Prohibited items in checked baggage

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) bans certain items from checked luggage because they pose a fire or safety risk in the cargo hold, where crew cannot reach them. The rules are the same across all U.S. airlines, though international carriers may have stricter limits. Most prohibited items fall into a few categories: flammables, compressed gases, oxidizers, and items that can catch fire or explode under pressure or temperature change.

The TSA maintains a searchable database called "What Can I Bring?" on their website where you can look up any specific item. If you are unsure about something, that tool is faster and more reliable than calling ahead. Some items are prohibited entirely; others are allowed in carry-on but not checked baggage, or vice versa. The distinction matters because the cargo hold is pressurized and unheated, which changes how certain substances behave.

Key Takeaways

  • Lighters, matches, and all flammable liquids are banned from checked luggage entirely, including common items like nail polish, paint thinner, and lighter fluid.
  • Lithium batteries (the kind in phones and laptops) are restricted in checked bags; most must travel in carry-on luggage instead.
  • Compressed gas cylinders—including propane, oxygen, and even some camping equipment—cannot go in checked baggage under any circumstances.
  • Oxidizers like bleach, pool chemicals, and some pesticides are prohibited because they can accelerate fires in an unattended cargo hold.
  • The TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool on their website lets you search any item by name to confirm whether it is allowed in checked or carry-on bags.

Flammable liquids and solids you cannot pack

Flammable liquids are the largest category of prohibited checked baggage. This includes nail polish, nail polish remover, perfume, cologne, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, paint, paint thinner, turpentine, lighter fluid, and gasoline. Even small amounts are banned. A single bottle of nail polish remover in your checked bag is enough to trigger a violation.

Flammable solids are also prohibited. This covers things like matches, lighters (including electronic lighters and refillable ones), flare guns, and some types of camping fuel tablets. If it says "flammable" on the label or is designed to ignite, it cannot go in checked luggage. Some items that seem harmless—like certain types of self-heating meal packs or hand warmers that use chemical reactions—may also be restricted, so check the label or use the TSA tool before packing.

Lithium batteries and electronic devices

Lithium batteries are restricted in checked baggage because they can overheat and catch fire if damaged or exposed to pressure changes. This includes the batteries in your phone, laptop, tablet, camera, and most portable electronics. The rule is: the device itself (phone, laptop) can go in checked baggage, but spare batteries must travel in your carry-on bag only.

There are limits on how many spare batteries you can bring. You are allowed up to two spare lithium-ion batteries (like those in phones) or two lithium metal batteries (like those in some cameras) in carry-on luggage. Larger batteries or power banks with very high capacity may be restricted further. If you are traveling with expensive electronics or multiple devices, pack the batteries separately in your carry-on and leave the devices in checked luggage if you prefer.

Compressed gases and pressurized containers

Any compressed gas cylinder is banned from checked baggage. This includes propane, butane, oxygen, nitrogen, and helium. Even small camping canisters or refillable lighter cartridges cannot go in checked luggage. Aerosol cans fall into a gray area: some are allowed in checked baggage in limited quantities (like deodorant or hairspray), but others are not. The safest approach is to pack aerosols in carry-on only, or leave them at home.

Scuba tanks, paintball cylinders, and any other pressurized container designed to hold gas are completely prohibited in checked baggage. If you need specialized equipment for a trip, contact your airline directly before packing. Some airlines will allow certain items if you notify them in advance, but this is rare and requires written approval.

Oxidizers and corrosive chemicals

Oxidizers are substances that release oxygen and can cause or speed up a fire. Bleach, pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide, and many pesticides fall into this category. These items are banned from checked baggage because in an unattended cargo hold, if they leak or are exposed to heat, they can ignite other materials around them. Even small quantities are prohibited.

Corrosive chemicals—like drain cleaners, battery acid, and some cleaning products—are also banned. These can eat through luggage and damage the aircraft structure. If you need these items at your destination, buy them there instead of packing them. Most hardware stores and supermarkets at your arrival city will have what you need.

Explosives, ammunition, and weapons

Firearms, ammunition, and explosives are completely prohibited in checked baggage on commercial flights. This includes fireworks, flares, and any item designed to detonate or propel a projectile. Realistic replicas of weapons may also be prohibited, so check with your airline if you are traveling with props or collectibles.

Some items that seem unrelated are also banned because they contain explosive compounds. Certain airbag systems, some old-style flash photography equipment, and some percussion caps fall into this category. When in doubt, use the TSA tool or call your airline's baggage department before packing anything that might be questionable.

Items with radioactive or magnetic materials

Radioactive materials are prohibited in checked baggage. This includes certain medical isotopes, old luminous watch dials, and some industrial equipment. Most travelers will never encounter these, but if you work in a medical or industrial field, be aware that some equipment or samples cannot be transported.

Magnets and magnetic devices are also restricted if they are strong enough to interfere with aircraft navigation or cargo handling equipment. Large industrial magnets or specialized equipment should not be packed without airline approval. Everyday magnets on souvenirs or small items are usually fine, but if you are traveling with anything magnetic and industrial in nature, contact the airline first.

Items that may surprise you

Some prohibited items are less obvious. Self-inflating life jackets, certain types of air fresheners, some camping equipment with pressurized fuel, and certain types of batteries used in medical devices are all restricted. Dry ice is allowed in checked baggage in small quantities (2.2 pounds or less) but only if the bag is vented so pressure does not build up.

Perfume and cologne are flammable and prohibited in checked baggage, but you can bring them in carry-on in containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller. Certain pesticides and insecticides are banned entirely. Some items that are legal to own may still be illegal to transport by air—check the label and the TSA tool before packing anything you are unsure about.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. All lighters and matches are banned from checked luggage entirely. This includes disposable lighters, refillable lighters, electronic lighters, and all types of matches. They are also restricted in carry-on bags, though one lighter may be allowed in carry-on under specific conditions—check with your airline.

What about my laptop battery or phone charger?

Your laptop and phone can go in checked baggage, but spare lithium batteries must travel in carry-on only. The charger itself (the cord and plug) is fine in either bag. If you are bringing a power bank, check its capacity; very high-capacity power banks may be restricted or prohibited.

Is nail polish allowed in checked luggage?

No. Nail polish and nail polish remover are flammable liquids and are banned from checked baggage. You can purchase these items at your destination, or pack them in carry-on if your airline allows flammable liquids in carry-on (most do not).

Can I pack bleach or cleaning supplies?

No. Bleach, pool chemicals, and most commercial cleaning products are oxidizers and are prohibited in checked baggage. Buy these items at your destination instead. If you need them for a specific reason, contact your airline to see if any alternatives are permitted.

What if I am not sure whether something is allowed?

Use the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool on their website—search by item name and it will tell you whether it is allowed in checked or carry-on baggage. If the tool does not have your item, call your airline's baggage department directly. It is better to ask before packing than to have your bag delayed or confiscated at the airport.