Travelling? Items you should NOT pack in your checked luggage

When preparing for a trip, it is crucial to know what items are best kept in your carry-on luggage instead of your checked luggage as checked luggage can sometimes be delayed or even lost. Below are examples of items best not to pack in your checked baggage when flying somewhere.

Items best packed in your carry-on luggage

Jewellery and fragile items

It is advisable to keep expensive or sentimental jewellery in your carry-on bag. Losing a cherished piece in transit can be devastating.

Fragile items like glass, ceramics, and other breakable materials can easily shatter in transit. Therefore, it is best not to keep these items in your checked luggage.

Important documents in your carry-on

Always carry your passport and any required visas in your personal bag. It is advisable to keep copies of your travel itinerary and tickets in your carry-on for easy access.

Additionally, it is a good idea to keep electronic copies of important documents like your passport and medical prescriptions. You could keep these on a password-protected USB drive or email them to yourself. Storing them on a cloud is another option. 

Prescription medication

Always keep vital medications in your carry-on luggage to make sure you can access it during the flight and to avoid issues in case your checked bag is lost.

Certain medications might not be easy to replace, especially if you do not have your script with you.

Another tip regarding medication is to check the rules for entering a country with medicines with the embassy of the country you will be visiting. Some countries such as India, Türkiye, Pakistan, and the the United Arab Emirates have strict lists of medications that they do not allow people ed to bring into the country.

Electronics

Other items to not pack in your checked baggage are high-value electronics like laptops, cameras, tablets, and smartphones. Even if you have insurance, such items are a hassle to replace. Also, losing a laptop or a smartphone may also mean losing valuable documents or information.

Losing your camera means losing the photos that you have not yet downloaded or developed. Also, you never know when you will need your camera to capture a special moment during your travels, so it is best to have it at hand.

Do you keep electronic backups of your important documents?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article.
You can also email info@thesouthafrican.com or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Also, follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.