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Last Updated on Aug 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Packing for a flight can be confusing because an item may be allowed in one type of baggage but prohibited in another. For example, many knives and large tools cannot go in a carry-on bag but may be permitted in checked baggage. Power banks work the opposite way and must remain in the cabin. In 2026, travelers should pay particular attention to lithium batteries, power banks, vaping devices, flammable materials, explosives, firearms, aerosols and other hazardous items. The rules depend on the type of item, how it is packed, whether it contains a battery, and whether it is being transported in carry-on or checked baggage.
Rules can vary depending on the item and baggage type. Before packing anything unusual, use the What Can I Bring? tool to check the specific item.
Important items that should not be packed in checked luggage include:
Other items, including many knives, tools and sporting goods, may be prohibited in carry-on baggage but allowed in checked luggage under specific conditions.
Not every item prohibited at the security checkpoint is prohibited from an airplane.
There are three basic categories:
Items prohibited everywhere: These are dangerous items that generally cannot travel in either checked or carry-on baggage.
Items prohibited only in carry-on baggage: Some tools, sharp objects and sporting equipment can travel in checked luggage but cannot enter the passenger cabin.
Items allowed with restrictions: Certain products are permitted only when they meet specific requirements involving quantity, size, packaging, battery capacity or other safety conditions. Because individual products can have different rules, travelers should always check the exact item before packing.
Loose or spare lithium batteries must remain in your carry-on baggage.
This includes batteries for:
A battery installed inside an electronic device is treated differently from a spare battery. Spare batteries should be protected against short circuits. Keeping them in their original packaging or a protective battery case is a good practice.
Examples
Carry-on:
Not allowed in checked baggage:
Airlines may apply stricter restrictions.
If the battery does not show its Wh rating: Wh = Volts × Amp-hours
For example: 12 V × 8 Ah = 96 Wh
If the capacity is shown in milliamp-hours: Wh = Volts × (mAh ÷ 1,000)
Electronic cigarettes, vape pens and similar battery-powered smoking devices must not be packed in checked baggage. This includes:
These devices must remain in carry-on baggage and should be protected against accidental activation. If your carry-on bag is taken at the gate and placed in the aircraft's cargo compartment, remove the vape and keep it with you.
Never pack a damaged lithium battery simply because it is small. Warning signs include:
A damaged battery can create a serious fire risk. If you have a damaged or recalled battery, contact the airline before traveling rather than placing it in your suitcase.
Fireworks and explosive materials cannot be packed in passenger baggage. Examples include:
Do not assume that a small quantity is acceptable simply because the product is commercially available.
Camping equipment can create baggage problems when it contains fuel. Many fuels and highly flammable liquids are prohibited, including certain:
Empty camping equipment may have different rules, but fuel itself should never be packed unless you have confirmed that it meets the applicable requirements.
Different types of lighters have different restrictions.
Torch and jet-flame lighters are subject to strict restrictions and are not permitted in checked baggage.
Some other lighters may be permitted under specific conditions.
Battery-powered electric lighters must also be protected against accidental activation and generally need to remain in carry-on baggage. Because the rules depend on the type of lighter, check the exact model before traveling.
Battery capacity is especially important when traveling with large electronics. For lithium-ion batteries:
This can affect:
Always check the actual watt-hour rating instead of relying on the product's name or marketing description
Smart suitcases can contain batteries for:
Some smart luggage can be checked if the battery meets applicable capacity requirements. If the battery can be removed, the airline may require you to remove it before checking the bag. Travelers should check their airline's policy before arriving at the airport.
A knife that is prohibited in a carry-on bag is not necessarily prohibited from checked baggage. Many knives and sharp objects can be transported in checked luggage when properly protected. Examples may include:
Sharp objects placed in checked baggage should be securely wrapped or placed inside a protective sheath so they cannot injure baggage handlers or security personnel.
Many large tools cannot be carried into the passenger cabin but can be placed in checked luggage. Examples include:
Battery-powered tools require additional consideration because lithium batteries have separate transportation requirements. If the tool has a removable lithium battery, check whether the battery needs to be removed and carried separately.
Firearms are not permitted in carry-on baggage. Travelers may transport firearms in checked baggage when they follow the applicable requirements. Generally, the firearm must be:
Ammunition also has specific requirements. Travelers should check federal, state and local laws as well as their airline's current firearm policy before traveling. Never place a firearm loose inside ordinary luggage.
Not every aerosol is prohibited from checked baggage. Many personal-care products can be transported when they meet the applicable quantity and packaging requirements. Examples include:
Aerosol containers should be protected against accidental release. Remember that the familiar 3.4-ounce or 100 mL rule primarily applies to liquids, aerosols and gels carried through the security checkpoint in carry-on baggage. Larger permitted containers may generally be placed in checked baggage, subject to other restrictions.
Most solid foods are relatively simple to pack. Examples include:
Liquid and gel foods can be treated differently at security checkpoints. Examples include:
Larger liquid or gel food items should generally be placed in checked baggage rather than carried through the security checkpoint. International travelers should also check the customs and agricultural rules of their destination.
Travelers with medical equipment or mobility devices should plan ahead. Examples include:
Battery-powered mobility equipment can have specific requirements based on battery type and capacity. Contact the airline before traveling if you are transporting a powered wheelchair, mobility scooter or specialized medical equipment.
|
Item |
Carry-On |
Checked |
|
Power bank |
Yes |
No |
|
Spare lithium battery |
Yes |
No |
|
Vape/e-cigarette |
Yes |
No |
|
Laptop with installed battery |
Yes |
Generally yes, with conditions |
|
Pocket knife |
No |
Generally yes |
|
Many large tools |
No |
Generally yes |
|
Fireworks |
No |
No |
|
Torch lighter |
No |
No |
|
Firearm |
No |
Yes, under special rules |
|
Large liquid container |
Generally no at checkpoint |
Often yes, subject to restrictions |
|
Smart luggage |
Yes |
Depends on battery requirements |
This table is a general guide. The exact product and airline requirements can change the answer.
Before closing your suitcase, check for these commonly forgotten items.
Power Banks Remove every portable charger that contains a lithium battery.
Spare Camera Batteries Loose batteries should travel in your carry-on and be protected against short circuits.
Spare Laptop Batteries These are spare batteries and should not be placed in checked luggage.
Vape Devices Remove vape pens and electronic cigarettes before checking your suitcase.
Damaged Batteries Do not travel with swollen, leaking or otherwise damaged lithium batteries without getting proper guidance.
Smart Luggage Batteries Check whether your suitcase's battery must be removed before checking the bag.
Check:
Power banks and spare batteries are often forgotten in small pockets.
Look for:
Place spare batteries in protective packaging or a battery case so the terminals cannot contact metal objects.
Make sure toiletries and other products comply with the applicable limits.
If a sharp item is permitted in checked baggage, wrap it securely or use a protective sheath.
Pay particular attention to:
If screening identifies a prohibited item, your baggage may be opened for additional inspection. Depending on the item and circumstances, this can result in:
The easiest way to avoid these problems is to identify questionable items before leaving home.
TSA and FAA requirements serve different purposes.
TSA focuses primarily on transportation security and passenger screening. Its baggage guidance helps travelers determine whether an item can be carried through security or placed in checked baggage.
The FAA regulates dangerous goods and aviation safety. Its requirements are particularly important for:
Airlines can impose additional restrictions beyond federal requirements. For this reason, travelers should use this simple rule:
Check the TSA rules + FAA rules + your airline's rules.
Before leaving for the airport:
Knowing what can and cannot go into checked baggage can make your airport experience much easier.
The most important items to remember are power banks, spare lithium batteries and vaping devices, which must remain in the cabin. Fireworks, explosives and many dangerous materials are prohibited altogether.
Knives, tools, firearms, aerosols, food and other items can have different requirements depending on the exact product and how it is packed.
Before your flight, review the current requirements for anything unusual rather than relying on assumptions. For batteries, fuels, aerosols and other potentially hazardous items, check the FAA PackSafe guidance before packing. Airline policies can also be stricter than general transportation rules.
A few minutes of checking before you leave home can help prevent baggage delays, confiscation and unnecessary problems at the airport.
Ans: No. Power banks containing lithium batteries must remain in your carry-on baggage.
Ans: No. Spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries must remain in the cabin.
Ans: A laptop with an installed battery may generally be checked under applicable conditions, although carrying it in your cabin baggage is recommended.
Ans: No. Vapes and electronic cigarettes must remain in carry-on baggage.
Ans: Many knives that cannot be carried in the cabin can be transported in checked baggage when properly secured.
Ans: No. Fireworks and many explosive or pyrotechnic products are prohibited.
Ans: Before handing over the bag, remove power banks, spare lithium batteries, vapes and other items that must remain in the cabin.
Ans: Lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh are generally permitted. Batteries between 101 and 160 Wh generally require airline approval. Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft.
Ans: Smart luggage may be permitted, but battery requirements apply. If the battery is removable, you may need to remove it before checking the bag.
Ans: The 3.4-ounce or 100 mL rule primarily applies to liquids, aerosols and gels carried through the security checkpoint in carry-on baggage. Other restrictions can still apply to checked liquids.
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