Whether you’re a frequent flier questioning if you’re allowed to take a certain item on board or it’s your first time traveling by plane, it’s important to know what you can’t pack in your checked luggage for safety and legality purposes. If in doubt, check out these 17 things!
Certain Aerosols and Compressed Gasses
Personal care products in aerosol containers are allowed, but some aerosols, such as bear spray, fire extinguishers, spray paint, cooking spray, and so on, are not permitted due to their flammable or hazardous nature. And, according to the TSA, “Except for personal medical oxygen cylinders, you can only carry an EMPTY compressed gas cylinder onboard a plane.”
Ammunition
Ammunition in checked luggage is only permitted under specific conditions—up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells are allowed if packed in a box designed for ammunition. International and some U.S. airlines limit the amount to 11 pounds per passenger. However, black powder, smokeless powder, primers, percussion caps, and homemade loads are prohibited by the FAA.
Ammonia and Bleach
Neither ammonia nor bleach are permitted on a plane, either in carry-on or checked luggage. You can’t pack these cleaning agents due to their potential hazards as both can be explosive or make fires worse. If you need either product, buy these items at your destination instead.
Fireworks
Fireworks are considered to be explosives and are not allowed on board as they pose a safety risk. There are increased attempts to transport fireworks around holidays, but penalties for doing so can be severe. As shared by the FAA, “Persons violating the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR, parts 171-180) are subject to a civil penalty for each violation.”
Specialty Glue
Certain types of specialty glue, such as model glue, rubber cement, industrial-strength adhesives, and certain superglues, are prohibited due to their flammability. It’s important to check product labels for flammability. On the other hand, non-flammable glues are fine to transport.
Pressurized Air Tanks
Aside from personal medical oxygen cylinders, pressurized air tanks, including scuba tanks and flavored O₂ canisters, are not permitted on planes. Empty scuba tanks are allowed but must be inspected. Portable oxygen concentrators are an alternative you may want to consider.
Chemical Kits
Reader’s Digest says, “Any chemicals that could explode—such as corrosives, oxidizers, and organic peroxides—are banned from checked luggage as well as carry-on bags.” So, it’s best not to bring chemical kits on planes. This includes water/soil testing and chemistry kits. If you need a chemical kit, it’s best to plan ahead for one to be available at your destination.
Arc, Plasma, and Electronic Lighters
Unfortunately for those who smoke, it can be difficult to transport lighters on planes, both in carry-on and checked luggage. The above lighters, including Zippo lighters with fuel, are prohibited due to flammability and safety concerns. Travelers should consider alternatives or simply purchase lighters on arrival.
Butane Curling Irons
In general, curling irons are perfectly fine to carry with you on a plane, but unfortunately not the butane variety. The prohibition specifically targets the butane component. If you really need one, it’s suggested that travelers buy one at their destination.
Chlorine
Chlorine, commonly used for pools or spas, is not permitted in checked or carry-on luggage due to its hazardous nature. Like bleach, chlorine is one of the liquids that you’re not allowed to carry, no matter the circumstance. Consider purchasing these chemicals after arrival at the destination or having them shipped legally.
CO₂ Cartridges
Only completely empty CO₂ cartridges are allowed on planes. As shared by the TSA, “To be permitted (in either carry-on or checked baggage), it must be clearly visible to the TSA officer that the cylinder is empty.” Personal medical oxygen cylinders, however, have their own specific requirements.
Engine-Powered Equipment With Residual Fuel
Engine-powered equipment, such as chainsaws, generators, and trimmers, is not allowed in checked luggage if it contains any residual fuel or vapors. The TSA requires that these items be completely purged of fuel before travel. Even after purging, certain airlines might still deny these items due to safety concerns, so it’s always best to verify with your airline before travel.
English Christmas Crackers
According to Simple Flying, “Major airlines like Aer Lingus, American Airlines, and Delta do not allow Christmas crackers in checked or carry-on luggage.” These are not permitted due to their explosive “banger” component and are considered a potential hazard. Travelers should consider other items for celebration or buy them at their destination.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is banned from checked luggage due to its potential use in explosives. This includes a variety of both commercial and homemade fertilizers. Since fertilizers pose a significant security risk, we’d suggest you purchase fertilizer at the destination if needed.
Live Fish and Coral
This may go without saying, but live fish and coral are prohibited for reasons of animal safety and to avoid potential mess. Travelers should seek alternative methods, such as specialized animal transport services, for shipping aquatic life if it must be moved.
Party Poppers
Party poppers are categorized as explosives and are completely banned from both carry-on and checked luggage, as their inclusion in luggage poses a significant security risk. For festive celebrations, passengers should opt for safer alternatives or purchase party poppers at their destination.
Vehicle Airbags
Airbags, despite their safety role in vehicles, are off-limits in checked baggage due to the compressed air cylinders they contain. The risk of accidental deployment poses a significant safety hazard in the cargo hold of an aircraft, so it should not be transported in this manner.
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