Planning your next trip just got a bit more complicated. The TSA recently updated their rules, moving several common items from the “okay to check” list to the “carry-on only” category. Many travelers are discovering these changes at the airport, leading to delays and frustration. Knowing what you can and cannot pack in your checked bag will save you time and headaches at security.
1. Portable Chargers and Power Banks
Your trusty power bank that keeps your phone alive during long travel days now has strict packing rules. Airlines worry about lithium-ion batteries overheating in cargo holds, where crew members cannot quickly respond to emergencies.
Pack all portable chargers in your carry-on bag instead. Make sure the battery terminals are protected from short circuits by keeping them in original packaging or covering exposed ends with tape.
Flight attendants can spot and handle battery issues much faster when these devices stay in the cabin with passengers.
2. Spare Lithium Batteries
Camera enthusiasts and drone pilots often pack extra batteries for their adventures. Unfortunately, those spare batteries for cameras, laptops, and other electronics must now travel in your carry-on bag only.
The rule applies to any loose lithium battery not installed in a device. Keep them in protective cases or tape over the terminals to prevent dangerous short circuits during flight.
Installed batteries in working devices can still go in checked luggage. However, any extras you bring along need to stay accessible to cabin crew in case problems arise.
3. Cordless Hair Styling Tools
Beauty routines do not pause for travel, but your cordless curling iron and flat iron have new packing requirements. Battery-powered and butane-fueled hair tools can no longer ride in the cargo hold.
These styling devices often reach extremely high temperatures and contain pressurized fuel or powerful batteries. Both pose fire risks in areas where crew cannot immediately respond to emergencies.
Remember to cap gas-powered tools properly and ensure battery-operated ones are completely turned off. Your morning hair routine depends on following these simple safety steps correctly.
4. Electronic Cigarettes and Vapes
Vaping devices contain lithium batteries that have caused actual in-flight fires, prompting this strict new rule. All e-cigarettes and vaping equipment must travel in carry-on bags where problems can be spotted quickly.
Turn off your device completely and remove any loose batteries if possible. Store everything in protective cases to prevent accidental activation during turbulence or handling.
Even unused vaping supplies follow this rule because of their battery components. Cabin crew receive special training to handle battery emergencies, but only when devices stay within their reach throughout the flight.
5. Smart Luggage with Built-in Batteries
High-tech suitcases with GPS tracking, built-in scales, and charging ports seemed like the future of travel. Now they face complete bans unless you can remove their batteries.
Airlines discovered these smart bags create the same fire risks as other lithium battery devices. If your suitcase battery cannot be removed, you cannot bring the bag on the plane at all.
Check your smart luggage manual before traveling. Removable batteries can travel in your carry-on while the empty suitcase gets checked normally, keeping your tech investment safe and legal.
6. High-Proof Alcohol Over 140 Proof
Bringing back that special bottle of grain alcohol or overproof rum hits a major roadblock with current regulations. Anything stronger than 140 proof cannot travel in either checked or carry-on luggage.
These ultra-strong spirits are essentially flammable liquids that pose serious safety risks. The alcohol content makes them dangerous around any heat source or electrical equipment found on aircraft.
Regular wine, beer, and most spirits under 140 proof can still travel in checked bags. Save the specialty high-proof purchases for shipping services or local delivery to your destination instead.
7. Wrapped Holiday and Birthday Gifts
Surprising loved ones with beautifully wrapped presents creates heartwarming moments, but TSA agents might need to unwrap them during security screening. Elaborate wrapping paper and ribbons often hide contents from X-ray machines.
Security personnel will carefully unwrap suspicious packages and may not rewrap them afterward. Your thoughtful presentation could end up as torn paper and loose ribbon in a plastic bag.
Gift bags with tissue paper work much better for air travel. They allow easy inspection while keeping your surprise intact and looking presentable when you arrive at your destination.
