You need to always pack perfect! The carry-on guidelines set forth by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may appear complicated, but this helpful list of luggage restrictions will make packing for your upcoming trip a snap.

Most are aware of the fundamentals of what can and cannot be included in checked baggage. However, even frequent travellers occasionally encounter that annoying scenario where they realise at the last minute that they need to transfer an item from their checked-in bag to their cabin bag. Cue the hurried search at the check-in counter for that little device or charger buried deep within the stack of clothes in your suitcase, all while impatient passengers tap their feet behind you. We’ll spare you the headaches. The following five items are not appropriate to include in your checked luggage.

Specifics may vary throughout airlines, so before you travel, be sure to review the luggage policies of your particular airline.

Power banks and chargers
When you check in your luggage, most airline agents will inquire if you have a power bank or charger with you. Because of the possibility of an explosion or fire, anything containing lithium-ion batteries cannot be checked in with checked luggage. It’s usually preferable to pack your chargers and power banks in your cabin luggage to prevent any last-minute bag movements, even though some airlines may accept power banks with an energy threshold below that amount. Vapes and e-cigarettes are prohibited from being checked in luggage because they contain tiny lithium-ion batteries. However, devices that use dry cell batteries can only be brought on board as cabin baggage.

Technology
The first reason lithium-ion batteries—which are present in cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and even smart bags or briefcases with built-in alarm systems—are usually prohibited in checked baggage is because of their use in electronics. Breakage is the second. Your checked-in bags are stored in the aircraft’s “belly,” or underneath, which houses all of the cargo. In this area of the aircraft, electronics are vulnerable to scuffs, dents, and splashes; if not packaged securely, they may sustain damage. Therefore, it would be best to keep any electronics you may have, especially pricey devices, in your cabin baggage.

Necessary Prescription & Drugs
Obviously, contraband medication is not allowed on aircraft, but necessary medication is. Having this on your person is preferable to having it in your checked luggage. Having your medications in your carry-on makes accessing them easier in case you need them while flying. Furthermore, checked baggage occasionally misplaces itself during transit and ends up at the incorrect airport. When you get at your location, you don’t want to be left without your necessary medication.

Valuables such as Money and Jewels
Although valuables like gold and cash can be placed in checked baggage, it’s best to carry them with you. Your checked luggage are secure in cargo, but you should always exercise extra caution when handling pricey valuables. If you have any valuables with you, store them in your cabin bags to prevent misplacing them. Once more, checked luggage may go misplaced and arrive late; you will feel much more at peace knowing that all of your possessions are visible.

Things that catch fire (like dry coconuts)
It’s likely that you have seen the notice at Indian airport check-in counters cautioning against checking dry coconuts in your checked luggage and have questioned the specifics of the advisory. It’s easy to figure out—they burn easily. Aerosols (except from tiny amounts in personal hygiene products), gasoline, petrol, lighter fluids, matches and other flammable materials are not permitted in checked baggage. For specifics, refer to your airline’s baggage policies since certain things might be permitted in your cabin.

Sporting goods and athletic equipment, such as baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles, are prohibited from carry-on luggage and must be transported in checked baggage. Some exceptions include tennis rackets, fishing poles, snow shoes, and longboards. Bicycles may be allowed on flights, but the policy varies by airline. Self-defense items like mace or pepper spray, billy clubs, black jacks, brass knuckles, kubotans, and martial-arts weapons are not permitted past security. Gel-type candles are only allowed in checked bags, while large quantities of alcohol with over 70% alcohol content cannot be checked or taken onto the plane.

WHAT IS ALLOWED

Nonflammable liquids, gels, and aerosols, including food, drinks, and toiletries, are allowed in carry-on luggage. However, all items must be in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container and fit together in one single, quart-size, clear, zippered plastic bag. This means that a 6-ounce tub of lotion that has been used more than half is not allowed to be brought through TSA security and onto the plane. Medically necessary liquids, such as insulin and baby formula, can be exceptions. When choosing new luggage pieces, consider your travel habits to ensure enough packing options to accommodate these items.

Small animals(pets)
Passengers may bring small dogs past security checkpoints; however, you should confirm the airline’s individual policy by contacting them. Pets must be removed from their carrier, which must also pass through security, and inspected by security personnel.