What can you not pack in checked bags?

Items you shouldn't pack in your checked luggage
  • Prescription medications.
  • Passports and travel documents.
  • Electronics, such as video game systems and computers.
  • Cameras (camera film, including Polaroid film, should be hand-checked by TSA agents so it doesn't go through the X-ray machine)
  • Jewelry and other valuable items.




People Also Ask

We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage.

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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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U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) The TSA uses x-ray machines to screen carry-on items and checked luggage. TSA x-ray equipment must meet the FDA requirements (see below) to limit passenger and worker exposure to radiation.

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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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Most bags that go through the automated system are never physically screened by an agent. Instead, according to TSA only about 10% of bags get searched by an agent. But still, that's a pretty high amount considering that they process about 1.4 million checked bags per day.

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For the safety and security of passengers, the TSA screens all checked luggage. In some cases, the staff checking luggage must open it as part of the screening process. If a bag or suitcase is not locked, TSA staff will simply open it and check its contents.

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A carry on bag is your larger, primary bag, which you'll stow in the overhead bin. A backpack can be your carry on if it meets your airline's carry on size limits. A personal item is a smaller, secondary bag, which you'll stow under the seat in front of you.

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If the X-ray suspects that there is something suspicious in the bag, it is rejected and the X-ray image is sent to a human screener. If this screener is unable to clear the bag, it is sent to secondary search where it is opened and inspected by a human (TSA Officer or other screening authority). It's that simple.

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If this happens, travelers aren't out of options. It's important to keep in mind when a TSA agent removes an item, it doesn't mean you can't get it back. You always have the option of returning to the main check-in counter to place items with your checked luggage if you have enough time to do so before your flight.

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Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They're fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage. The same applies for straight razors.

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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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According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), yes, you can zip-tie your luggage shut so no one would be able to simply unzip your luggage and go through it.

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These are ten tips you need to know!
  1. Roll up everything. ...
  2. Stuff your shoes. ...
  3. Solid toiletries are key. ...
  4. Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane. ...
  5. You only need two pairs of shoes: one casual pair for walking, one for going out. ...
  6. Bring more accessories than clothes. ...
  7. Pick more versatile outfits.


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Gate agents often keep track of the number of passengers who board with carry-on bags that are too large to fit underneath their seats. Planes don't have enough overhead bin space to allow every passenger to bring a carry-on bag, so there has to be a cut-off at some point.

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Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.) Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage and must be unloaded, placed in a locked, hard-sided container and declared to your airline. All fireworks contain explosive materials and are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage.

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There are some tricks to up the odds of your luggage popping out those rubber flaps first.
  1. The first shall come last. Normally, the first luggage loaded into the cargo is the last to be unloaded. ...
  2. Get gate check. One way around this conundrum is to ask to gate check your bag. ...
  3. Pay for priority.


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Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

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If you're wondering if airport scanners can see pills, the answer is yes, they can see the pills that you are traveling with.

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Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.

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