fine, and some airlines permit small pocket knives under specific conditions. If you are traveling with tools for work or a hobby, pack them in your checked bag rather than carrying them on board. Always verify with your airline before packing, as some carriers have stricter rules than the TSA baseline.

Flammable materials and batteries that are never permitted

Flammable liquids and gases are absolutely prohibited in both checked and carry-on luggage. This category includes lighter fluid, gasoline, paint thinner, nail polish remover, and any aerosol marked as flammable. Lighters and matches are also banned, even in checked bags. Fireworks, sparklers, and other pyrotechnic devices cannot be packed under any circumstances. These items pose a genuine fire risk in the cargo hold and are treated as serious violations.

Lithium batteries and battery-powered devices require special attention. Spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked luggage but may be allowed in carry-on bags under specific conditions. However, lithium batteries installed in devices like laptops, cameras, and phones are permitted in checked bags. Power banks and portable chargers are allowed as long as they are in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. If you are unsure whether a device contains a lithium battery, check the manufacturer's documentation or contact your airline before traveling.

Electronics and devices that are generally safe to pack

Laptops, tablets, cameras, and smartphones can go in checked luggage, though most travelers prefer to keep them in carry-on bags to avoid damage. These devices are not prohibited by the TSA. Hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, and other small appliances are allowed in checked bags. Larger electronics like gaming consoles, portable speakers, and headphones are also permitted.

The main concern with packing electronics in checked luggage is physical damage from rough handling, not TSA restrictions. If you do pack electronics in your checked bag, wrap them in soft clothing or use a protective case. Keep in mind that checked bags are subject to pressure and temperature changes during flight, which can affect sensitive equipment. For valuable or fragile electronics, carrying them on board is the safer choice.

Clothing, shoes, and personal items with no restrictions

All clothing, shoes, belts, and accessories are allowed in checked luggage without limits. Books, magazines, and documents can be packed freely. Toiletries in solid or powder form—such as deodorant sticks, solid perfume, powder makeup, and dry shampoo—have no size restrictions. Medications in their original labeled containers are permitted, though it is wise to keep a copy of the prescription or a doctor's note if the medication is unusual or in large quantities.

Jewelry, watches, and eyeglasses are allowed. Food items like snacks, chocolate, and sealed packaged goods are generally permitted, though fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats may be restricted depending on your destination. If you are traveling internationally, check the customs rules for your destination country, as some foods are prohibited on entry. Sporting equipment like tennis rackets, golf clubs, and skis can be packed in checked luggage, though some airlines charge extra fees for oversized or heavy items.

Items that require special handling or airline approval

Certain items are not automatically prohibited but do require advance notice or special handling. Firearms and ammunition are allowed in checked luggage only if you declare them to the airline at check-in and follow specific packing requirements—ammunition must be in a factory or commercial container, and the firearm must be unloaded and locked. Explosives, including blasting caps and detonators, are never permitted.

Dry ice is allowed in checked bags in limited quantities (no more than 5.5 pounds per package) but must be declared to the airline. Magnetic items and strong magnets may interfere with navigation equipment and should be declared. Some airlines restrict or charge extra for items like bicycles, musical instruments, or sports equipment. Always contact your airline directly if you are packing something unusual or valuable—a few minutes of advance notice can prevent your bag from being held at the airport or confiscated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a lighter or matches in my checked bag?

No. Lighters and matches are prohibited in both checked and carry-on luggage. This includes disposable lighters, refillable lighters, and all types of matches. If you need a lighter or matches at your destination, purchase them after you arrive.

Are medications allowed in checked luggage?

Yes, medications in their original labeled containers are permitted in checked bags. Keep a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter if the medication is in large quantities or is a controlled substance. For international travel, research your destination's rules, as some medications are restricted or illegal in certain countries.

Can I pack my laptop or camera in my checked bag?

Yes, electronics like laptops and cameras are allowed in checked luggage. However, most travelers keep them in carry-on bags to avoid damage from rough handling and pressure changes during flight. If you do check them, wrap them in protective padding.

What size scissors are allowed in checked luggage?

Scissors with blades under 4 inches long and rounded handles are permitted in checked bags. Larger scissors or those with sharp points are prohibited. If you need scissors at your destination, pack small craft scissors or purchase them after arrival.

Are power banks allowed in checked luggage?

Power banks and portable chargers must go in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage, because they contain lithium batteries. Lithium batteries in checked bags pose a fire risk in the cargo hold. Keep your power bank with you during the flight.