Make Sure Your Bag is Packed Properly Before You Get to the Airport for Your Next Flight

Many common, everyday items are considered hazardous when brought onto a commercial airplane and that can cause problems at the airport

August 9, 2025

Are you packing for an upcoming trip? If your plans involve air travel, take time to check every item in your bags. Many everyday products that seem harmless at home are treated as hazardous materials on a passenger aircraft. These items have strict rules for quantity, packaging, and placement in carry on or checked baggage. Ignoring those rules can lead to delays, removal of items, missed flights, or civil penalties. A short review now prevents a long headache later.

Know where to look before you pack

The Federal Aviation Administration explains what passengers may bring, how much of it, and where it must go. Start with the FAA traveler resource at the Pack Safe website. It shows common items, allowed locations, and preparation steps. For security screening specifics, consult the Transportation Security Administration tool at What Can I Bring. If you are flying internationally or on a foreign carrier, confirm any differences with your airline and the global standards body at ICAO.

Dangerous goods basics

Hazardous materials include more than chemicals and fuels. Many toiletries, household products, and electronics count as dangerous goods because aircraft conditions can cause leaks, fumes, ignition, or pressure failures. Most hazardous materials are not permitted in baggage. Some personal items have limited exceptions if prepared and placed correctly. If a prohibited item is found in your bag, or if an allowed item is hidden, leaking, or packed incorrectly, penalties may apply and the item will be removed.

Lithium batteries and personal electronics

Lithium batteries require careful handling because of fire risk. Devices with batteries installed may travel in carry on or checked baggage if fully powered off and protected from activation. Spare batteries are different and must never be placed in checked baggage. Spares must go in carry on only with terminals protected so they cannot touch metal or other batteries.

Spare lithium ion batteries up to 100 watt hours each are allowed in carry on bags.
Spare lithium ion batteries more than 100 watt hours and up to 160 watt hours usually require airline approval, often limited to two spares per person.
Spare lithium metal batteries must have no more than 2 grams of lithium content.
Cover each exposed terminal with tape or place each spare in a separate plastic bag or battery case.
Power banks are treated as spare batteries and must be in carry on only.

E cigarettes and vaping devices

E cigarettes, vape pens, and similar devices may travel only in carry on bags. Do not place them in checked baggage and do not charge them on the aircraft. Remove cartridges if your airline requests it and protect the device switch to avoid accidental activation.

Smart luggage and mobility devices

Smart bags with a removable lithium battery may be checked only if the battery is removed and carried in the cabin. If the battery cannot be removed, the bag is usually not accepted. Battery powered wheelchairs and mobility aids follow special procedures and must be coordinated with your airline in advance. Provide the battery type and any handling instructions when you book or at least 48 hours before departure.

Product recalls

If a device or component that contains a battery is under a safety recall related to fire risk or charging defects, do not bring it until the manufacturer has repaired, replaced, or cleared it. Airlines and the FAA may publish additional guidance for specific recalled products. When in doubt, contact your airline before you arrive at the airport.

Toiletries, aerosols, and household chemicals

Many toiletry items are flammable or pressurized. Small quantities are allowed with limits. Flammable liquids, strong solvents, and corrosive cleaners are not allowed in baggage. If you must travel with a spray, choose non flammable formulations marked as such and keep container sizes small.

Personal toiletries such as hair spray, deodorant, and shaving cream are typically allowed in small amounts. Follow the liquids rule for the carry on and cap each container tightly.
Insecticides that are not irritating and are in small aerosol containers may be restricted or banned, especially in the carry on. Check the label and your airline rules.
Bleach, drain cleaner, strong acids, and strong bases are forbidden in both carry on and checked bags.
Paints, paint thinners, and certain adhesives are not allowed because of flammability and fumes.

Liquids rule for the carry on

Liquids, gels, and aerosols in the carry on must follow the 3 1 1 rule unless a specific exemption applies. Each container must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less. All containers must fit in one clear one quart zip top bag. One such bag is allowed per passenger. Present it at screening and keep it accessible in your bag. Exemptions for medically necessary liquids and infant nourishment exist, but you must declare those items to officers at the checkpoint.

Matches, lighters, and fuel

Strike anywhere matches are not allowed anywhere. One lighter without fuel or one disposable lighter with fuel is often allowed in carry on. Torch lighters that produce a hot focused flame are typically prohibited. Camping fuel, lighter refills, and fuel canisters are not allowed in baggage. If you plan to camp, buy fuel at your destination.

Tools, sharp objects, and sporting gear

Many tools and sharp items must be checked because they can injure people or damage aircraft. Knives other than rounded butter knives belong in checked baggage. Small scissors may be allowed in the carry on if blade length is within the current limit. Heavy tools, crowbars, and equipment that could be used as a bludgeon must go in checked baggage. Sporting gear such as bats, golf clubs, and hiking poles belongs in checked baggage unless your airline specifies a carry on exception.

Medical devices, oxygen, and assistive items

Most medical devices are allowed with documentation. If your device uses batteries, follow the spare battery rules and bring proof of need if available. Contact your airline in advance for portable oxygen concentrators or compressed oxygen services. Gel packs for medications and cold storage are generally permitted when presented with the related medication or a clear medical need.

Food, powders, and duty free purchases

Solid food is usually permitted. Large quantities of powders may require extra screening and are sometimes restricted above a set weight in the carry on. Duty free liquids can exceed the 3.4 ounce limit if they are in a tamper evident bag and meet connection time limits, but rules vary by airport and country. If you have a tight connection or must re clear security, duty free liquids may be opened and then no longer qualify. When possible, pick up duty free at the last point before your final flight.

How to pack to speed up screening

Good packing reduces delays and protects your belongings. Use layers and keep screening priorities on top. Make it easy to separate restricted items and declare them early if needed.

Place large electronics on the top layer of your carry on so they are easy to remove if asked.
Keep your 3 1 1 liquids bag in the front pocket of your carry on for quick access.
Use a cable tie or TSA recognized lock on checked bags if you choose to lock them.
Put your name and contact details on the inside and outside of your bags.
Pack tools, sharp objects, and heavy items in checked baggage with padding so they do not damage other items.

Day of travel checklist

Do a final check before you leave for the airport. Confirm what is in your carry on, what is in your checked bag, and what you must present at screening. A simple checklist prevents most problems at the checkpoint and the ticket counter.

Charge phones and essential devices, then power them off for the flight.
Move spare batteries to carry on and cover each terminal.
Empty water bottles before security and refill after screening.
Remove prohibited tools and chemicals from all bags.
Keep medication, travel documents, and valuables in the carry on.

If an officer or gate agent flags an item

Stay calm and follow instructions. You may be offered choices such as discarding the item, returning it to your car, mailing it to yourself, or placing it in checked baggage if time and rules permit. Do not attempt to hide an item or argue at the checkpoint. If you believe your item was permitted but removed in error, ask how to submit feedback through the airport or agency contact listed on your receipt or notice of removal.

When to contact your airline in advance

Call your airline before travel if you are transporting mobility aids, medical equipment that requires special handling, sports equipment that has size limits, or batteries larger than typical consumer sizes. Early notice allows the airline to prepare handling instructions and prevents surprises at the airport.

Key takeaways for smoother travel

Check authoritative sources before you pack, separate restricted items, and keep batteries where crew can reach them. Use the FAA traveler resource at the Pack Safe website, confirm screening details through What Can I Bring, and ask your airline about special items well before departure. With a short checklist, you avoid removals, protect your belongings, and get through the airport with less stress.