What items are not allowed in checked luggage?

You can't pack explosives, flammable items (like lighter fluid, gas, paint), hazardous materials (bleach, poisons, strong acids), firearms (unless declared and packed per airline rules), large amounts of alcohol (over 140 proof), spare lithium batteries, and certain compressed gases in checked luggage for safety. Also, keep valuables, medication, electronics, and important documents in your carry-on.

Is there anything you can't pack in a checked bag?

Prohibited in Both Carry-On & Checked Luggage • Explosives & flammable items: Fireworks, gasoline, matches, lighter fluid • Toxic or hazardous materials: Bleach, pesticides, corrosive chemicals • Weapons & ammunition: Guns (unless declared and transported properly), explosives • Compressed gases: Propane, oxygen tanks ...

Can I put full size shampoo in my checked bag?

Yes, you can absolutely pack full-size shampoo and other toiletries in your checked luggage, as the strict 3.4-ounce (100ml) rule only applies to carry-on bags. While there are generally no size limits for personal care liquids in checked bags, ensure they're in sealed containers, preferably in zip-top bags to prevent leaks from cabin pressure changes, and be aware that flammable or hazardous liquids (like bleach, solvents) are prohibited in any amount.
 

What triggers TSA to search a checked bag?

TSA triggers for checked bag searches usually involve anomalies on X-ray scans (dense items, unclear shapes), the presence of prohibited items (flammables, certain batteries, sharp objects), or random security protocols, often indicated by items like electronics, power banks, large liquids, or even oddly packed food or lots of cables appearing suspicious to the scanner. The goal is to find explosives, weapons, or other dangerous materials, so anything that looks unclear or mimics a threat causes a manual inspection, with a notice left inside if opened.
 

What is the most confiscated item at airports?

The Most Frequently Detected Prohibited Items in Airport Baggage Checks

1. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) ...
2. Knives and Sharp Objects. ...
3. Firearms. ...
4. Explosives and Flammable Materials. ...
5. Realistic Replicas and Novelty Items. ...
6. Ammunition. ...
7. Flammable Household Items. ...
8. Restricted Powders.

10 Things to NEVER Pack in Checked Bags (TSA Rules 2025)

What is the 45 minute rule?

The 45-minute rule in air travel is the minimum time you must check in and drop off bags before a domestic flight, a common cutoff for major airlines like American and United, though this can vary by airport and flight type (international flights often need more time). Essentially, it's the latest you can complete check-in/baggage drop to ensure your luggage gets loaded and you make it to the gate on time, with some airlines also requiring you to be at the gate 45 minutes prior if flying with carry-on only.
 

Can I bring medicine on a plane?

Yes, you can bring medicine on a plane in your carry-on bag, and it's highly recommended over checked luggage to avoid loss or temperature issues, with pills and solids allowed in any amount (though labeling helps) and medically necessary liquids over 3.4oz exempt from the 3-1-1 rule but requiring declaration and extra screening. Always keep medication with you, declare it to TSA officers, use original bottles, and carry a doctor's note, especially for injectables or controlled substances, and be aware of international rules. 

Do toiletries have to be in clear bag in 2025?

Yes, for carry-on bags in 2025, toiletries (liquids, gels, aerosols) must still fit in a clear, quart-sized, sealable bag, following the TSA's 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml max per container, one bag per passenger). While some airports are upgrading to CT scanners in 2025 that might eventually allow you to keep them in your bag, for now, you'll likely need to remove the clear bag for screening. Solid toiletries (like shampoo bars) and makeup (lipstick, powder) are exempt.
 

Can I put all my toiletries in my checked luggage?

Yes, you can put all your toiletries in your checked luggage, including full-sized liquids and aerosols, as the strict 3-1-1 carry-on rule doesn't apply there; however, ensure items are securely sealed (tape lids, double-bag) to prevent leaks, and avoid prohibited hazardous items like flammable aerosols or high-alcohol beverages. 

Can I put my phone charger in my hand luggage?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters, and power banks) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks with lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on, never in checked bags, due to fire risks, with limits of 100Wh (around 20,000mAh) for standard travel and airline approval needed for larger ones (101-160Wh). Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on for security checks and convenience. 

Does TSA look through every checked bag?

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.

What is the 3:1:1 rule for packing?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

What did TSA just ban from checked bags?

Cordless curling irons, cordless flat irons and cordless hair straighteners with lithium ion batteries, lithium metal or gas or butane fuel have been banned from checked luggage but can be packed in carry-on bags.

Is a phone charger allowed in check-in baggage?

You can pack standard phone wall chargers/cables in checked bags, but portable power banks (external chargers) with lithium batteries MUST go in your carry-on, not checked luggage, due to fire risks from lithium-ion batteries. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate this for safety, with limits on spare batteries in carry-ons too. 

What items cannot go in your suitcase?

You can't pack dangerous items like explosives, flammable liquids (fuel, paint), poisons, or radioactive materials in any luggage; specific items like spare lithium batteries, portable chargers, and certain lighters are banned from checked bags but allowed in carry-ons, while sharp objects and large aerosols have restrictions, and valuables/documents should always go in your carry-on. 

What do you have to take out of your bag at airport security?

At airport security (TSA standard lanes), you must take out electronics larger than a phone (laptops, tablets, large cameras, game consoles), your 3-1-1 liquids bag, and sometimes shoes, belts, and outerwear; however, with newer CT scanners, you keep most items in your bag, and PreCheck members often skip shoe removal, so always follow officer instructions and check for airport-specific rules.
 

What makeup items are not allowed on planes?

No makeup items are completely banned on planes, but liquids, gels, and aerosols (like liquid foundation, mascara, cream blush) in carry-ons must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less, in one clear quart-sized bag, one bag per person. Sharp items like nail scissors or razors are generally prohibited in carry-ons but allowed in checked bags, while powder makeup is fine in either.
 

What are the new carry-on rules?

New carry-on rules for 2025/2026 focus on stricter enforcement of size (including wheels/handles, generally 22x14x9 inches for major airlines) and potential weight limits (especially internationally), with more gate-checking and fees for oversized bags, plus heightened scrutiny on electronics and medications, requiring chargers and original bottles for better compliance.
 

Will TSA look through my pills?

Yes, TSA screens pills via X-ray like other items, but they can perform a visual inspection if you ask, though they often don't check individual pills unless suspicious; it's best to keep them in labeled original bottles or a pill organizer, declare them if they're liquids over 3.4oz, and carry a doctor's note or list of medications for ease. Always keep medication in your carry-on, not checked bags, for security and to ensure you have it. 

Do I need a copy of my prescription when flying?

Yes, you should carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note when flying with medication, especially internationally, as it helps security and customs verify your need for the drugs, though the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't strictly require it for domestic flights, it expedites screening and is crucial for international travel. Keep all meds in their original containers in your carry-on, declare liquids over 3.4oz, and research destination country laws. 

Should I carry a copy of my prescription?

Bring a Copy of Your Prescription and Doctor's Contact Information. When traveling, especially abroad, carry a written prescription or a note from your doctor listing all your current medications, their generic names, and dosages. This documentation can help if: You lose your medications or need to replace them abroad.

Is it better to check-in online or at the airport?

It's generally better to check in online to save time, select seats, and potentially avoid fees, but checking in at the airport might be necessary for complex changes, visa checks, or if you need staff help, though online is usually faster even with checked bags. 

What happens if you miss a flight due to a short layover?

If you miss a flight due to a short layover on the same ticket, the airline is usually responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight at no extra cost, potentially providing hotels/meals if it's overnight; however, if the airline's delay caused it, they're obligated to help, but if you caused the delay (e.g., customs), you might be on your own, so act fast by contacting the airline via app, phone, or desk for rebooking and to understand hotel/meal vouchers.
 

What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage on United Airlines?

United Airlines generally does not have a published weight limit for carry-on bags on most flights, focusing more on size, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted, with a practical limit often cited around 20-25 lbs, though specific international routes or partners might enforce weight rules. For checked bags, weight limits apply (e.g., 50 lbs for economy).