Dangerous items

Some common items can be considered dangerous on a plane. Use the tool below to see which items aren’t allowed, which have been recalled and what items we allow with restrictions. Read more about our dangerous items policy.

Select item

There are rules for traveling with items that are considered dangerous. Make sure you know what items are allowed, what items aren’t and what items have been recalled before your next trip. Get started by selecting one of the categories above.

If you don’t see the item you’re looking for, we might cover it on our fragile items page or sports equipment page.

Avalanche packs

We allow avalanche packs that have a lithium battery under 100WH as checked or carry-on bags. If you’re checking an avalanche pack, you must remove the battery. An agent will inspect and approve your pack before we allow it on board.

Avalanche packs that contain 1.4s and CO2 aren’t allowed as checked or carry-on bags.

Batteries

You can pack the following batteries in checked and carry-on bags. Make sure you pack them in a way that will prevent short circuiting.

  • AA-9V
  • AAA
  • C
  • Carbon zinc
  • D alkaline
  • Nickel metal hydride
  • Silver oxide

Recalled, damaged or defective batteries aren’t allowed on the plane.

Specifications

Before your flight, check the specifications of any batteries you plan to travel with.

If the energy capacity of your battery is not shown in watt-hours (Wh), multiply the battery’s voltage (V) by its capacity in ampere-hours (Ah).

(V) x (Ah) = (Wh)

If the capacity is shown in milliampere-hours (mAh), divide this number by 1,000 to get ampere-hours (Ah). Once you have ampere-hours, use the first calculation to get watt-hours.

(mAh) ÷ 1,000 = (Ah)

Lithium batteries

We allow personal devices that have lithium batteries in checked and carry-on bags. They must be less than 100-watt hours.

Carry-on bags
  • We allow up to two lithium batteries with a max of 160 watt-hours.
  • You must separate loose lithium batteries. Place each battery in its own cover. You can use the original retail packaging, plastic bags, or protective pouches. You can also insulate the batteries by taping over exposed terminals.
  • Spare batteries can’t touch metal objects like coins, keys, or jewelry. Try not to crush, puncture, or put pressure on the battery.
Checked bags
  • We do not allow:
    • E-cigarettes or personal vaporizers
    • Power banks (including those installed in “smart bags”)
    • Loose lithium batteries
  • If you decide to check your carry-on bag at the gate, you must remove any lithium batteries and power banks.

DOT's Air Travel Tips and the FAA offer more details on packing lithium batteries.

Traveling to or from Japan

See the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) website.

Dry shippers and liquid nitrogen

We allow liquid nitrogen in checked and carry-on bags if the bags are vented. You can’t pack it with another dangerous item, like an infectious substance. Liquid nitrogen is only accepted in dry shippers.

Gas-powered tools and equipment

We only allow gasoline-powered tools and equipment if:

  • They’re brand new
  • You remove the fuel source
  • You purge the fuel and provide a letter from the company that purged the fuel

Household items

Some household items are flammable or corrosive. We don’t allow the following items in checked or carry-on bags:

  • Aerosol items, like spray paint, household cleaners and pesticides
  • Bleach
  • Drain cleaners
  • Epoxy
  • Fuel
  • Gel fuel
  • Glue
  • Insecticides
  • Matches (the strike-anywhere kind)
  • Paint (only certain kinds)
  • Torch lighters
  • Spray starch

We allow medicinal or toiletry aerosol cans if:

  • They don’t go over 16 ounces per container in checked bags
  • They don’t go over 3 ounces per container in carry-on bags

Vehicles, hoverboards and rideable suitcases

We don’t accept any devices that are designed to be used like a vehicle. Here is a list of examples:

  • Smart balance wheels and boards, like hoverboards, airboards and skateboards
  • Self-balancing wheeled devices like Segways
  • Battery-assisted bikes like e-bikes
  • Motorbikes or motorcycles
  • Electric powered scooters
  • Rideable or motorized suitcases

Life jackets

We accept one inflatable life jacket as a checked or carry-on bag. It must be carbon dioxide-powered, and you must put the CO2 cartridges in a checked bag.

We’ll also accept:

  • Two small nonflammable gas cylinders fitted into the life jacket
  • Two small spare cartridges

If the life jacket has flares or flare guns attached to it, you must remove them.

If you have questions or concerns, contact United Cargo.

Lighters, matches and e-cigarettes

The TSA allows:

  • Common lighters in carry-on bags
  • E-cigarettes and personal vaporizers in a carry-on bag or personal item

We don’t accept:

  • Torch lighters
  • E-cigarettes and personal vaporizers in checked or gate-checked bags

You can’t charge or use e-cigarettes and personal vaporizers on board or at any United ClubSM locations.

On flights from Beijing, all matches and lighters are banned.

On flights from Japan, the MLIT restricts travelers to only one lighter. Oil lighters are banned, unless it has fuel absorbed as a sorbent.

Mobility devices

It’s free to check your wheelchair or assistive device in addition to your checked bags. Find more details on our wheelchair assistance while traveling.

Powered air purifying respirators

PAPR devices can't be used on a plane because they are a fire hazard.

We allow PAPR devices in your checked or carry-on bags. Make sure to remove and store the batteries first.

Recalled items

Some recalled items can still be brought on the plane with you if they’re packed properly. But, most recalled items must be left at home.

Below are some of the things you can’t fly with because they’ve been recalled:

The FAA keeps a list of all recalled and hazardous items. They also provide info on how to properly pack some recalled items. Learn more about packing safely.

Scuba tanks

You can bring one dive bag containing diving or scuba equipment as a checked bag. Find more details on the list of sports equipment.

Smart bags

Smart bags usually have an integrated lithium battery to power its features. The battery must be removable. Take it out before checking your bag or bringing it on board.

Stun guns

The TSA allows stun guns in checked bags if you remove the power source.