Things That Are Not Allowed On Checked-In Baggage | Quick Safe Guide

You came here to check the hard lines: the things that are not allowed on checked‑in baggage, what’s still okay, and what to move to your hand luggage. This guide pulls straight from TSA and FAA rules and shows the workarounds that keep you moving.

Things Not Allowed In Checked Baggage: Quick Reference

Checked bags ride in a sealed hold with no one around to react if smoke or heat builds. That’s why certain items are banned no matter how you pack them. Others ride with strict limits or belong in carry‑on only. Start with the fast table below, then use the deeper notes in the sections that follow.

Why These Items Are Banned

Two things drive the rules: fire risk and access. Lithium cells, flammables, and oxidizers can turn a bag into a heat source. Cargo holds have extinguishers, but no one can reach your suitcase mid‑flight. FAA guidance spells this out and pushes anything battery‑related that can spark into the cabin where crews can act fast.

Edge Cases: Allowed Only With Strict Limits

Some items can ride in a checked bag, but only under tight conditions set by the FAA and TSA. Read the label, pack to the letter, and check your airline’s page before you head out.

Toiletry Aerosols

Non‑flammable toiletry aerosols like hair spray and deodorant are fine in checked bags within FAA caps: up to 2 kg/2 L total across all such items, each container ≤ 0.5 kg/500 ml, with caps on. Keep flammable household aerosols like spray paint out of baggage.

Lighters And Matches

Disposable and Zippo lighters without fuel can go in checked baggage. Fuel‑filled lighters only ride in checked if they sit inside a DOT‑approved case; torch lighters don’t fly in either bag. All matches are banned in checked baggage; one book of safety matches belongs in your pocket or carry‑on.

Alcohol

Bottles over 70% ABV (over 140 proof) never fly. Spirits from 24% to 70% ABV can ride in checked baggage up to 5 liters per person, sealed in retail packaging. Beer and wine under 24% face no quantity cap under FAA hazmat rules.

Ammunition And Firearms

Ammunition rides in checked baggage only, boxed in fiber, wood, or metal containers made for ammo. Declare firearms at check‑in, unload them, and lock them inside a hard case. Airlines may set weight caps for ammo, often 5 kg (11 lb). Gunpowder and percussion caps never fly.

Self‑Defense Spray

One canister up to 4 oz (118 ml) with a working safety is allowed in checked baggage; some airlines still say no, so look up your carrier’s page before you pack. Bear spray is a no‑go in any bag.

Engines And Fuel Gear

Engines and tools that ever touched fuel must be totally purged—no liquid, no vapor—or they don’t fly. Even purged gear can be refused by an airline, so get a clear answer ahead of time.

You can cross‑check any item on the TSA’s searchable “What Can I Bring?” list and the FAA’s PackSafe chart. The TSA’s 3‑1‑1 liquids rule explains carry‑on liquids, while the FAA PackSafe list shows which dangerous goods can ride and where.

How To Pack Around The Rules

Move Power Sources To Carry‑On

Put spare lithium batteries, power banks, and removable vape batteries in your carry‑on. Cover terminals with caps or tape, or use a battery case. Turn devices fully off if a built‑in battery must ride in checked baggage.

Cap And Bag Liquids

Toiletry aerosols and liquids in checked bags can leak under pressure changes. Tape the lids, use a zip bag, and give bottles room so they don’t get crushed.

Purge, Vent, Then Pack

Fuel smells or residue can trigger screening. Purge engines and camping stoves, air them out, and bag them separately from clothing. Empty cylinders are the only cylinders that fly.

Declare What Needs Declaring

Firearms and ammo must be declared at the counter. Give yourself time, bring the right case, and pack the key in your carry‑on so an agent can inspect the case if needed.

Check Your Airline Page

Airlines can go tighter than federal baselines. If you’re packing lighters, aerosols, or ammo, read the carrier’s page so you don’t get turned away at the desk.

Checked‑In Baggage Vs. Carry‑On: Where Risky Gear Goes

Use this split as a mental checklist when you pack:

Always Keep With You

• Spare lithium batteries and battery packs
• Vapes and e‑cigarettes
• Valuables and fragile electronics

Only After You Check Labels And Limits

• Toiletry aerosols within FAA caps
• Spirits between 24% and 70% ABV in retail bottles
• Lighters without fuel, or in a DOT case if fueled
• One pepper spray (4 oz) with a working safety

Never In Checked Bags

• Fireworks, gunpowder, strike‑anywhere matches
• Gasoline, paint thinner, spray paint
• Bleach and pool chlorine
• Bear spray and large animal repellents

Checked‑Bag Edge Cases (Allowed With Limits)

Airline Rules And International Trips

Federal rules set the floor. Your airline can set tighter limits and many do. A common example: some carriers ban items that include self‑heating elements, and many refuse certain aerosols even when federal rules allow them. For international legs, the departure country’s rules apply at screening, and carriers can enforce their own list at the counter. When in doubt, ship ground or buy at arrival.

Final Packing Tips

• Do a battery sweep before you leave home. Pull power banks, spare camera cells, vape batteries, and large power tool packs out of checked baggage.
• Scan labels for words like “flammable,” “oxidizer,” and “corrosive.” Those don’t belong in checked baggage.
• Keep spirits under 70% ABV, seal them, and pad bottles inside a leak‑proof bag.
• Box ammo, lock firearms in a hard case, and plan extra time at the counter.
• When you’re unsure, check the TSA item page and your airline policy. If it’s still muddy, leave it out of your bag.