You can pack most everyday items in hold luggage, including larger toiletries (over 100ml), clothes, and many electronics (batteries removed/protected), but must avoid dangerous goods like explosives, flammable items (except some small aerosols/liquids in toiletries), and large lithium batteries, which have strict rules or are banned, making it ideal for liquids, sharp objects, and large items not allowed in carry-on. Always check your airline's specific rules and security guidelines for items like lithium batteries and powders.
Hold luggage guidance
We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
In Australia, prohibited checked baggage items include weapons, explosives, flammable liquids/solids, compressed gases, strong acids/alkalis, poisons, and certain hazardous chemicals/materials, alongside items like self-balancing boards (hoverboards) and large quantities of lithium batteries; while some toiletries (aerosols, alcohol) have limits (100ml containers for carry-on) and restrictions for checked, always check the Home Affairs website for the full, official list, especially for international travel.
You can't pack explosives, firearms (unless declared and packed correctly), flammable liquids/solids (like gasoline, lighter fluid, large aerosols), strong acids/bleach, disabling sprays (pepper spray), large quantities of alcohol (>70% ABV), spare lithium batteries, or hoverboards in checked luggage due to safety risks; instead, keep essentials like medication, electronics, and valuables in your carry-on.
The most confiscated items at airports are usually everyday items people forget about, primarily oversized liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs), along with knives, sharp objects (like scissors, multi-tools), and lighters, due to carry-on restrictions, with firearms also frequently found in checked bags despite strict rules. Batteries (especially lithium) are also common, needing to be in carry-ons, and even items like protein powder can be flagged for extra screening.
Carry-on baggage only – not permitted in checked luggage.
You must pack power banks and any loose/spare lithium batteries in your cabin bag.
Charging cables (USB cords) and plug-in power adapters for phones do not contain batteries or hazardous components, so they are allowed in both cabin hand luggage and checked baggage.
Toiletries, aerosols medicines and medical supplies in hold baggage. You can take the following items, for personal use, in your checked baggage: Toiletry items and aerosols such as hairsprays, perfumes and colognes. Non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols for home or sporting use.
US customs has the right to search all of your luggage, including your checked bags. ¹ If you don't declare goods and are questioned about an item, they may ask you to prove that you purchased it in the United States.
As per the guidelines, all carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, packed in one clear quart-size bag.
Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. If you aren't able to stay within those limitations, remember that full-size toiletries can always be purchased upon arriving to your destination - don't inconvenience yourself and waste money by checking a bag if you don't have to!
Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage.
If you need to take liquids away with you, aim to pack as much as possible in your hold baggage. Liquids in this sense include lipsticks, mascara, toothpaste, hairspray, shaving foam and other cosmetic and toiletry items of a similar consistency.
The "45-minute rule" refers to a productivity technique of working intensely for 45 minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute break, leveraging the brain's natural focus cycles (ultradian rhythms) to prevent burnout and boost efficiency, though it can also refer to airline check-in deadlines or corporate onboarding targets. The work/rest pattern helps maintain concentration, while the airport rule requires check-in 45 mins pre-flight for domestic flights.
Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.
The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is a versatile capsule wardrobe strategy for light travel, typically involving 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layering pieces (dresses/jackets/etc.), and 1 accessory set (bag, jewelry, hat), allowing for numerous mix-and-match outfits from minimal items, focusing on versatile, neutral pieces that suit your trip's weather and activities.
Items that are not allowed in checked luggage
But at many airports, the 100ml rule still applies. That means you can't bring more than 100ml of any restricted liquid into the cabin in a single container. These liquids must also be stored in individual 100ml containers. Any liquid that you need more than 100ml of should be packed in your hold luggage.
You can pack many electronics in checked bags if completely off and protected, but spare batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes are forbidden and must be in carry-on; devices with large lithium batteries (over 160Wh), certain smart bags, and damaged electronics are generally banned from both carry-on and checked bags due to fire risks, so always check your airline's specific rules.
Electronic Toothbrush. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. Most other consumer devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. For more information on portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.
Liquids, gels and aerosols
You may have to take them out at airport security so they can be screened separately. Baby formula, milk (including breast milk), baby food, juice and liquid/gel medications larger than 3.4 ounces may be allowed on board, but they will have to be screened separately.
Empty your pockets and put coins, keys, mobile phones and other small items in your hand baggage. Keep laptops and electrical items, such as hairdryers, inside your hand baggage. Place outer clothing inside the tray, and put your bag on top. We may ask you to take off shoes and belts.
Types of chargers not allowed on a plane
Other than the 100Wh/27,000mAh rule, the FAA does have some limitations: Power chargers must be for personal use only. Power chargers intended for resale are prohibited. Damaged batteries and chargers are not allowed.
You can't bring sharp items (knives, scissors over 6cm), many tools (hammers, saws), firearms, flammable liquids/gases, corrosive chemicals (bleach, oven cleaner), explosives, pepper spray/mace, large lithium batteries, and items that look like weapons on a plane carry-on. Restricted liquids (over 100ml), certain powders (over 350ml/g), and some electronics like hoverboards also face limitations or bans.