Packing for a trip can be a headache. If you are like me, you have a tendency to toss just about anything you can into your luggage and call it a day. But anyone who has travelled can tell you that it is not that easy. If you are flying for your trip and planning to have checked baggage, you might run into some hassle at security if you pack certain items.
Save yourself a headache and take a look below at our list of items you should never pack in your checked baggage. Some items may seem like common sense, while others might not make much sense. At the end of the day, safety always takes priority.
What am I allowed to pack in my checked baggage?
The TSA has a saying: “When in doubt, leave it out.” That is a pretty broad description of the checked baggage rules, but it could be what saves you from ruining your trip.
Generally, things that are allowed in your checked bag includes food, beverages, alcohol up to 70% proof, tools that do not require fuel, medication, and basics like clothes and toiletries. Just keep in mind that your baggage will likely get tossed and thrown around a fair bit, so be sure any food or liquids are sealed tightly and any fragile items are left out. Additionally, luggage may get delayed or even lost, so any vital medication may be better off carried with you.
What items should you never put in your checked baggage?
1. Anything that presents an immediate hazard
The most obvious items that are not allowed in checked baggage are the ones that could lead to a major accident, such as flammable liquids or chemicals, matches, e-cigarettes, and vaping pens. Disposable and zippo lighters without fuel are allowed, and up to two fueled lighters are allowed as long as they are enclosed in DOT-approved cases.
2. Any jewellery, expensive watches, cash, or valuables
It might be a good idea to keep your Heart of the Ocean blue diamond close to your person and outside of your checked luggage. Your airline’s contract of carriage clearly states that it is not liable for your jewellery and valuables, so if your luggage gets lost, so do your valuables. In the unfortunate circumstances that your valuables do get lost, it is very unlikely you will be compensated for their full value.
3. Your passport and other essential documents
Be wary of personal information or documents stored in your checked luggage. Once it leaves your hands, your checked luggage will likely go through a variety of other hands. Keep your passport, visas, and other essential documents like banking information and social security on you at all times.
Not only is it more secure, but it is also more convenient when the airport asks you to pull them out. Additionally, if your item is difficult to replace, then keep it out of your checked luggage. Items like this include keys, eyeglasses, mail, paper documents, and devices with electronic data.
4. Laptops, cameras, tablets, and other electronics
As mentioned before, your checked luggage will likely be tossed and thrown about by airlines personnel. I don’t know about you, but my outdated-yet-loved-to-bits Macbook is my life. If I crammed it inside my luggage and let it get handled by strangers, I should not be surprised if I unzip my luggage to a few broken pieces.
The same goes for cameras and other electronics, which I assure you are not designed to tolerate physical abuse. On top of this, your airline’s contract of carriage clearly states that they are not liable for stolen or damaged electronics. Red flags all around.
5. All of your clothing
You arrive at your dream destination and discover your luggage is delayed. Ok, that is bad, but it is not THAT bad. You can go a few days living on the bare minimum. You are in paradise, after all. What more can you ask for? Oh, right. Your underwear. Sure, you can buy clothes and underwear somewhere if your checked luggage arrives after you do, but it is much easier to simply pack your carry-on with a pair of underwear, a shirt, and shorts so you can be ready to go anywhere, anytime. Packing all your clothes in your checked luggage is a big no-no.
If you decide to check in luggage, be sure to exercise a bit of judgement when packing. Keep in mind the items listed above and avoid putting them in your checked luggage so that you can enjoy your trip without a headache. It may seem silly to place restrictions on what you can and cannot carry, but, ultimately, it is safer for yourself, such as leaving out your jewellery and passport, and it is safer for others, such as leaving out fueled lighters and e-cigarettes. Practice safe packing, and enjoy your travels.
