Items Not Allowed in Checked Baggage: Ensuring Safe Air Travel

Items Not Allowed in Checked Baggage: Ensuring Safe Air Travel

When preparing for air travel, it is crucial to be aware of the items that are not allowed in checked baggage. These restrictions are in place to prioritize the safety and security of all passengers and crew members on board.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed information on prohibited items for both domestic and international flights, focusing on various airlines such as Philippine Airlines, UK-based airlines, Indigo, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air Canada. Additionally, we will address the items permitted in carry-on baggage for your convenience.

Prohibited Items on Airplanes: An Overview

The prohibited items that are allowed on planes are strictly controlled to ensure the security and safety of crew members and passengers on flights. 

It is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, along with similar organizations around the world, sets guidelines and limitations on the items that can be taken onto an aircraft. 

These regulations are designed to protect against any potential dangers, including bombings and hijackings as well as other risky situations.

What Items Are Allowed and Not Allowed on Airplanes?

In the case of traveling by air certain items are restricted from checked baggage because of security issues. This includes:

  • Explosives: All forms of explosive materials, including fireworks, flares, and gunpowder is prohibited inside checked baggage. These substances pose a major danger to the safety of the aircraft as well as the passengers.
  • Flammable Substances such as lighter fluid, and gasoline aerosol containers containing gaseous flammable substances are not allowed inside checked luggage. The danger of fire and burning requires their removal of the baggage hold.
  • The Firearms Act prohibits ammunition, firearms, and other weapons. Ammunition, firearms as well as certain firearms parts are not allowed in checked baggage. These items are subject to certain rules and regulations and must be reported prior to departure by the airline.
  • Sharp objects: Such items as box cutters, knives, and razor blades are not permitted in baggage checked. These objects could be weapons and are prohibited to ensure the safety of the passengers.
  • Compressed Gas Cylinders: Cylinders that contain compressed gases such as butane and propane are not permitted in checked baggage because of the possibility of explosions or leakage.
Items Not Allowed in Checked Baggage

TSA Checked Baggage Prohibited Items

For flights within the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces strict guidelines on prohibited items in checked baggage. Some commonly restricted items include:

Here’s an overview of the items that are prohibited by TSA to be checked into baggage

  • Aerosol insecticides are only allowed in bags that are checked as long as they’re not marked as hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
  • Alcoholic drinks that exceed 140 proof are not allowed in checked baggage.
  • Ammunition: Allowable in checked bags, however, must be reported to the airline upon check-in.
  • Firearms: They must be removed and stored in a locked container with a hard-sided lid and reported to the airline upon check-in.
  • Fireworks: Carry-ons are not allowed and checked bags.
  • Blades and knives: A variety of blades and knives are not permitted in carry-on luggage which includes knives for hunting, credit card keychain knives, Swiss Army knives, and tactical knives for fighting or cake knives.
  • Food items made of gel or liquid that are larger than 3.4 Oz: Do not allow in carry-on bags, and should be put in checked bags when feasible.
  • Tasers, pepper spray, and stun guns: They are not allowed inside carry-on luggage.
  • Replica weapons: Not allowed in bags for carry-on luggage.
  • Sparklers and fireworks are prohibited in checked and carry-on bags as well as in carry-ons.
  • Sharp objects are permitted to be carried in checked bags but must be securely wrapped or sheathed in order to protect baggage handlers as well as inspectors.
  • devices that have lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries must be accompanied by the baggage that can be carried. Other consumer devices that have batteries can be carried in checked bags.
  • It is crucial to go through the list of TSA’s prohibited items prior to arriving at the airport in order to avoid civil fines.
  • Batteries: Lithium batteries that have a watt-hour capacity of greater than 100 Wh cannot be carried to be carried in baggage checked. However, they are able to be transported in carry-on bags.
  • Personal Defense Equipment items like mace, pepper spray as well as stun guns, are not permitted when checked into baggage. It is essential to be aware of the regulations specific to personal defense equipment.

What Is Not Allowed in Checked Baggage for International Flights?

If traveling internationally, travelers must adhere to the laws in their home country and the destination country. Common items that are not allowed in checked baggage during international flights are:

items Not Allowed in Checked Baggage Philippine Airlines

Passengers flying with Philippine Airlines must be aware of the items that are not allowed in checked baggage. Some restricted items on Philippine Airlines flights include:

  • Corrosive battery
  • Gases/LPG/Camp Stove
  • Flammable liquids
  • Paints and Thinners
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Infectious Substances
  • Blood
  • Lighters
  • Matches
  • Magnetized materials

For carry-on baggage, each passenger is allowed one piece of carry-on baggage with a maximum size (length+width+height) of 45 in (115 cm) and a maximum weight of 7 kg (15 lbs).

In addition, inflight accessories, such as comfort devices, inflatable pillows, beds in the air, and knee protectors are not allowed for use on Philippine Airlines flights.

Passengers may also carry two of the items below such as a small bag laptop, laptop, overcoat blanket or wrap as well as reading materials, a purse or pocketbook, as well as a tiny camera or binoculars.

However, certain items are prohibited from cabin baggage based on the travel route/destination.

For additional information about restricted items carried in carry-ons, baggage that is special, and service charges travelers can check out this page on the Philippine Airlines website.

Also, Check

Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance

Items Not Allowed in Checked Baggage UK

UK-based airlines enforce specific restrictions on items that cannot be carried in checked baggage. Some examples of prohibited items for UK flights include:

  • Flammable liquids and solids
  • Oxidizers such as bleaching powders
  • Organic peroxides
  • Tear gas devices or any gas cylinders
  • Infectious substances such as live virus materials
  • Wet-cell car batteries
  • Magnetrons
  • Instruments containing mercury
  • Instruments containing magnets

Liquids, creams, powders, and aerosols

  • Toiletries
  • Liquid medicines
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Liquid components of personal vaporizers
  • Food items, such as soups, sauces, jam, and jelly (see separate guidance on baby food)
  • Powders on flights to the USA and from Australia (such as cosmetics, spices, powdered milk, sugar, coffee, or similar).

Sports and recreational items

  • Sports equipment
  • Small electric leisure vehicles powered by lithium batteries
  • Avalanche rescue backpacks
  • Gas cartridges in various sporting items

Other restricted items

  • Smoking and vaping
  • Umbrellas and walking sticks
  • Gas cartridge-powered hair-styling devices
  • Medical or clinical thermometers
  • Lamps
  • Dry ice
  • Permeation devices
  • Internal combustion or fuel cell engines

It is important to remember that there could be other items that are dangerous and restricted that you aren’t allowed to bring to be carried on a plane in your baggage.

Each air carrier has its own set of rules and regulations, which vary from one location to another It is advisable to contact your airline’s representative directly should have any concerns.

items Not Allowed in Checked Baggage Indigo

Indigo, a popular airline, imposes specific restrictions on items that cannot be carried in checked baggage. Some examples of prohibited items include:

List of Prohibited items in Checked and Cabin baggage:

items Not Allowed in Checked Baggage Indigo
  • Compressed gas – highly refrigerated, flammable and non-flammable, and poisonous, such as liquid nitrogen, butane oxygen aqualung cylinders as well as compressed gas cylinders
  • Corrosives, such as acids alkalis, and mercury, as well as wet cells and devices containing mercury
  • Explosives, fireworks as well as flares. Ammunition such as handguns, blank cartridges fireworks, and caps for pistols
  • Solids and liquids that can be flammable such as lighter refills lighter fuel matches, paints, lighters, fire-lighters, thinners that require inverting before ignition matches (these could be carried around the person) radioactive material, attachment cases and briefcases that have fitted alarm systems
  • Materials that oxidize, such as peroxides and bleaching powders
  • Poisons and infectious substances, such as insecticides, weedkillers, and live virus material
  • Anything that has the capability of capable of emitting a noxious and/or visible smell
  • Other hazardous items, such as magnetized or offensive materials, harmful materials

List of Prohibited items in Cabin Baggage:

List of Prohibited items in Cabin Baggage
  • Dry cell batteries
  • Knives, Swiss Army knives, and other sharp tools
  • Toy replicas for firearms and ammunition
  • Weapons like whips, nanchakras or batons
  • Electronic devices that cannot be turned off
  • Aerosols and liquids*
  • Other items that are considered security hazards under local law

Items not Allowed in Checked Baggage Emirates

Emirates Airlines has guidelines on items that cannot be carried in checked baggage. Passengers should take note of the following restricted items:

  • Explosives and explosive devices
  • Gases and compressed air cylinders
  • Flammable liquids and solids
  • Oxidizing materials
  • Poisonous and infectious substances
  • Radioactive materials
  • Corrosive materials
  • Magnetized materials
  • Briefcases and attaché cases with installed alarm devices
  • Lithium batteries exceeding 160Wh
  • Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices

You should be aware that certain items not permitted in carry-on luggage may be allowed as checked baggage.

To avoid any problems at the airport, it’s best to contact the airline prior to packing.

Emirates also has weight and size restrictions on checked baggage based on the class of travel, origin and destination, and flight.

Check these restrictions before packing in order to avoid additional fees.

Also, Check

what is not allowed in checked baggage for international flights emirates

Emirates Airlines passengers must be aware of what items are prohibited in their checked luggage when flying internationally. Restricted items include:

  • Explosives, incendiary substances, and devices
  • Gases, including camping gas, aerosols, and other gases (flammable or non-flammable but not poisonous, deep refrigerated, and flammable).
  • Liquids flammables like paints, thinner, lighter fuel, and thinner
  • Magnesium, fireworks, and other reactive substances, such as flammable solids, are among the most common.
  • Bleaches and peroxides are oxidizing agents
  • Infectious and poisonous substances, such as rat poison or infected blood
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Materials such as acids and mercury that are corrosive

Items Not Allowed in Checked Baggage Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has specific guidelines on items that are not allowed in checked baggage. Some examples of prohibited items include:

  • Ammunition and firearms
  • Chemicals
  • Drones (Remotely-piloted aircraft systems)
  • Explosives such as fireworks, flares, fuels, and ammunition
  • Fiberglass repair kits and bleaches
  • Flammable solids and liquids such as paints, heavier or lighter fuel, and matches
  • Gas cylinders
  • Household cleaners
  • Incendiary devices
  • Liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers with a capacity greater than 100 ml
  • Mercury
  • Organic peroxides and oxidizing materials
  • Paint
  • Pointed and sharp objects such as scissors, knives, daggers, switchblades, and scalpels
  • Sports equipment such as baseball bats, cricket bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks
  • Worker tools such as blowtorches, crowbars, drills, nail guns, and screwdrivers

Please note that the list is not exhaustive. Passengers should contact Qatar Airways to obtain a full list of prohibited items. Batteries in electronic equipment, such as mobile phones, laptops, or cameras, must also be turned off. Visit the official site.

Also, Check

Items not Allowed in Checked Baggage Canada

Air Canada has regulations in place regarding items that cannot be carried in checked baggage. Some restricted items include:

Items Not Allowed in carry On Baggage Air Canada

  • Guns, firearms, or other devices could cause serious injury to someone by launching harmful items. Items that may be mistaken as this type of weapon (like a toy pistol), such:
    • Any type of firearm
    • Toy, replica, and imitation weapons
    • Parts of firearms (except for telescopic sights).
    • Guns that use compressed air or CO2, such as pistols, pellet rifles, and ball-bearing weapons
    • Starter pistols with flares
    • Bows, crossbows, and arrows
    • Harpoon guns, spear guns
    • Slingshots, catapults, and other slingshots

Devices that can immobilize or stun someone such as:

  1. Tasers, stun batons and other devices that shock people are examples.
  2. animal stunners
  3. Chemical sprays such as mace, capsicum or pepper spray, tear gas, and acid sprays.

Sharp objects which could cause serious injuries, such as:

  • Axes, hatchets, and cleavers
  • Ice axes, ice picks
  • Items that contain razor blades such as box cutters and utility knives
  • Knives with blades longer than 6 cm
  • The blades of scissors that are longer than six centimeters from the fulcrum, (the pin which holds the blades together), are not allowed.
  • Martial arts equipment with sharp edges or points
  • Swords or Sabres

Sharp objects such as:

  • Baseball bats or cricket bats
  • Golf clubs, billiards cues, and ski poles
  • Hockey or lacrosse sticks
  • Brass knuckles
  • Billy clubs, nightsticks, and blackjacks are all examples of clubs and batons.
  • Martial arts weapons

What can I take on a plane in Checked luggage?

You can check almost anything, except dangerous items like flammables and explosives. It is important to remember that you will not be able to access your checked baggage during the flight. Therefore, you should only pack bulky or heavy items.

What you can and what you cannot put in your checked baggage:

  • Solid foods, such as most types of food
  • Non-perishable foods such as canned goods and boxed food
  • Aerosols for personal care products like deodorant or hairspray
  • Medicines
  • Alcoholic beverages in bottles of 3.4 ounces (100 ml or less) or smaller
  • Water Bottles

No alcohol allowed in checked baggage

  • Hazardous substances such as explosives, flammables, and chemicals
  • Fresh fruit, cheese, and other perishables such as these.
  • Use Lysol and Bleach cleaning products
  • Spray paint, cooking spray, and spray starch are all examples of bear spray.
  • Ammunition

You should be aware that certain items are allowed only in checked baggage and not carry-on bags. The TSA may flag certain items for additional inspection, including large amounts of money or unusual items such as a lobster.

You should always check the TSA’s website or speak to your airline about what you can pack and what you cannot in your checked baggage.

What Can You Bring on a Plane Carry-On?

  • Liquids, gels, or aerosols All liquids, gels, and aerosols you carry (including food and drinks) must fit in a container of 3.4 ounces or less and be able to fit in a bag measuring quart size.
  • Personal item: Passengers may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. This can be a purse or backpack.
  • Prohibited Items: The following items are prohibited in carry-on baggage for all flights: baseball or cricket bats; golf clubs; billiard cues; ski poles; hockey or lacrosse sticks and loose rounds. Carry-on luggage is not allowed to contain firearms, firearm components, ammunition, or cartridges. Some items can be checked in if they are properly packaged and the airline approves.
  • Granular or powdery material If you are carrying more than 350 ml of powder or granular materials, such as baby powder, foot powders, cooking powders, bath salts, sea salts, or a granular tack, they must be checked in your baggage.
  • Other Items Some items may require written approval by your airline to be carried as carry-on baggage or checked luggage. Electronics, food, drinks, tools and household items, lighters and other flammables as well as medical personal effects, camping and sports equipment are all examples.

You should be aware that certain items can be checked in if they are properly packaged and approved for transport by the airline. 

CATSA screeners can also determine that items not listed on the Prohibited Items List are prohibited. It’s best to check before packing your luggage with your airline.

items not allowed in carry on Baggage Cebu Pacific

Here are the items not allowed in carry-on luggage Cebu Pacific: Cebu Pacific:

  • Weapons such as swords, knives, and firearms
  • Explosives, such as non-inflammable or inflammable gas, lighter refills as well as butane gas, and aerosol paints
  • Magnetic substances
  • Materials with abrasion
  • Sharp objects
  • Equipment for sports that can be used as a weapon

Passengers can carry on one baggage, with a maximum weight of 7 kilograms and dimensions up to 56cm x 23cm. But, items that are dangerous are not permitted in checked-in or carry-on luggage. 

It is crucial to remember that travel guidelines can be changed from time to time and it is advisable to consult Cebu Pacific for the latest information.

FAQ

What electronics are not allowed in checked luggage?

Spare lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries must always be carried in the carry-on bag. Any spare lithium batteries in a carry-on must be removed and placed with the passenger inside the aircraft cabin when the bag is checked out at the gate.

Which items are not allowed in checked luggage?

Box Cutters, Ice Axes/ Ice Picks, Knives (any length and type except round-bladed, butter, and plastic cutlery), Meat Cleavers, Razor-Type Blades such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors, Sabers, Scissors – metal with pointed tips, Sword.

Can I put full-size shampoo in checked luggage?

Do not check items in containers that exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in checked baggage. If a liquid, aerosol, or gel alarms at the screening, it will need to be screened again.

Is perfume allowed in check-in baggage?

The FAA limits total quantities of restricted toiletry and medicinal articles, including aerosols in checked baggage. The total aggregate quantity per individual cannot exceed 2 L (68 fluid ounces or 70 ounces). Each container’s capacity must not exceed 500 ml or 0.5 kg (18.8 ounces).

Can I take toothpaste on a plane?

The maximum amount of liquids or aerosols that can be carried by each passenger is a one-quart bag. The 3-1-1 liquids rules apply to toothpaste, shampoo, conditioners, mouthwashes, and lotions.

How do you pack clothes in checked luggage?

She says that each piece of clothing should be folded, rolled, or squeezed as tightly as you can into “every inch of space available, even inside my shoes.” You read it correctly. Try rolling socks, underwear, or smaller tee shirts into boots or sneakers.

Can you take medicine on a plane?

You may bring unlimited quantities of your medications in solid or pill form, as long as they are screened. Your medication can be carried on and in checked luggage. If you’re going to need immediate access, it is best to keep these items in your hand luggage.

What is not allowed in a carry-on?

Food items that are larger than 3.4oz cannot be carried in carry-on luggage. They should instead be checked. 

TSA officers can instruct travelers to remove items from carry-on luggage, such as powders and foods that could clog bags and prevent clear images in the X-ray machines.