Can you pack anything in checked luggage

Lithium battery rules: lithium-ion cells up to 100 Wh are allowed in carry-on without airline approval; cells between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval; cells above 160 Wh are forbidden on passenger aircraft. Spare batteries and power banks must have terminals protected (tape or original packaging) and should remain in cabin baggage. Devices with built-in batteries may be placed in the aircraft hold, but airlines sometimes require devices to be powered off and protected against accidental activation.

Liquids, alcohol and aerosols: cabin liquid allowance remains 100 ml per container in a single resealable clear bag (1 L total). Larger volumes may be placed in suitcases stored in the aircraft hold, except for flammable liquids and aerosols with flammable propellants, which are restricted or prohibited. Alcoholic beverages with 24–70% alcohol by volume are generally permitted in hold baggage up to 5 L per passenger if in unopened retail packaging; beverages above 70% are prohibited.

Firearms, ammunition and related items: firearms must be unloaded, declared at check-in, and transported in a locked, hard-sided case. Ammunition rules vary by carrier and country; many accept small quantities in original or secure packaging inside hold bags, but prior approval or declaration is commonly required. Replicas, gas-powered weapons and certain parts may be restricted.

Sharp tools and sporting equipment: knives, scissors with long blades, axes, ice skates and similar items are not allowed in cabin but are normally acceptable in hold bags when sheathed and securely wrapped. Power tools with batteries obey the lithium battery limits described above; loose fuel or fuel-containing containers are forbidden.

Valuables, documents and fragile items: keep passports, boarding passes, medications, cash, irreplaceable jewelry and high-value electronics in cabin baggage rather than stored in the aircraft hold. Fragile instruments and custom electronics risk damage in hold stowage; consider dedicated packing and insurance if transport in the hold is unavoidable.

Dangerous goods and restricted materials: explosives, oxidizers, corrosives, toxic substances, compressed gas cylinders (including some camping fuel canisters), and radiation sources are not permitted in passenger checked stowage. Certain batteries, chemical samples and large quantities of powders may require special declaration or shipping as cargo under dangerous-goods procedures.

Actionable steps: consult the specific carrier’s rules and the departure/arrival country’s customs and transport authority before travel; declare firearms or large quantities of restricted items at check-in; label fragile or hazardous items clearly and carry proof of any required permits. When in doubt, arrange shipment via a licensed freight service that handles dangerous goods.

Which batteries and electronic accessories are allowed or prohibited in the aircraft hold?

Store all spare lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries (including power banks) in cabin baggage only; do not stow spare batteries in the aircraft hold.

• Lithium‑ion (rechargeable) batteries

  • Spare batteries: cabin only. Terminals must be insulated (tape, original packaging, or individual plastic cases).
  • Installed in devices (laptop, camera, smartphone): permitted in cabin and in the aircraft hold if device is powered off and protected from accidental activation; cabin storage is strongly advised for fire risk mitigation.
  • Watt‑hour limits: ≤100 Wh per battery allowed without airline approval; >100 Wh up to 160 Wh allowed with airline approval (maximum two spare batteries per passenger in cabin); >160 Wh prohibited on passenger aircraft except as cargo under dangerous‑goods procedures.
  • Examples: typical smartphone 10–15 Wh; most laptops 30–90 Wh; large power stations >160 Wh (not allowed in passenger carriage).

• Lithium‑metal (primary, non‑rechargeable) batteries

  • Spare lithium‑metal cells/batteries: cabin only. Maximum lithium content: generally ≤2 g Li per cell allowed for passenger carriage; >2 g requires airline approval or is forbidden.
  • Installed in devices: may be transported in the aircraft hold but cabin carriage preferred; device must be powered off and terminals protected.
  • Examples: CR2032 coin cell contains ~0.02–0.03 g lithium (typical coin cells fall well under 2 g).

• Power banks and portable chargers

  • Treated as spare lithium‑ion batteries: cabin only. Terminals must be protected and power banks must be declared if Wh not clearly marked.
  • Common conversions: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Example: 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh.
  • Limits follow the 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules above; >160 Wh not permitted for passenger carriage.

• Alkaline, NiMH, NiCd (non‑lithium) batteries

  • Generally allowed in both cabin and aircraft hold. Recommended to keep loose cells in original packaging or with terminals taped to prevent short circuits.
  • Large battery packs (e.g., large NiMH packs, e‑bike batteries) often require airline approval or must travel as cargo.

• Lead‑acid (wet) batteries and vehicle batteries

  • Automotive and large lead‑acid batteries normally prohibited in passenger baggage and the aircraft hold; transportable only as cargo with proper packaging, ventilation, and dangerous‑goods paperwork.
  • Small sealed lead‑acid batteries (e.g., mobility aids) require airline approval and special handling; contact the carrier well before travel.

• E‑cigarettes, vaping devices

  • Devices and their batteries must be in cabin baggage; use and charging onboard are prohibited. Spare cartridges/batteries: cabin only.

Practical checklist before travel:

1. Calculate Wh when only mAh and voltage are shown: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000.
2. Keep spare lithium batteries and power banks in the cabin; tape terminals or use insulating cases.
3. Declare batteries >100 Wh to the carrier and obtain approval for 100–160 Wh spares (limited to two spares with approval).
4. Switch devices off, disable wake functions, and protect against accidental activation if devices must travel in the aircraft hold.
5. Contact the airline and check departure/arrival authority rules for any carrier‑specific or country‑specific restrictions.

Failure to follow these rules can result in denied carriage, confiscation, or delays.

How to transport and declare firearms, sporting weapons and ammunition in hold baggage

Store firearms unloaded inside a hard-sided, lockable case and declare them to the carrier at check-in.

How to secure weapons and magazines

Unload all firearms; remove magazines and any ammunition from chambers. Use a visible chamber flag or zip tie to demonstrate the action is empty. Place firearms in a purpose-built rigid case made of metal or polymer; secure the case with strong padlocks or a TSA-recognized lock when travelling to/from the United States to allow inspection without damage. Keep keys or combinations with the passenger, not with the case. Label the case with name and contact details.

Ammunition handling, limits and prohibited types

Store cartridges in original manufacturer boxes or in sturdy metal/fiberboard ammunition boxes specifically designed for small arms. Do not transport loose rounds in pockets, taped bundles or soft bags. Many carriers and international regulations limit ammunition to about 5 kg (≈11 lb) net per passenger for sporting small-arms cartridges; obtain explicit approval from the airline and consult the carrier’s Dangerous Goods policy before travel. Ammunition classes commonly prohibited from transport in hold include explosive ordnance, incendiary, tracer, armor‑piercing and other military‑grade munitions – these are banned by almost all operators and civil aviation authorities.

Permitted ammunition is normally limited to small arms cartridges (rimfire and common centerfire sporting rounds) packed to prevent movement or accidental discharge.

Declare every firearm and ammunition shipment to the check-in agent using the carrier’s firearm declaration form; arrival at the counter without prior declaration often results in refusal of carriage, seizure and legal penalties. Present all required documentation (firearm ownership certificate, permits, hunting licence, or import/export authorisations) and verify transit-country rules where flights connect – both departure, transfer and destination jurisdictions must be satisfied.

Expect possible physical inspection by security or law enforcement; if inspection is required officers may open the case and, in some jurisdictions, remove or cut non‑TSA locks. Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to complete declaration procedures. Noncompliance can lead to confiscation, fines and criminal charges. When in doubt, contact the airline and the relevant customs/firearms authorities for written guidance before travelling.

Which household chemicals, aerosols and flammable items are restricted in hold baggage?

Do not place gasoline, petrol, lighter-refill cartridges, butane or propane fuel cylinders, solvent-based paints, paint thinners, turpentine, spray paint, fuel aerosols, fireworks, flares, improvised explosives, and other highly flammable materials in hold baggage; such articles are prohibited for passenger carriage and require freight-class hazardous-goods shipment.

Non-flammable toiletry aerosols (shaving foam, deodorant labeled NON-FLAMMABLE, some hair sprays) are typically permitted in hold baggage when in original sealed containers. IATA guidance: net quantity per aerosol normally limited to 0.5 kg (500 g/ml) and an aggregate per person of about 2 kg; confirm the operating carrier’s exact limit prior to travel. Aerosols with flammable propellants (spray insecticides, spray paints, fuel-propelled deodorants) must not be placed in the aircraft hold.

Alcoholic beverages: under 24% ABV usually unrestricted; 24–70% ABV allowed only in retail packaging and limited to 5 litres per person; over 70% ABV prohibited from passenger baggage. Label and retain original retail packaging for any alcohol transported.

Oxidizers, corrosives and toxic household chemicals are banned from hold carriage. Examples: bleach, pool chlorine (calcium hypochlorite and “pool shock”), concentrated hydrogen peroxide, concentrated acids (muriatic, nitric), strong alkalis and drain cleaners, pesticides, herbicide concentrates, and mercury-containing devices. Those materials require licensed hazardous-goods transport or disposal prior to travel.

Compressed gas cylinders (camp-stove cartridges, spare compressed-gas cylinders, oxygen/medical cylinders not airline-approved) and aerosol fuel cartridges are not permitted unless the airline issues prior written approval and the items meet specific serviceability and packaging rules. Small quantities of dry ice (solid CO2) may be allowed with airline approval and limits (commonly up to 2.5 kg) and must be labelled as a refrigerant with ventilation provided.

Packaging and declaration: leave hazardous household chemicals in original, undamaged containers with caps secured and absorbent secondary containment (sealed plastic bag or hard-sided container) to prevent leaks. Declare any suspected hazardous item at the check-in desk; undeclared dangerous goods expose to fines, flight delay and confiscation. When transport by air under dangerous-goods rules is required, use a licensed freight forwarder.

For outdoor trips where aerosol insect repellents or flammable burner fuels would otherwise be considered, choose non-aerosol alternatives or protective equipment such as a shade device – for an option tailored to long-distance hiking, see best solar umbrella for thru hiking.

FAQ:

Can I pack spare lithium batteries and power banks in checked luggage?

No. Loose lithium-ion batteries and external power banks must travel in carry-on baggage only. Batteries installed in a device may go in checked luggage, but spare cells and power banks are treated differently because of fire risk. Airlines and regulators set limits by battery capacity: most allow cells up to 100 Wh in carry-on without prior approval; devices or batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh usually need airline approval; anything above 160 Wh is typically forbidden on passenger aircraft. Protect battery terminals from short circuits (cover exposed contacts or keep them in original packaging) and check your airline’s rules before flying, since some carriers apply stricter limits.

Are firearms and ammunition allowed in checked baggage?

They can be transported in checked baggage, but strict procedures apply. Firearms must be unloaded, packed inside a locked, hard-sided container, and declared to airline staff at check-in. Ammunition is generally permitted in checked baggage if stored in the original packaging or a purpose-made container that prevents movement and shorting; some carriers impose quantity limits. Many countries also require permits or prohibit import of certain weapons, so confirm legal requirements at your destination and with the airline before travel. Expect security inspections; use a lock that can be opened by screening agents if required.

Can I put perfumes and alcohol in my checked suitcase?

Yes, but there are safety and quantity rules. Perfumes are flammable liquids, so pack them securely and upright to reduce the chance of leaks. For carry-on, single containers over 100 ml are not allowed; that limit does not apply to checked baggage. Alcoholic beverages are regulated by alcohol content: beverages below roughly 24% alcohol by volume are usually not restricted; those between about 24% and 70% are often limited to a specific volume per passenger and must be in retail packaging; beverages over about 70% ABV are typically prohibited. Rules vary by airline and country, so verify limits before packing and wrap bottles to prevent breakage.

Are knives, scissors, and tools safe to pack in checked luggage?

Most sharp objects that are not allowed in the cabin can be placed in checked baggage if they are properly sheathed or secured. Kitchen knives, folding knives, scissors with long blades, box cutters, and hand tools are generally accepted in checked bags, while items designed as weapons (for example, brass knuckles or certain tactical tools) may be banned. Large sporting equipment and specialty tools might have specific handling or declaration requirements. Pack blades so they cannot cut through luggage and check local and airline rules to avoid unexpected confiscation or fines at your destination.

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