Packing thoughtfully can help reduce the stress of the beginning of your vacation, ensuring a smooth airport experience. While you may aim to travel only with carry-on luggage, that's not always feasible. Whether you're embarking on an extended trip that requires more clothing or plan to bring home large souvenirs, you may need to check a bag. The rules governing what passengers can and cannot pack in checked versus carry-on bags vary significantly. To help you prepare for your next trip, we've put together a starting guide to 6 items you should never pack in your checked luggage. Let's get to it!
So what shouldn't you pack in your checked luggage?
1. Valuables
Source: Kit/Unsplash
According to a report from the aviation experts at SITA, losing or mishandling baggage is a widespread issue. In 2022, around 26 million bags were lost, damaged, or delayed. That's about 7.6 bags for every 1,000 passengers. The majority of those, around 80%, were just delayed bags. European airports had considerably more problems with this than airports in North America or Asia.
Even though you'll likely get your checked bags back within a few days, it's never a good idea to pack anything valuable in them just in case. Keep important items with you like your passport, other documents, cash, jewelry, and sentimental belongings. When packing, also think about what you'll need right away on your trip. If you can't do without something on the first day like hiking boots or swimwear, you should carry it on the plane with you.
2. Essential medications
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) generally allows most medical items in checked luggage. If you need to bring inhalers, EpiPens, insulin, or similar items, you can pack them in your suitcase without any issues.
However, it's a good idea to keep essential medications with you, especially if you have a tight connection. Although delayed luggage usually gets delivered eventually, that's not much help if you need the medication and can't access it at your destination. To prevent liquids from being accidentally confiscated, make sure your medical items are clearly labeled and carry documentation from your healthcare provider explaining their purpose.
3. Flammable and hazardous materials
Source: Gilles Lambert/Unsplash
Did you know that dried coconut isn't allowed in checked luggage? The reason might surprise you. Copra, which is the dried flesh of a coconut, contains a high amount of oil. This makes it flammable, even though it may seem harmless. So if you're traveling with some, you won't be able to pack it in your checked suitcase.
Similarly, the TSA closely examines items like aerosols because they often have flammable contents too. The nozzles on these products must be covered to prevent accidental leaks. The FAA's rules state that flammable aerosols that aren't for medical or personal care use aren't permitted in checked or carry-on bags. Other items considered hazardous materials by the FAA like bear spray (but not pepper spray), paints, solvents, chemistry sets for kids, mercury thermometers, and lighters with fuel, also can't go in the plane's cargo hold.
4. Lithium batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have become essential to modern life. They power a wide range of electronic devices, from laptops and phones to grooming tools and toothbrushes. However, these batteries can be risky if they malfunction, as they may overheat and even catch fire.
Between 2006 and 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 476 in-flight incidents involving smoke, fire, or excessive heat from lithium-ion batteries. For this reason, airlines don't allow these batteries to be stored in the cargo hold. Instead, passengers must carry any spare lithium batteries with them in the cabin. This way, any issues can be quickly detected and addressed by the flight crew before they escalate into a larger problem. By keeping these batteries close at hand, the crew can respond more rapidly, ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
5. Electronics
Source: Max/Unsplash
Aviation regulations have strict rules about electronic devices for safety reasons. These devices like cameras, phones, and laptops, often contain lithium batteries that can pose a fire risk if left turned on in the plane's cargo hold.
Passengers are technically allowed to pack these items in checked luggage, as long as they are powered off (not just in sleep mode). However, most travelers prefer to keep valuable electronics with them during the flight, rather than checking them. It's also important to note that certain items, such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices, are never permitted on planes, whether in checked or carry-on bags.
6. Personal care items
Many of us want to look our best while on vacation. If you have a go-to routine, you might not want to depend on the hotel's personal care items. Instead, you might prefer to bring your own hair straighteners or curling irons.
Corded items are allowed in checked baggage, but if it can't be plugged in, it can't go in your checked bag. This is because of how these cordless devices are powered. Some use gas like butane, which is flammable. (You can actually bring one gas cartridge in the cabin but it needs a safety cover and you can't bring a refill.) Other cordless hair tools use lithium batteries, which also cause issues for air travelers.
Save money, save time: find affordable airport parking with ParkingNearAirports.io!
Source: Paolo Nicolello/Unsplash
By the way, we would also like to give you one more helpful tip. Such information will be handy for those who prefer traveling by air and getting to the airport by their own car.
There is no question that a safe parking space must be arranged for your vehicle during a trip. However, in most cases, people aren't ready to spend a lot of money on this. It's a common problem among travelers, as they know that on-site parking (it may seem that it's the best option for this case) is pretty costly. So what can we do then?
We are glad to inform you that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are convenient and affordable. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. In addition, the app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
Being nearby doesn't always mean convenience when it comes to airport parking. Being in terminal parking is not convenient at all. Travelers have to find a spot in a crowded lot, carry their luggage throughout the parking lot, and pay high fees without great service. The off-airport parking provides excellent service with their award-winning customer service representatives available 24/7. In addition, the app looks for lots that offer baggage assistance and 24-hour security for peace of mind.
With our platform, it only takes a few clicks in the app to reserve a parking spot. Guests receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking space upon arrival at the off-airport parking. In addition, the app helps customers locate the most convenient lots to the airport. Cancellations are easy if plans change with hassle-free, refundable cancellations.
Source: Elizeu Dias/Unsplash
Off-airport parking lots often provide free shuttle going back and forth between the parking lot and the airport, removing any worry of traveling to and from the airport or getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport during peak hours. Arrive on time for flights and receive significant savings with airport parking.
Besides this, we also offer services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
So, let's imagine you're planning a trip to a popular destination. No matter your departure point, ParkingNearAirports.io can help you find discount airport parking to suit your needs. Plus, don't forget about our special airport parking coupons. These coupons can help you save significantly on your parking expenses, often reducing the airport parking cost by up to 50%.
You can explore a wide range of best airport parking deals and learn more about parking options near US and Canadian airports on our official website.
