Taking Your First International Flight? 10 Things Never To Put In Your Checked Baggage

Packing smart is your first step towards a hassle-free adventure abroad. Here's a list of ten items that should never find their way into your checked luggage. Keep these in your carry-on or leave them at home to avoid travel troubles!

1. Valuables and Important Documents

Never check in anything that you can’t afford to lose. This includes your passport, other identification documents, expensive jewelry, and electronic devices. These are items that, if lost, could not only disrupt your trip but could also be difficult and expensive to replace.

2. Medication

Always keep your essential medication with you in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage can occasionally be delayed or lost, and finding a pharmacy immediately upon arrival might not always be possible. It's especially critical if your medication regimen must be strictly followed. Another complication to consider, your prescription may not be valid abroad, and you may need to see a local doctor to regain access to the medicines you take regularly.

3. All Your Clothes

While it might seem convenient to pack all your outfits in one big suitcase, imagine losing all your clothes to a misplaced bag. Always pack at least one change of clothes and basic necessities in your carry-on, just in case.

4. Fragile Items

Fragile items and your checked bag are a match made in disaster. Always carry delicate electronics, glass, or ceramics in your hand luggage, or better yet, leave them at home if they’re not essential to your trip.

5. Travel Itineraries and Hotel Information

Keep your travel itinerary, hotel information, and any tour bookings readily accessible in your carry-on. Losing such information can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion upon arrival.

6. Spare Batteries and Power Banks

Airlines often have strict regulations about transporting batteries in checked luggage due to fire risks. Keep your power banks and spare batteries close in your carry-on. The airline representative may specifically ask you if you have power banks in your checked luggage, if you do, you should move it to your hand luggage before it is handed over to the airline.

7. Keys

Imagine coming home from a long trip and realizing your house keys were in the checked bag that didn't make it back. Always keep your keys in your carry-on to avoid being locked out upon your return.

8. Food Items

Certain food items might not be allowed across borders and could be confiscated if found in your checked luggage. To avoid waste and the hassle of inspections, keep food items to a minimum and familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of your destination.

9. Excessive Liquids

While there are limits to the amount of liquids you can bring in your carry-on, placing them in your checked luggage could lead to spills and damage to your belongings. Pack them carefully or buy them at your destination.

10. Cash and Credit Cards

Carry your cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks with you at all times. It's not uncommon for bags to be tampered with or go missing during international travel. Keeping money on your person ensures it stays safe.

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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.