When preparing for a flight, packing smartly is crucial to ensure a smooth travel experience.
While your checked luggage allows for more room and less hassle at security checkpoints, certain items should never be stashed there.
Although many of you might be familiar with the basic rules about what can and cannot go in checked luggage, even seasoned travelers occasionally find themselves in a spot due to some items in their checked bag.
This often leads to a frantic search for that small item that is buried deep in a pile of clothes at the check-in counter, while impatient passengers waiting behind further aggravate your stress.
To help you avoid this hassle, here’s a list of things you should always keep out of your checked luggage.
Do note, be sure to review the baggage guidelines for your particular airline before traveling, as specifics may vary by airline.
1. Valuables
Jewelry, expensive watches, and other valuable items should always be in your carry-on. Checked luggage is at a higher risk for loss, theft, or damage, and these items are difficult to replace.
2. Electronics
Laptops, tablets, cameras, and other electronics should be kept with you. These items are not only expensive and fragile but also contain personal information that you wouldn’t want to risk losing. Additionally, airlines have strict policies regarding lithium batteries, as they can pose fire hazards if damaged or improperly packed.
3. Important documents
Keep your passports, identification cards, visas, and boarding passes with you at all times. Additionally, ensure you have any essential work documents, travel itineraries, and insurance information in your hand luggage. Misplacing these documents can lead to significant disruptions in your travel plans.
4. Medications
Always carry your prescription medications, medical devices, and any over-the-counter medicines you might need. Checked luggage can be delayed or lost, and you don’t want to be without necessary medications when you arrive at your destination.
5. Cash and credit cards
Never put cash, credit cards, or traveler’s checks in your checked bag. The risk of theft is too high, and losing access to your money while traveling can lead to significant problems.
6. Flammable items
You may have seen signs at Indian airport check-in counters warning against carrying dry coconuts in checked luggage due to their flammability. Flammable items, including aerosols, fuels, lighter fluids, and matches, are prohibited in checked bags. Some of these may be allowed in carry-ons—check your airline’s guidelines for specifics.
7. Fragile items
Anything fragile, from glassware to souvenirs, should stay out of checked bags. Baggage handlers are not gentle with luggage, and even the sturdiest of suitcases might not protect fragile items from breaking.
8. Irreplaceable Items
Sentimental items such as family heirlooms, photographs, and unique souvenirs should always be kept in your carry-on. These items often hold personal significance and cannot be replaced if lost or damaged.
9. Keys
House keys, car keys, and other essential keys should remain with you. If your luggage is lost or delayed, you won’t want to be stranded without access to your home or vehicle.
10. Bug spray
You can bring insect repellent applied to the skin, but bug sprays intended for spraying into the air or directly at insects are not allowed.
