TSA Checked Baggage Rules in 2024

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

“Suspicious” means your cash will disappear 100% of the time from either TSA or the baggage handlers. If you have zippers, you do not have a secure bag no matter what lock is on the bag

[@francesco3207]

I go to Europe for 1 month every year and bring back 8 bottles of wine in a checked suitcase, at a minimum, for many years, with no issue. Foie gras, pate, everything.

[@josephmartin1540]

I’ve had checked bag opened multiple times and never then securely closed all the way. The TSA letter indicated that the search was totally random. There was never anything in the bag which should have been a trigger for a search. Too many socks? I’ve had trouble almost every time I’ve checked a bag! I try hard to avoid doing so! Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@Holdmymawashi]

Yes exactly! And why do I always feel so nervous and guilty even though I literally do zero drugs and make zero explosives??? 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[@PortableProfessional]

Oh that’s frustrating! Carry on only all the way!

[@redhatbear1135]

For a while I had those notes regularly. I started leaving various things out , and the x rays got better. I thought my stainless steal thermos was one of the triggers but I can now travel with it again. I don’t recall what the other 2 things were. But, recently in Paris my carry on was thoroughly searched including nearly counting the compostable straws. They didn’t find anything. And, the skipped the lithium batteries in my husbands bag which go to my electric wheelchair.

[@jayasmrmore3687]

@@PortableProfessionalbut carry-on we are literally X-rayed and can’t take stuff in carry-on either so there is no place we can safely take our stuff

[@dudebro755]

did you ever get SSSS on boarding pass for extra inspection?

[@marionvermaak9208]

Thanks for all your tips.. At 74 I'm doing my first long haul flight in September from South Africa to USA

[@PortableProfessional]

That is a long flight! Glad I could help with you getting ready. Have a wonderful time!

[@musicstewart9744]

Glad I did my traveling before 9/11. Next up will be a one way away from 🇺🇸 for retirement. When I walk up to TSA I’ll hand them an inventory of every item in my carry on lined up with the TSA statement I think allows that item. If they have a question it then becomes directed to the TSA statement, not the discretion of the TSA agent. A core reason for centuries of legal precedent that is hardly ever acknowledged these days.

[@1stReconGaming]

Once you are on a "list" it does not matter what you pack or do not.

[@jayasmrmore3687]

How do you know whether you are on the list

[@WizardDudeman]

​@@jayasmrmore3687Based on your political beliefs.

[@deandecoursey3061]

I’m leaving Tuesday for Chiangmai and checking 2 bags and taking a carryon. I’m not worried about TSA but whomever checks it in Asia. I had a bag 5 years ago that I had mistakenly put 2 lithium batteries in. They made it to LAX safely with batteries but I flew China Eastern Airlines to Chiangmai. We stoped in Shanghai, Hunan and Chiangmai. In Hunan, we collected bags as we we’re staying overnight and all passengers collected their bags. One of my bags was missing. I reported it missing with the airline. I was in Chiangmai for 3 weeks and called or emailed China Eastern every day, with no reply. After 2 weeks, someone at CNX Airport told me to contact Thai airways because they handled lost baggage in Thailand. They tracked the bag to Shanghai, where it had been sitting at the airport for 2 weeks. They had it sent to Chiangmai the day before I left. It had a note in Chinese in it and the batteries were missing. I understand why they took the batteries but not why they kept the luggage. Needless to say, I will have Air Tags in my luggage this time.

[@PortableProfessional]

Best of luck and safe travels- enjoy Chiang Mai!!

[@redhatbear1135]

You do know that Apple tags have lithium batteries in them, right?

[@deandecoursey3061]

@@PortableProfessional thanks Megan. With it being burning season, I’ll divide my time between working on my house and enjoying the city.

[@deandecoursey3061]

@@redhatbear1135 sure. I even talked with an Apple employee yesterday about them. As long as they are installed in something, they are permitted in checked luggage luggage. It’s when they are by themselves that they are not permitted. I’m taking 4 lithium batteries either in my carryon or in my coat pockets. They will be in ziplock bags and the ends will have electrical tape over them. I could put the batteries attached to the drills that I’m taking in my checked luggage. But I’m not someone to tempt fate. Besides, the loss of both batteries and drill would make for a big financial hit.

[@redhatbear1135]

@@deandecoursey3061 That was more of a tease although recently I heard an announcement that sounded like the gate people didn’t know all the rules! Then again neither did TSA who decided to call the airlines about my mobility device batteries. The airlines took one look at them and knew exactly what they were and the carefully explained that the rules for wheelchairs etc were different. 35 days later I went through the same airport and had the same problem. We’ve now printed out the info from the TSA sire to carry! But we’ve been traveling with lithium batteries for 6+ years without an issue. Rome had a slight problem but calling a couple of supervisors got the agent to the correct input page. The page came up seemed to be for AA batteries and she was trying to convert the power or size. That made more sense that TSA.

[@esy-oc6kv]

You forgot to mention spare lithium batteries. They must be 100 watt hours or less and be carried in carry-on baggage only.

[@PutsOnSneakers]

oooh shit, thank you I didn't know.

[@ivorydelights]

Some airports don't allow power banks. I went on a trip to India and had a power bank in a checked bag. The flight from ATL to BLR was fine but when I came back they didn't load the bag onto the flight from BLR to ATL because it had a power bank and a lock (although it was TSA approved). I had to make a claim at baggage services to give the lock code and for them to ship the bag to my home address. It arrived at my home 2 days later but they took out the power bank.

[@jayasmrmore3687]

Power bank can go in carry on but not checked luggage

[@forgottenamericana]

Megan rocks! Thanks for these great travel tips. Spot on. Also would love to see you do a video on nomad jobs or where to find good careers or work for road warrior travelers. Thanks!

[@Kenneth2413]

If you are traveling within the U.S. (and are not a prohibited person), it is legal to pack a firearm in a checked bag. You will have to declare it when checking the bag and follow special procedures. It does however have to be packed inside a tsa approved case, and some states require that the magazine be placed in a seperate tsa approved case or even to place that 2nd case with the magazine in a 2nd checked bag. (For example new york requires firearms and magazines to be seperate or it considers the firearm 'loaded' even if no actual bullets are in a firearm.) Different states currently require different things and have different laws. Check with the laws of wherever you plan to visit if you plan to pack one as you don't want to get jammed up for violating a law that you didn't know existed. At the same time, if you do everything properly with packing a firearm in a checked bag, they do flag the bag and pay extra special attention to it, so the possibility of the bag getting lost will go down tremendously.

[@Holdmymawashi]

I have so many food intolerances and allergies that I can’t eat anything I haven’t made myself. I plan to check a bag to Malaysia (from Australia) with dry foods, packet foods and my favourite snacks and UHT plant milk but I will pack it very carefully in case it spills. Like triple bagged in big ziploc bags. I can easily by rice and veggies over there but plant milk in Asia in not very easy to come by and I’d rather just enjoy my trip than search for specialty stores again! That said, Cold Storage does stock Orgran gluten free so I will definitely be enjoying some cookies etc 🤞🏻

[@PortableProfessional]

Nice, safe travels, Lucy!

[@mystrength5640]

Get yourself checked for Samters Triad. Cytochrome p450. MTHFR… hope this helps.. you will get better if you have these tests done.

[@kariforgie457]

Delta airlines said we couldn't pack over 70 ounces of liquid per bag, ie. Shampoo, conditioner, etc

[@AusNetFan13]

Megan - the travel guru. Thank you very much for your advice.

[@PortableProfessional]

Love this, glad it’s helpful!

[@boomertuber8878]

IMPORTANT to know this! THANKS

[@KenshoQuest]

I once packed anti-static spray in my checked suitcase and it was confiscated. I suppose it’s a flammable aerosol? Also had my water-based nail polish confiscated in China, even though the ingredients are totally different than regular nail polish. I pack laundry detergent, but I’ve learned to wait to buy bleach until I reach my destination. I’m probably still doing something wrong. 😅

[@StephEWaterstram]

I was here to as "will My cheapo 28" Protege will survive the trip in the Bus coach luggage compartment.

[@Nathansmithphotography]

Good to know. Thanks Megan!

[@PortableProfessional]

You are so welcome, Nathan 😇

[@paulinecriel9905]

I had a note in my bag after arriving at my destination once but since I didn’t have anything of interest to TSA, nothing was missing. No idea what they thought I had.

[@Stevenfrijol]

Thank you for the video

[@izzymiler6974]

I will travel to Wyoming on next month.

[@styl_propr]

Thank you!

[@ludovitduncko242]

Hi Megan, so based on what you said, do you think its fine if I take full box (2kg) of protein powder in my checked baggage? Should not I worry about any crazy controls ?

[@PortableProfessional]

It is certainly allowed but I can't say if TSA may want to take a closer look or not after your case is scanned.

[@GraineFaveur]

Can I check in two suicases from Europe to the caribbean

[@sarapugh6700]

in my recent experiences, powders scan like a liquid so they'll take you aside and look at it, see what it is, swab it to double check it's not drugs and then let you be on your way :)

[@ladycris1655]

Do you know if air tags are allowed in checked luggages for long flights for example to go in Japan?

[@georgenader5196]

Is resistance bands allowed in check bags and not in Carry on bags ?? Please it's my first flight and I'm a little confused 😅

[@VishalSingh-mu2em]

What about portable Bluetooth speakers? In checked luggage

[@user-yd9gp8xz9v]

can I put a pack of Clorox wipes in my checked bag or will it cause bag to be opened?

[@PortableProfessional]

Clorox wipes are certainly allowed in check baggage and should not trigger a search of your bag.

[@kaelcoronacion363]

Check in luggage how many packaging perfume allowed?

[@amirdennis3057]

Can I bring a bathroom weight scale in my checked luggage

[@PortableProfessional]

Yes. Being a heavier item beware you don't go over your luggage weight limit as there will be extra charges.

[@americanpaisareturns9051]

Thanks 🫡

[@PortableProfessional]

You’re very welcome!

[@noblesseoblige5199]

Hi, Thank you for this video. Are Apple AirTags allowed on checked-bags?

[@inquisitvem6723]

Should be fine

[@inquisitvem6723]

Melatonin ok?

[@NaeNay.]

As far as foods..Im gonna fly domestically for the first time in 15 yrs .My flight will only be about 2 1/2 hrs or less.Will I be able to put securley packed cooked food in my checked luggage?

[@crabstick250]

Last year i put a pint of fried rice (😂) that i bought on way to airport in my checked luggage for a 2 hr flight. I put container in a big ziploc. I knew Id be arriving late and would miss dinner. Didnt want to eat it on plane. It was fine.

[@summercameron597]

Thank you for this information! Also, love your hint of an accent too - is it New England (close?). Thank you - Sub'd!

[@thomasm7047]

Hello Megan. Can you lock luggage for an international flight?

[@thomasm7047]

@Tele-gram_PortableProfessional Hi Megan. Yeah. For an international flight, are you allowed to lock your luggage? Also, your videos give me hope for using carry-on luggage. I'm going back to Mexico this year. Last year, I checked my luggage because of the size. I hope I can pack for 18 days using carry-on luggage. 🙂

[@Sumkh-food]

Hi love can i put 14 bottles of perfumes in my check in baggage for gifts my family is allowed or not plz reply i am from uk Manchester

[@leohoward7282]

I always love these tips plus I love your personality and great video as always Megan perhaps I'll see you in Toronto sometime or if you're In London anytime or if we serendipitously both in Sri Lanka

[@PortableProfessional]

Ohhh Sri Lanka sounds good right about now!

[@leohoward7282]

@@PortableProfessional what really cold in Ontario? then look at it this way Ontario being cold you get to wear all your cute winter wear I get it you'd rather wear all your cute bikinis and shorts lol

[@leohoward7282]

@@PortableProfessional I've actually never been to Sri Lanka but it seemed fun after I heard you talk about it.

[@mikeleslie5031]

What are your thoughts on flying in a regional jet(CRJ-700) and having to do a gate and/or valet luggage check

[@rachelsm7106]

Can I put all my unopened chocolates to my hand carry luggage? Flying with Air Canada and Jetstar. Thank you

[@mariamrazeen9109]

Can you please say me where to pack our liquid medicine ( Small bottle) With prescription . Can I carry it on my hand bag ??? And a pair of scissors??

[@SreeM.]

Is it okay to pack about max 10 different perfume bottles as gifts in checked luggage?

[@motorcityb8551]

Yup

[@Lashlove16]

Are sure your cardbox is not from a car part company, as I used an old box from a friend to pack clothes and airlines made a big deal

[@avadolfo872]

Can I know how much liquids or what container they need to be in for a checked bag

[@veronicacasarreal7945]

Can I bring a Bath and Body Works candle??

[@kazouathaoo]

If I have an electric pot as a gift for someone can I pack that in my checked bag ?

[@majedaydi9491]

Hi, If I carry battery for my electric scooter inside check-in baggage if they discover they going to take it off from my bag or best to carry in hand. what is process. Please thank you.

[@appleapple2012]

Any aerosol deodorant that is allowed in checked in luggage recommendations? Thanks

[@veherapayne2437]

Would I be able take back soda? I have about 15 cans I’d like to take back to my home country. (Usa- layer in Panama- Guyana)

[@badgeswedontneednostinking5571]

Excellent M

[@PortableProfessional]

Great to hear, safe travels!

[@rosey304]

Can check bag able to pack in keychains and magnets

[@kevinsullivan1885]

Can I take my ipad in hand luggage please let me know.

[@PortableProfessional]

Yes! :)

[@krissk77]

Yes. Please. You check it is - it might grow legs very fast.

[@Arjunakrishnan22]

Hey i have few doubts on what to carry and not to carry as a f1 student can i mail you ?

[@the1831]

What if i will put a butterfly knife in the bag? Will it be ok?

[@Asukastrike57]

Can i bring 7 100ml perfume bottles in checked bag??

[@lancaraeldrin8211]

Hello maam can i put a jbl flip 5 bluetooth speaker in checked luggage?

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

do not pack stinky clothing, just leave it at the hotel

[@alexthai2456]

you are talking about checked baggage or carry on bagagge

[@chrishadjipetris6059]

I'm in Naples and I found a sword in a store that I'm thinking of buying it, but I don't know whether it's okay to bring it in my checked baggage or not

[@jayasmrmore3687]

I think it has to be declared but I’d ask the the airlines themselves

[@maeveoboyle7990]

Hey not sure if you already have a video about unaccompanied minors but did not could you make one

[@SoleJm-ve7et]

hi i have about 4 bottles of cerave lotions and cleansers which are all 1 liter each in size, are they allowed to be packed in one suitcase. i will be travelling early July

[@motorcityb8551]

Yes

[@rizzadesembrana6647]

cna i bring lotion and shampoo in check bag luggage

[@PortableProfessional]

You most certainly can and it can be larger than 100ml! Happy travels!

[@alexthai2456]

if every countries always safety for all the time then we don't need to do these stupid stuffs.............we can' bring what we want only if we don't do any violation

[@andrewharris2101]

One question can I take my vape with me to the caribbean???

[@oathpeterson]

👏😊

[@subhrangsu]

I searched in the TSA website if I can take my pet dragon with me. It is small and hence cannot fly yet. The website could not identify the item, unfortunately. Now what do I do? I also searched for my baby Procompsognathus, same result 😢.

[@SSDQ8]

g

[@Daily_Essentials]

liquid homeopathic?

[@welfaregod612]

fix your R's

[@aldroid4844]

The Airlines should not be able to inspect your Private belongings. It’s an invasion of privacy

[@PutsOnSneakers]

facepalm, it's as if you didn't even listen to what was being said in the video

[@thatawesometrucker]

You have no privacy when it comes to TSA😂😂😂

[@WaltANelsonPHD]

Megan, did you contact me on telegram?

[@andrinetoussaint7166]

No those are scam bots everyone gets them ignore them

[@WaltANelsonPHD]

@@andrinetoussaint7166 Thank you. I thought so, but was not sure.

[@andrinetoussaint7166]

@@WaltANelsonPHD you're very welcome sir

[@BadKittyNoMilk]

I’m so disappointed. I can’t bring on the flight what helps my flight anxiety. 😢