Have Laptop Will Travel

Ah, vacation! That time when you get away from it all and enjoy some quiet time alone or with those you love the most. Yet before you can head out on vacation, you must first pack, and that can be a bit stressful. As you make your checklists and plan for your travel needs, make sure you understand what items you should never pack in your checked luggage.

Cash and Credit Cards

In a perfect world, your checked baggage will not be touched, but we don’t live in a perfect world. In today’s time of heightened security at every airport, the chances that your luggage will be searched have increased dramatically. You don’t want to lose your cash or credit cards to a dishonest TSA official.

Laptop and Other Electronics

If you are traveling with a laptop, DSLR camera or other pricey electronic item, take it on the plane with you if at all possible. If you can watch the luggage handlers as they load your plane, you will know why. They are not careful with that baggage, so not only does packing those expensive electronics in your checked bag mean you could have a higher chance of theft, but it also means you could have a higher chance of having those items damaged.

Flammable Items

It is against the law to pack flammable items in your checked baggage, so just don’t do it. The TSA strictly bans items like grenades, tear gas, gunpowder, matches and other flammable objects. The exception is lighters. If you need to pack lighters that have fuel in them, you can, but only if they are in a Department of Transportation approved case. Check the list of prohibited items before you leave to be certain you are not stashing one in your bag.

All of Your Clothes

What happens if you pack every single item of clothing in your checked bag, and the airline loses it? You will be at your destination with only the clothes on your back. Pack a change of clothes in your carry on just in case.

Breakable Items

Again, luggage handlers treat luggage like a softball in a pickup softball game. If something is breakable and important to you, it will be safer in your carry on bag.

Essential Documents

Your license, passport, visa or other essential documents need to stay with you. Of course, you need these items to check in for most flights, but you may have other important documents to consider, like your insurance papers or work documents. Put photocopies in your checked luggage if you want, but keep the real thing on your person.

Jewelry

Jewelry is another item that is easy to swipe, and you also run the risk of having your baggage lost with your valuable jewelry inside. You are safer to keep this on you as you travel or sticking it into your carry on bag. Keep in mind that airlines will pay no more than $3,300 per bag if they lose your bag, so you don’t want to have valuable items over that amount in your checked bag.

Remember, vacation is supposed to be a relaxing time, not a stressful time. By carefully packing and avoiding these seven items in your checked baggage, you can fly to a far off destination without a care in the world. Even if your baggage is damaged or lost, your most valuable and important items will still be with you.