Checked baggage has partly different rules than carry-on — and the most common confusion is about batteries. Here's the clear, IATA-compliant orientation.
❌ Strictly Forbidden in Checked Baggage
- Power banks & loose spare batteries: Always go in carry-on — fire risk in the hold.
- E-cigarettes & vapes: Only in carry-on, strictly banned in checked.
- Gases & lighter fluid: Gas canisters (camping stoves), lighter fluid, paint thinner.
- Alcohol over 70% ABV: High-proof alcohol (e.g. 80% overproof rum) is dangerous goods — completely banned.
- Explosives & fireworks: banned entirely.
- Self-balancing boards: Hoverboards / e-skateboards with large lithium batteries.
✅ Allowed in the Suitcase (forbidden in carry-on!)
- Liquids over 100 ml: Shampoo, drinks, perfume — no problem in checked.
- Blades & tools: Straight razors, loose blades, scissors of any size, pocket knives, hammers, screwdrivers.
- Sports & outdoor gear: Trekking poles, tent pegs, camping cutlery, dive knives.
⚠️ Allowed with Restrictions
- Alcohol:
- Up to 24% ABV (wine, beer): no security limit (mind the airline's weight).
- 24–70% ABV (spirits, liqueur): max 5 liters per person in sealed original packaging.
- Aerosols / sprays: Max 500 ml / 500 g per can, max 2 liters / 2 kg total per passenger. Protective cap required.
- Devices with built-in batteries (laptop, tablet, camera, shaver, toothbrush): Allowed in checked, but fully switched off and protected from accidental activation. (Carry-on is still recommended due to theft and breakage risk.)
- Smart luggage (bag with power bank/tracker): The power bank must be removable and go in carry-on. Bags with a non-removable power bank are not accepted.
- Hair styling: Corded flat irons/hair dryers are no problem. Cordless ones with a gas cartridge or fixed battery: special rules, often must go in carry-on.
💡 Important Packing Tips
- Valuables in carry-on: Electronics, jewelry, money, important documents.
- Essential medication: In carry-on, not in checked.
- Food & customs: Cheese, honey, Nutella, sausage are security-wise fine in checked — but mind customs import bans on fresh food, meat and dairy (e.g. USA, Australia).
- Weight & size: Usually 20–32 kg per bag, linear size (L+W+H) max 158 cm.
- Lighters & matches: A single standard lighter belongs on your person (in your pocket) — not in checked baggage.
❓ Common Questions
Are power banks allowed in checked baggage? No — power banks and loose spare batteries always go in carry-on.
How much alcohol can go in checked? Up to 24% unlimited, 24–70% max 5 liters per person, over 70% completely banned.
Can laptops go in checked? Yes, but fully switched off — carry-on is still safer due to theft and breakage risk.
Important: Rules vary by airline and country. Check the exact baggage rules for your airline in our database.