Is it safe to put valuables in luggage?

Before you leave home If you put your cash, wallet or other valuable items in your carry-on bag, don't store them in the outer compartments. Bury them deeply within the bag so they are difficult to find, or pack them in a smaller bag that fits inside your carry-on suitcase that you can easily remove if necessary.



Generally, it is not considered safe to put high-value items in checked luggage, and most travel experts—as well as airlines themselves—strongly advise against it. Checked bags are handled by numerous personnel and pass through "blind spots" in airport infrastructure where theft can occur, despite modern surveillance. Furthermore, most airline "Conditions of Carriage" explicitly state that they are not liable for the loss of jewelry, electronics, cash, or important documents stored in the cargo hold. In 2026, even with advanced tracking like AirTags, a tag only tells you where your bag is, not what is inside it. If a bag is lost or delayed, you could be without vital medications or expensive equipment for days. The best practice is to keep all "indispensable" valuables in your carry-on bag or on your person. If you must check a valuable item that is too large for the cabin, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance and consider declaring a "higher value" at the check-in counter, which may involve a fee but increases the airline's legal liability limit for that specific bag.

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Leave valuables at home. But there's a very long list of items that aren't covered by most airlines, including electronics, cameras, jewelry, and computers. If you must travel with valuables, don't check them; carry them with you.

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Checked Baggage Screening The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.

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In short, the 3-1-1 rule is: Each liquid you bring through the TSA checkpoint must be in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container (3), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-size plastic bag (1) and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag (1).

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Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

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If you are travelling with valuable items such as jewelry, please keep those items with you at all times (do not put them in checked baggage). You can ask the TSA officer to screen you and your valuables in private to maintain your security. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'

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You Should Keep it Close At All Times When flying, it's important that you take your jewelry in the carry-on. You may also consider wearing your jewelry while on the plane to keep it extra secure. Be sure to never carry important pieces of jewelry in your checked baggage.

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Explosives and flammable items, such as fireworks, gas, and aerosols. Poisonous and toxic substances, including pesticides and certain chemicals. Lithium batteries and other hazardous materials, as these can pose a safety risk if not handled properly.

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In spite of the fact that the scanners can see the density and mass of everything that you have packed, they are not always able to establish what the objects are. In this case, if your luggage contains objects that arouse any suspicions then, the security will take a look through the bag.

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Yes, customs officials have the authority to open and inspect luggage when you are entering a country. Customs officials have the right to search your luggage, bags, and personal items to ensure that you are not carrying any prohibited or restricted items.

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Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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Stick deodorant is fine in any size. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

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But what are they, and is deodorant considered a liquid when flying? Deodorant can be considered a liquid when flying if it is in a gel or aerosol form. If your deodorant is solid, though, the TSA will let you bring a standard stick of solid deodorant with you in your carry-on luggage.

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Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

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One of the most common reasons you will get a pat down is if you refuse to go through the walk-through metal detector or the full body scanner. For some people going through a metal detector is not an option, while others just may prefer to not go through these.

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However, with this new measure in place, every passenger is subject to random testing by way of hand swabs. The purpose of these tests is to identify any explosive residues that could be present on an individual's body or belongings, which would provide greater safety on flights and airports.

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