There was a time before 9/11 when you could take just about anything on a plane with you. Nowadays, things are pretty limited for carry-on, which means that many people are packing things in their suitcases to check. It is important, however, to understand what you can and can’t take on a plane safely and, more importantly, legally. These are 18 things that you shouldn’t pack away in your checked bag, according to the TSA.
Lithium Batteries
If you are traveling, it is never a good idea to pack lithium batteries in your checked luggage. Lithium batteries can overheat in transit and lead to a fire. That can jeopardize the entire plane and cargo. If you are going to pack them, take them on your carry-on luggage to avoid excessive heat in the cargo compartment.
Vaping Products
It is a horrible idea to put any vaping or e-cig products in your checked bag for the same reason as batteries. Vaping products can easily overheat and lead to a fire. You are allowed to carry them on a plane, so make sure to put them in your carry-on to protect them from the heat of the cargo compartment.
Chemicals of Any Kind
If you are traveling, leave the cleaning products and chemicals behind instead of checking them with your suitcase. It is better to buy them when you arrive at your destination. Things like bleach and other chemicals being stowed away in your luggage is a big no-no. If they leak, they can cause serious damage to your luggage and the luggage around yours.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is a great tool to keep yourself safe, but it isn’t safe to put your checked luggage. Self-defense sprays contain chemicals that are banned on planes. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Wet Cell Batteries
Wet cell batteries have the potential to short circuit and can have dangerous chemicals in them that can leak. It is best to either not take them along or put them in your carry-on to prevent the potential of a hazardous leak.
Sporting Equipment
Sporting equipment like bows and sticks are not allowed on the plane. If you are going to take them to your destination, make sure to pack them properly. Also, let the TSA guard know that they are there. It is probably a better idea to phone ahead and find out if you can rent them than to take the chance of being held up or detained.
Tools
Tools can be seen as a potential weapon by TSA guards. If you are going to bring them, make sure to wrap them safely. Also, declare them as tools at check-in so that you won’t get flagged or held up at the airport. Although they might seem harmless, they could cause you problems if you don’t take care of them correctly.
Gel Candles
Gel candles might look pretty and be a great souvenir, but they can look highly suspicious under the X-ray machines at TSA check-ins. It is best not to take them to avoid being scrutinized at the airport. If you are going to bring them, be prepared to explain why.
Oxygen Tanks
Some people require oxygen for medical purposes, but you need the proper information to take them on a flight. First, you have to demonstrate that you haven’t tampered with the regulatory valve. If it is a compressed gas, you will not be allowed to take it on the flight unless you can show that the canister is empty.
Lighters
Putting matches and lighters in your checked bags might seem innocuous, but the pressure and temperatures of the cargo during a flight can increase the risk that they ignite in transit. It is best to buy a lighter when you arrive instead of taking the chance to carry it on the plane at all.
Ammo and Firearms
If you are traveling with firearms or ammunition, then you have to follow strict rules about how to carry them. Both are a definite no for checked bags unless you have declared and packed them correctly. Carrying firearms usually comes with a requirement to lock them in a hard container, but it is best to check with TSA before you attempt to pack and carry them.
Alcohol
If you are traveling with alcohol, it is never a good idea to carry any bottles that are over 140 proof in your checked bags because they are considered flammable. Although you can pack things like fine wines and lower-proof containers, if it is high proof then it is best to put it in your carry-on bag.
Aerosols and Paints
Aerosols and paint cans can explode under extreme pressure, which is why they are not something you would want to pack in your checked bags. It is always best to leave any potential hazard at the airport and replenish when you get to your destination.
Perishables
Although it might seem as if you can check food in your luggage, that might not be the case. Depending on where you are coming from and going to, there are restrictions about perishables and what can and cannot be checked. If you don’t want to be delayed at the airport, make sure you know what the rules are in advance.
Personal Documents
Unfortunately, not all luggage makes it to the proper destination. It is never a good idea to pack any official documents in your luggage. Rather, always take a copy and leave the originals.
Personal Mobile Devices
Sometimes, mobile devices can turn on by themselves, which could be a potential hazard in flight. If a mobile device turns on and overheats, it can start a fire. It is best to stick them in your carry-on bag where you can use them while flying.
Seeds and Produce
Produce and seeds might seem like a no-brainer to take in your checked bags, but if you are flying internationally, you had better know the rules. There are all types of restrictions about what you can enter a country with. If you aren't aware, ignorance is no excuse, and you could face some pretty hefty fines.
Being Prepared is the Best Way to Fly
Flying used to be a whole lot easier. Post 9/11, however, all of the rules have changed. Because you have restrictions about what you can take on a plane, that doesn't mean that you can just put it in your checked bags. Read up on the rules before you hit the airport to cut back on headaches, delays, and getting into serious trouble.
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