Baggage Information – What to Check and What to Carry-On

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What to know regarding baggage information and airline restrictions for carrying-on and checking luggage BEFORE you travel!

On a trip from Laguardia to O’hare International Airport, items mysteriously disappeared from my checked baggage. The airline was not of much help, the process of filing a claim was tedious, lengthy and resulted in disappointment. Through the process of losing items from my checked bag, I learned that many items (when checked in your bags) are NOT covered by airlines insurance policies. See below for links to baggage information for airline carriers.

Your Checked Baggage – General Information 

Some items you can check in your baggage, but you must declare when checking. Items such as: explosives, firearms, alcoholic beverages, animal products, etc., should always be declared when you check your baggage. If not declared, fines and penalties may be enforced (read American Airlines “Restricted Items” page).  

Other items, you may check in your baggage (suitcase or luggage), however, they will not be insured by the airlines should they be damaged, stolen, lost or missing. Below is a list of items you should not check in your luggage because will not be insured, or covered, by airlines policies (check your individual carrier for specifics, links below).  

  • Antiques, Artifacts and Artworks
  • Books and Documents
  • China
  • Computers, Computer software or other computer equipment  
  • Electronic equipment
  • Fragile items (including child/infant restraint devices such as strollers and car seats)
  • Eyeglasses (prescription sunglasses, non-prescription sunglasses and other eyewear and eye/vision devices whether lenses are glass, plastic, or some other material)
  • Furs and Heirlooms
  • Keys
  • Liquids (such as perfume)
  • Medicines
  • Orthotics or surgical supports
  • Perishable items
  • Photographic, video and optical equipment
  • Securities and negotiable papers (includes contracts)
  • Samples (such as clothing samples) 
  • Precious metals, stones or jewelry, money, silverware 
  • Unique or irreplaceable items or any other similar valuable items (Which can mean almost anything!)

You can always purchase additional travel insurance from the airline, purchase travel / baggage insurance from your Credit Card (American Express offers this to their cardholders), or purchase travel insurance from a third party, such as baggage coverage through Travel Guard. If you would like more information on purchasing travel insurance you may always contact us! 

General Baggage Information – Restrictions and Regulations for U.S. Domestic Airlines:

General Baggage Information – Restrictions and Regulations for International Airlines:

For more information or to book at trip please contact us HERE OR phone us at 312.263.1991 or 800.677.8875