Items You Should Never Pack in a Checked Bag on a Plane

Travel can be very stressful. However, you can reduce this stress by avoiding unnecessary problems. If you check a bag on an airplane, there are certain items you should avoid packing. Doing so can help to save you a lot of potential trouble.

Valuables

Although it doesn’t always happen, there is a risk of losing your checked bag. It may be lost permanently or it could have not made it on to your connected flight. Whatever the case may be, you don’t want to risk losing anything important. You should not pack any valuables in your checked bag when you fly. This includes electronics, jewelry, expensive souvenirs, medication, important documents, etc. It is best to avoid packing any valuables at all, but if you do need them then you should keep them with you. You should even be careful about your carry-on bag being stored in the overhead bins because there have been cases where these bags are rifled through. Simply keep your valuables as close to you as possible to avoid losing them. 

Batteries

While some items should be left out of your checked bag for your own benefit, batteries should not be in your checked bag because they can actually be a hazard. Batteries could potentially set a fire on the plane if they overheat or if the battery terminals short circuit. Instead, it is best to avoid bringing them or to instead pack them in your carry on bag. You can take an extra measure by individually protecting batteries in their own cases or bags (within your carry on luggage) to keep them from short circuiting. The NFPA helps maintain fire safety standards for electronic devices that you may own. Check with their standards for other tips on how to safely travel with batteries. 

Some Alcohol

Since alcohol is a liquid, your checked luggage is usually where you would want to pack any alcohol you intend to travel with. However, there are limits on the type of alcohol you can bring with you. Alcohol that is over 140 proof (70% alcohol) is not allowed. This is because alcohol of 140 proof or higher is extremely flammable and is prohibited for the safety of all passengers. Make sure you aren’t bringing alcohol of this strength. Additionally, make sure all alcohol is labeled so TSA agents can identify its alcohol content. 

Your carry on luggage is already quite limited and people often use their checked luggage to hold everything they can’t carry with them. However, you should keep in mind that some items shouldn’t go in your checked bag. This is for your benefit and for everyone’s safety.

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