Things you should never put in your checked luggage | Travel News | Travel

There are some things that should never be packed in your checked luggage – for good reasons.

But some people have no idea about them, whether that’s because they don’t travel often, or have never tried to take these items away. User @thepointsguy took to TikTok to explain five things you should “never put in your checked bag, regardless of how short your flight is”.

However, you can put them in your hand luggage.

First up is prescription medication, because if your suitcase goes missing and you need that medication for a health condition, it can be tough to get a doctor in a different country to dispense it.

“You may be able to get a doctor to call in your prescription, but that becomes trickier if it’s a weekend or a holiday or if your medication doesn’t allow for refills before the previous prescription runs out,” he explained.

He also recommended you don’t put your electronics in your checked luggage, as many staff will have access to your bags once they’re checked in.

“While most are trustworthy, not everyone is,” he warned, saying that there’s a “risk” it could be stolen. He said the “same goes for jewellery and cash” or “items with significant personal value”.

Anything that would cause you “financial or emotional loss” should be kept on your person if possible.

“Daily necessities” should also be put in your hand luggage, because if you can’t make it through the day without it, then you shouldn’t be packing it in your checked luggage.

He continued: “Ideally you’d have a change of clothes, toiletries, and glasses or contact lenses if you need them.”

The final item was “hard to find” things – so if you can’t find it quickly or easily when you’re abroad, it needs to be on you, rather than in your suitcase.

“Plug adapters and high-quality suncream” are also things that you may want to have on you – and they can be purchased at the airport to avoid the 100ml restriction.

In the comments, someone wrote: “Everything important goes into my carry-on. Meds, contacts, electronics in particular.”

Another said: “I only have clothing & shoes in checked bags. Everything else is in my carry-on.”

A TikToker said they thought it was “scary” some people didn’t realise this.