What Is The TSA Prohibited Items In Checked Baggage For 2026

List Of Items Not Allowed In Checked Baggage

There are many banned items from the checked baggage under the TSA/FAA 2026 regulations. These include e-cigarettes, vape pens and other electronic smoking devices, firecrackers, sparklers, novelty explosives, or even tiny poppers, whipped cream canisters, propane tanks, CO2 cartridges, scuba tanks, spray paint, and bear repellents. Similarly, non-replaceable batteries are fire hazards and won’t be allowed in checked or carry-on bags. Heirlooms, glassware, or valuable electronics, perishable foods, fresh meat or seafood imports as well as the ceremonial daggers, ritual items are also not allowed in the checked items. 

Why Flammable Liquids, Gases and Compressed Items Are Banned

The flammable liquids, gases and several compressed items are not allowed on airplanes as these are considered potentially hazardous and may cause lethal accidents within fraction of seconds.

Rules for Batteries, Power Banks & Lithium Devices in Checked Bags

Portable chargers as well as power banks that have a lithium-ion battery need to be packed inside the carry-on bags.Similarly, the spare lithium batteries, including the power banks and phone chargers, are not allowed in the checked luggage.

Why Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives Are Restricted or Banned

Carrying weapons, ammunition and explosives are either restricted or banned on board as these may cause casualties and fatalities. Some of the ammunition and fire weapons may ignite automatically and this is hazardous for every passenger in the flight.

Limits on Aerosols, Paints, Chemicals & Hazardous Materials

The passenger in possession of aerosols, or paints or chemicals and other hazardous materials would need to follow 3-1-1 TSA regulations while carrying them onboard.

Alcohol & Liquor Restrictions: What You Can and Cannot Pack

Alcoholic beverages having alcohol content less than 24% and not exceeding 70% alcohol are not allowed in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) by individual passengers and these should be packed in an unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages that have less than 24% alcohol content are allowed in checked bags. 

Rules on Tools, Sporting Goods & Sharp Objects

Sporting goods (baseball bats, golf clubs), Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and sharp objects (knives, scissors) fall in the category of restricted items. These are allowed in the carry-on luggage under the TSA regulations.

Things You Should Not Carry in Checked-Baggage

There are many banned items from the checked baggage under the TSA/FAA 2026 regulations. These include e-cigarettes, vape pens and other electronic smoking devices, firecrackers, sparklers, novelty explosives, or even tiny poppers, whipped cream canisters, propane tanks, CO2 cartridges, scuba tanks, spray paint, and bear repellents. Similarly, non-replaceable batteries are fire hazards and won’t be allowed in checked or carry-on bags. Heirlooms, glassware, or valuable electronics, perishable foods, fresh meat or seafood imports as well as the ceremonial daggers, ritual items are also not allowed in the checked items. 

Which Everyday Items Often Cause Confiscation (Lighters, Matches, etc.)

Lighters, matches, Whipped Cream Charger, Duster Spray, Mercury Thermometers, baby turtles, fireworks, Brass Knuckles, switchblades or automatic knives, expired flares, Airsoft guns, Cough Syrup with DXM and alcohol bottles are often confiscated by the TSA security agents during their routine check outs. 

Smart Packing Tips to Avoid TSA Confiscation on Your Next Flight

• Keep in your mind that carry-on items can't take over dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Electronics like a laptop, iPad, Kindle or other tablet on board should only be packed in the carry-on having an isolated padded compartment.
• Pack the goods or small items in layers such as shoes in a single compartment layer, clothes in separate layers, electronics in another layer.
• Keep your wallet, credit cards and cash secured inside the inner pocket 
• Toiletries like liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less for each container; and the entire liquids must fit in one quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; one bag for every passenger.
  
   

What items are completely banned from checked baggage under TSA/FAA 2026 rules?

Under TSA and FAA regulations, several items are strictly prohibited in checked baggage due to safety and security risks. These include e-cigarettes, vape pens, and all electronic smoking devices; fireworks such as firecrackers, sparklers, novelty explosives, and poppers; pressurized containers like propane tanks, CO2 cartridges, scuba tanks, whipped cream chargers, and spray paint. Bear spray and chemical repellents are also restricted. Non-replaceable lithium batteries are considered fire hazards and are not permitted in either checked or carry-on bags. In addition, valuables such as heirlooms, glassware, high-value electronics, perishable foods, fresh meat or seafood, and certain ceremonial or ritual daggers should not be placed in checked luggage.

FAQs

Q: Can I pack spare lithium batteries or power banks in my checked luggage?
A: No. Spare lithium batteries, portable chargers, and power banks are not allowed in checked baggage. TSA requires these items to be carried only in your carry-on bag to reduce the risk of fire caused by battery overheating.

Q: Are flammable liquids like lighter fluid or paint thinner allowed in checked bags?
A: Flammable liquids are not permitted in either checked or carry-on baggage. Items such as gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinner, fuel, and industrial cleaning solvents are classified as hazardous materials and are strictly prohibited by TSA and FAA regulations.

Q: Can I carry alcohol or high-proof liquor in checked baggage?
A: Alcoholic beverages with less than 24% alcohol by volume are allowed in checked bags with no quantity limit. Beverages containing 24% to 70% alcohol are permitted up to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger, provided they are in unopened retail packaging. Alcohol over 70% ABV is not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.

Q: Are sharp tools or sporting equipment allowed in checked baggage?
A: Yes, many sharp tools and sporting items such as knives, scissors, golf clubs, and certain tools are allowed in checked baggage but are not permitted in carry-on bags. These items must be properly wrapped or secured to prevent injury to baggage handlers.

Q: What happens if the TSA finds a prohibited item in my checked baggage?
A: If the TSA identifies a prohibited item during baggage screening, the item may be confiscated immediately. In some cases, the bag may be opened for inspection, and you may not receive prior notice before the item is removed.