“Please make sure all electronic devices are turned off and securely stowed before takeoff. Laptops and mobile devices should be placed in airplane mode.”

You may have heard this message a hundred times… but have you ever wondered why? Why do airlines make you use airplane mode? Will something terrible happen if you don’t?

We have the answers—plus more pro tips for flying with your phone.

What does airplane mode do, anyway?

Airplane mode turns off all wireless and cell signal capabilities on your phone. When airplane mode (or flight mode) is activated, you can’t make or receive calls or texts, connect to anything via Bluetooth, or access Wi-Fi.

In airplane mode, you can use phone features that don’t require the Internet. Alarms still work (although if you’re crossing time zones, your phone won’t show the correct time until you have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection). One benefit of airplane mode: It conserves your phone’s battery power!

Why is airplane mode required while flying in the U.S.?

It’s a safety thing. Cell phones—as well as laptops, handheld gaming systems, e-readers and other devices—emit radio waves that can affect navigation and radar equipment as well as cause interference in pilots’ headsets.1

Also, it’s U.S. law. Federal regulations say “cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons, or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off.”2

Flying in Europe is a different story. In 2023, airlines began providing 5G technology onboard, allowing passengers to make and receive calls and texts.3 EU 5G networks use a different frequency than American ones, and so they don’t affect plane equipment.

But really, what happens if you don’t turn on airplane mode during a flight?

In 2017, Allianz Travel Insurance surveyed more than 1,500 Americans and learned that 40% of people don’t always put their phone on airplane mode. Almost 14% of people have secretly snuck a text message or call during a flight. “If using a phone on a plane really is dangerous,” they reason, “why are we allowed to bring phones aboard?”

It’s true that there have been no reports of planes crashing or other serious in-flight incidents caused by cell use on board planes. The extent of phones’ effect on aviation technology hasn’t been studied in-depth. Anecdotally, however, pilots say they can hear background noise and interference from phones while flying, especially when they’re landing and mobile phones begin to make contact with towers again. Do you really want to distract your pilot while they’re speaking with air traffic control and trying to execute a safe landing?

Are you allowed to use your phone at all on a plane?

Sure! Once it’s in airplane mode, you can safely use any feature on your phone. You can also enable Wi-Fi to connect in flight. Just leave the cell service off.

Is it rude to use your phone while the flight attendant is giving the pre-takeoff safety speech?

Yes. At least pretend to pay attention.

Can you fly with a power bank?

Power banks are allowed on planes… but only in your carry-on luggage. Why? Because they contain lithium batteries, which can catch fire if they’re damaged or if they short-circuit. It might seem counter-intuitive, but this is the safer option. If a battery fire occurs in the plane cabin, flight attendants can extinguish it. If the fire occurs in the cargo hold, it may go unnoticed and cause a disaster.

What happens if your phone dies before your flight and you can’t access your boarding pass?

You’re about to get on the plane, and then you realize your screen has gone black. If your phone battery is dead, how can you show your mobile boarding pass?

Don’t panic! This happens all the time. Ask the gate agent or an agent at the airline’s customer service desk for help. They should be able to print a pass for you. To avoid situations like this, it’s always wise to print all your travel documents: boarding passes, itineraries, visas, and travel insurance plans.

Here are a few tips to prevent your phone from dying while you’re traveling:

• Always take a screenshot of your boarding pass and other travel documents. That way, you can access it without Wi-Fi (and use less battery power, too.)
• Use low-battery mode and/or airplane mode to conserve battery life.
• Reduce screen brightness.
• Close all apps.
• Turn off notifications.
  
  

Is it safe to use airport Wi-Fi and public chargers?

Have you heard warnings about “juice jacking”? The FCC and the FBI have put out alerts about this practice, which refers to hackers gaining unauthorized access to your phone through a compromised charging station. However, the risk is low if not nonexistent, tech experts say. “There are no documented cases of juice jacking ever taking place in the wild,” according to Ars Technica. Your phone should notify you if any device attempts to access it.4

Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in airports, are generally considered to be safe. These days, almost all websites are encrypted (indicated by the “https” in the URL), which means your browsing data is secure.5 If you have sensitive information on your phone or laptop, consider using a virtual private network (VPN).

Use common sense, too. If a particular network looks like it may not be the official airport Wi-Fi, don’t access it or enter any credit-card info. 

How can I keep my phone secure while traveling?

Assume the worst-case scenario: Your phone will get lost or stolen during your trip. Think about what would worry you the most, then take steps to reduce the risk before you leave. This may include:

• Deleting or signing out of any apps with personal information (such as financial apps)
• Backing up any important data or treasured photographs
• Packing hard copies of essential travel documents
• Enable travel mode on your password manager, which removes vaults with sensitive information
• Enable Find My Phone or another service that can help track lost devices. (Just don’t chase or try to confront a thief yourself.)
• Download backup access codes (if available) for two-factor account verification

Purchasing travel insurance is essential! If your phone is stolen, or if it’s lost or damaged by your common carrier—like the airline—your travel insurance’s baggage benefits may cover the loss (up to the maximum limit in your plan).

top of page

The stolen backpack. The missed train. The double booking. The scraped rental car.

Most travelers can tell a tale of a time when a minor travel mishap ended up costing them way more than they expected. Sometimes, these missteps are unavoidable. You wince, you pay up, and you move on.

You can avoid some of the most expensive travel mistakes, however! Just pay attention, plan carefully, and always protect yourself with travel insurance.

1. Cutting things too close in your travel planning

No one likes a super-long layover, so it makes sense that you’d want to minimize time wasted in the airport. But you should never assume that your flights will all be on time and that you’ll be able to transfer smoothly from one to another! If you look at the stats, more than 21% of U.S. flights are delayed, on average. Another 1-2% are typically canceled.1

If you miss your connecting flight, you can’t expect the airline to magically make room for you on the next plane… or even the one after that. If you’re traveling during the holidays, or if severe weather has affected multiple flights, you might be stuck for days. And if you’re in a rush, you may have to splurge on a first-class fare just to get where you need to go. So always give yourself an extra time cushion, if possible.

This is especially true if you’re traveling to attend an event. “You really need to leave a 24-hour cushion for anything important, and make it 48 for a once-in-a-lifetime event like a big wedding or cruise departure or Super Bowl kickoff. … And no airline will reimburse you for football tickets you couldn’t use or the emotional damage from missing your sister’s wedding, no matter how outraged a message you send to them,” warns travel columnist Seth Kugel.2

What about travel insurance? Your trip delay benefit may reimburse you for lost pre-paid expenses as well as eligible expenses you incur because of a covered delay. The delay must have been caused by a covered reason named in your plan, however.

2. Booking everything through online travel agencies

Sites like Expedia, Booking.com, Kayak, Hotels.com and TripAdvisor are fantastic for helping you compare prices and check reviews. However, if you book your air travel, hotel or cruise through an OTA (online travel agency, or online travel aggregator), you’re making it harder to solve any problems that arise.

One traveler tried to use an OTA to book a British Airways flight for four passengers from Tampa, Fla., to Venice, Italy. The OTA kept telling him his purchase was unsuccessful. Then, he found out he had been charged twice—totaling more than $15,000—even though he never received a reservation confirmation. It took 10 months to sort out the mess.3

The same thing can happen with credit cards’ travel booking platforms, vacation package sellers, and other middlemen. Unless one of these companies is offering a deal that’s just too good to pass up, it’s better to book directly with an airline, hotel, or other travel carrier. Hotels, especially, often offer perks and discounts when you book direct.

3. Opting into the timeshare sales pitch

This is a tempting offer for frugal travelers: You can get a free stay at a resort, free theme park tickets, or a free excursion just for sitting through a sales presentation. Easy! Right?

This is one of those decisions that can turn into a very, very expensive travel mistake. Timeshare sales reps are notorious for high-pressure tactics that can be hard for the unwary to resist. These may include shouting at you, shaming you, separating you from your spouse, asking for your ID and then holding onto it, demanding you sign a contract without reading it, etc. They’re skilled at turning a “maybe” into “yes”—and then you can be trapped into paying thousands.

Timeshares can be great options for some travelers—but if you’re truly interested in purchasing one, do your research ahead of time and buy it on your own terms. Otherwise, skip the sales pitch.

4. Failing to double-check your travel documents

Your flight home from New Delhi leaves November 12. It says so on your flight confirmation documents: 11-12. But the gate agent at the airport corrects you: 11-12 means December 11. Then, you realize that you used the MM-DD date format for the U.S. when you booked your flight; not the DD-MM format used in most of the world. D’oh!

This type of travel mistake is all too easy to make. When you’re making your travel plans, take the time to read everything slowly and carefully. Printing out your documents can help. Check:

• Travel dates and times: Keep in mind international time-zone and date format differences.
• Departure airports: Some itineraries may have you flying out of one airport in your city and returning to a different one.
• Documents required for entry: Many countries still require that U.S. travelers obtain a paper visa or stamp before arrival.
• Passport validity dates: Most countries require visitors’ passports to have a certain amount of valid time remaining (typically 3-6 months) in order to enter. If yours expires too soon, you may be turned away.
• Travel insurance benefits, limits and exclusions: Insurance isn’t designed to cover every possible travel mishap. Read your plan documents so you understand what’s included.

5. Waiting too long to buy travel insurance

You’ve just dropped $2,500 on your airfare and resort stay for your scuba-diving trip to Belize—the last thing you want to do is spend a dollar more on travel insurance. You figure you’ll wait two weeks, until your next paycheck clears.

Two weeks turn into two months. Then, you slip on ice and end up with a broken tibia. You can’t go diving now, so you cancel the trip. The airline gives you a credit toward a future flight. The resort won’t issue any refund at all. If you had insurance, you could have filed a trip cancellation claim… but now it’s too late. You’ve spent thousands for a trip you won’t even get to enjoy.

Scenarios like this show why it’s essential to protect your trip as soon as possible after making your travel arrangements. The sooner you buy, the longer your coverage window.

6. Not buying travel insurance

Worried you’ll buy travel insurance and won’t end up needing it? Actually, that’s the best possible scenario.

The worst possible scenario: You don’t buy insurance for your big international trip, and while you’re traveling you get seriously sick or hurt. Now, you’re on the hook for:

• The cost of an emergency medical evacuation, which can reach $20,000 (in touristy areas close to the U.S.) or more than $200,000 (in remote, undeveloped parts of the world). These estimates represent just the cost of transporting you to the nearest appropriate hospital.
• The cost of emergency medical care. Medical providers overseas typically don’t accept U.S. health insurance. In many countries, hospitals require payment up front before you can be treated.
• The cost of repatriation, which means transporting you home once you’re stable enough to travel.
• The cost of your lost trip expenses

A solid travel insurance plan can pay for or reimburse all of these costs following a covered illness or injury, up to the maximum limits in your plan.

Not having insurance may be the most expensive travel mistake you ever make. Luckily, there’s a cost-effective way to get peace of mind: an annual travel protection plan. Buy it once, and all your trips are protected for 365 days! 

top of page

It’s the ultimate all-inclusive trip: a cruise. It’s part of the allure, really; with meals, refreshments, entertainment, and more all supplied courtesy of your floating palace, what do you really need to bring?

First-time cruisers may not realize it, but the answer (and reality) is that you really do need to pack some critical cruise essentials in order to elevate your vacation from a fancy boat trip to all-time affair, in terms of adventure, relaxation — and, of course — convenience. So, before you walk the gangplank for the first time or next time, consider packing some or most of the following suggested items.

1. Peace of mind. A 24/7 travel concierge. Financial recourse (in the event of trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss — and other scenarios.) And more…

OK, that’s definitely more than one thing. Fortunately, all of these essentials can be handled by a travel insurance plan. You get the peace of mind that if one of the multitude of events that can negatively impact your travel plans actually happens, you have a back-up plan. If you opt for travel insurance through Allianz Global Assistance, you also get access to 24/7 assistance to help troubleshoot everything from finding an English-speaking pharmacy at one of your ship’s ports of call to checking the references of a third-party snorkeling excursion provider. Insurance plans are known for financial protection, such as reimbursement for that new bathing suit you had to buy when the airline lost your luggage. If a shore excursion such as a whale-watching tour is cancelled for a covered reason, that could be eligible for reimbursement, too. Of course, conditions apply and always be sure to read a travel insurance plan’s details. 

2. A transparent plastic shoe organizer

Cruise veterans swear by this simple trick: pack an over-the-door shoe holder and use it to store small, easily-lost essentials. Examples include batteries, lip balm, sunscreen, travel documents, and pens.

3. Small bills

Do you plan on tipping (we hope so)? How much? How often? It’s essential to consider when you're preparing for a cruise. The recommended tipping budget is $10-$12 per day, per passenger. On many cruise lines, you can choose to automatically have tips added to your onboard account. But if you want to share a more personal, real-time thank-you with the cruise ship staff, tip in cash.

4. A bungee cord

A small bungee cord with hooks can be used to keep your balcony door open, as well as to attach suitcases to each other.

5. Post-it notes

These humble stickies come in handy for leaving notes for your steward, or your travel companions. Heading to karaoke on the Lido Deck? Let your fellow travelers know.

6. Duct tape

Experienced cruisers never fail to pack a roll of duct tape when they're planning for a cruise. Duct tape can be used to repair everything from a camera battery case to a broken flip-flop. Use it to strip the lint from your dinner dress and even for cleaning up spilled sand.

7. Thermal coffee cup

This may seem like an odd thing to pack when you're deciding what to take on a cruise, but if you're a coffee fan it's essential. Many cruise ships provide only small cups for coffee, frustrating people who like a morning buzz. Of course, these vessels also keep drinks cold, too.

8. Small waterproof bag

You don't want to worry about your possessions while you're frolicking in the waves. Bring a small, waterproof bag you can hang around your neck to carry your money, ID and keys.

9. Clothespins and a retractable line

We're sure you're not thinking about doing laundry when you're planning for a cruise. But experienced cruisers recommend bringing a retractable travel clothesline and pins to neatly dry swimsuits. Clothespins also come in handy for holding closed shower curtains and drapes.

10. Antibacterial wipes

Wipes might be the most important thing to remember when you're pondering what to take on a cruise. Cruise ships, no matter how clean, are notorious breeding grounds for norovirus and other gastrointestinal ailments. Getting sick can ruin your trip, so pack antibacterial wipes to use in your cabin and on board, just in case.

By taking a few moments to pack a few extra strategic cruise essentials, you can ensure that your first or next cruise getaway is smooth sailing.

top of page

A passport is more than an internationally recognized legal document. It’s your ticket to explore the world. Having a valid U.S. passport can open doors, expose you to new cultures, and allow you to escape the country without playing the part of a stowaway.

Whether you’re renewing your passport or you’re applying for a new one, we recommend getting in line as soon as you can! Passports typically take at least 6-9 weeks to process, or 3-5 weeks if you pay for expedited service. Get the latest updates on passport processing times and delays here.

Getting a passport can be a long process, but in 2023 it got a little easier: You can now take your own photos and renew via mail. And once you have yours in hand, passports are valid for a while: five years for minors, or 10 years for those 16 and older.

Steps for first-time passport applicants

More and more folks are finding out they need a passport. Our neighbors to the north and south—Canada and Mexico—both require a valid U.S. passport for entry. And as of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must have a passport, REAL ID or military ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. To learn more about the REAL ID requirements, visit the Department of Homeland Security website.

If you have all the needed documents, applying for a U.S. passport for the first time isn’t difficult. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow. Contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 with any questions. Live help is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern, but call wait times can be long.1

1. Schedule a trip to a passport facility: If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, have had your passport lost or stolen, need a passport for a child under 16, or need an expedited turnaround, you’ll have to apply at an authorized passport acceptance facility.
   
   - See the list of approved agencies, which includes post offices and other facilities. It’s wise to make an appointment, although some offices may have walk-in hours.
2. Gather needed documentation: To apply for your passport, you’ll need to prove you are who you say you are, and that you’re a U.S. citizen. Here is what you’ll need:
   
   - Proof of identity: Bring a valid ID, which may be a U.S. driver’s license, naturalization certificate, military or government identification, valid passport or another approved ID.
   
   - Proof of citizenship: You’ll need one approved document that demonstrates you’re a legal citizen of the United States. These include a certified birth certificate (one that lists both parents, registrar’s seal and applicant's full name), naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, consular report of birth abroad (for children born abroad to U.S. parents), or a valid passport (it’s OK if it’s expired).2
   
   You’ll need to submit an original or certified copy of your citizenship proof. It must be a physical document, not a digital version. You’ll also need to bring a legible, black and white photocopy of that proof of citizenship.
3. Provide a passport photo: See the “Passport Photos and Fees” section below. Some passport acceptance centers will take your photo on-site for an additional fee.
4. Complete the paperwork: Complete Form DS-11, “Application for a U.S. Passport,” online or via PDF before arriving at the passport office. Be sure to print the form and bring it with you. One note: Do not sign the document until you’re instructed to do so by office staff, as they’ll need to witness this signature.

How to apply for a passport for a minor

Every U.S. citizen—even the smallest infant—needs a passport for international travel. The process for getting a passport for children under 16 isn’t too different from that for adults. The State Department offers a handy step-by-step guide.

1. Complete Form DS-11: Find online and PDF versions of passport forms here.
2. Obtain a copy of the child’s birth certificate: Be sure to use an original or certified copy from your state’s vital records office, and not the commemorative version issued by some hospitals.
3. Snap a photo. Yes, even newborn babies need a photo. You can’t have any other person in the photo, not even Mom or Dad’s hand, which can make things a bit difficult. Try laying the child on his or her back with a white blanket or sheet to provide head support. Plan B is to place your newborn in the car seat, which should be covered with a white sheet. (See additional photo guidelines below.)3
4. Visit an approved passport office. Remember the picture and birth certificate. Seriously, double-check before leaving home! In order to establish parental consent, both parents should be present. If one cannot make it, then he or she will need to complete a notarized copy of Form DS-3053, a statement of consent. Also, if a parent has sole custody of the child applying, he or she should bring a court order or any other necessary paperwork. Finally, a parent may sign the passport for a child who cannot yet sign his or her name. (Parents or guardians should print the child’s name, then sign their own name and indicate their relationship.)

For 16- and 17-year-olds, it’s a little bit easier. Parents don’t need to accompany them to a passport office; however, something called “parental awareness” needs to be established. This means at least one parent or legal guardian is aware that the minor is applying for a passport. This obligation can be met in a number of ways, such as having a parent accompany the applicant, or signing a statement that OKs the passport application. Such statements should be accompanied by a photocopy of the ID from the parent(s) who signed the document. The parent or guardian must also be the one paying the application fees.

One more note: if a parent forbids a 16- or 17-year-old child from being issued a passport, and expresses so in writing, a passport will more than likely not be issued.4

How to get a passport quickly

Maybe you realized your passport has expired. Maybe it’s missing. Or maybe the dog used it as a chew toy. How long will it take to get a new one?

The Department of State says routine passport service typically takes 6-9 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. You can check your passport application status online.

You can pay an additional $60 for expedited service, which can take 3-5 weeks from the day an application is submitted to receive the new passport.

Still too slow? Passport agencies offer an extremely limited number of appointments for people who are traveling internationally in the next 14 days. You can only make a rapid-passport appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services). To prevent re-selling scams, appointments can’t be transferred to another person.

What if you don’t have a passport, but you need one to travel overseas for a family emergency? You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency passport if you need to travel within three business days because your immediate family member is outside of the United States and they have died, are dying, or have a life-threatening illness or injury. You’ll need proof of the emergency and your travel plans, in addition to following all the other passport application steps. Find more information on emergency passports here.

How to take a passport photo

Ready to take the all-important passport photo? Having it taken at a drugstore may be easiest, but you can also take it at home. Ask someone else to snap the shot—no selfies!

Passport photo requirements are strict. Be sure to follow them exactly, or your application will be rejected and you’ll have to start again. The State Department offers an online photo-checking tool you can use.

• You’ll need a color photo taken in the last six months.
• The photo should feature your full face, with no hats, headphones, glasses or face coverings. If you wear a hat or head covering for religious reasons, submit a signed explanation. A signed doctor’s statement is required if you wear the head covering for medical reasons.
• Use a white or off-white background. Also, turn off your flash and use natural light.
• Maintain a neutral or natural expression. (Smiling used to be frowned upon, but is now accepted.)
• Don’t blink.
• If you’re uploading a digital photo for online passport renewal, read the requirements here.
• Are you printing the photo? Use photo paper and print the picture out at 2” by 2.” The digital measurements need to be between 600 x 600 pixels and 1200 x 1200 pixels. State Department guidelines call for between 1” and 1 3/8” between the bottom of the chin and the top of the head.
• Wear casual clothes or “normal street attire.” This means no uniforms, hats or glasses (unless they’re prescription eyewear and you have a signed note from your physician stating that they cannot be removed).
• Don’t use any digital filters or retouching tools.
• The State Department has a free cropping tool you can use to edit photos.5

Guide to passport fees

How much does it cost to get a U.S. passport? Here are the current passport fees (as of 2023).

• Passport Book: This is the recognizable blue passport book. It is valid for international travel to and from the United States. The fee is $130 ($100 for minors).
• Passport Card: This credit card-sized ID is valid for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. The fee is $30 ($15 for minors).
• Passport Book & Card: Frequent travelers may like having both forms of ID. The fee is $160 ($115 for minors).

In addition to these passport fees, new passport applicants will have to pay a $35 execution fee. Those who meet the conditions to renew (see “Steps for passport renewal” below) do not need to pay the execution fee.

If you need your passport quickly, you can pay an extra $60 for expedited service, plus $18.32 for 1-2 day delivery of passport books.

Passport fees should be paid with checks (personal, certified or cashier’s) or money orders made payable to the Department of State. If you’re visiting an office, you may be able to pay for execution fees via additional payment methods (e.g., credit card or cash). Inquire ahead of time with the facility you’ll be visiting so there are no surprises.

How to renew your U.S. passport

**Please note: As of March 8, 2023, online passport renewal has been paused and is expected to resume later in 2023. See more information here.

If your passport is 10 years or older (granted you got it when you were 16 years or older) or if you’ve changed your name, it’s time for a renewal. And if you have fewer than six months remaining on your passport before it expires, some countries may refuse you entry. You’ll want to renew your passport before traveling.

The good news is that you may not have to set foot in a passport office. The U.S. Department of State now allows online passport renewal. Check your eligibility first! You must be older than 25, live in the United States, and meet all the other requirements. Processing times are the same as for mailed applications, unfortunately. You can’t renew your passport online if you have urgent travel in less than six weeks. And as soon as you submit your online passport renewal application, your current passport will be invalidated and you can’t use it for international travel.

Renew your U.S. passport online here.

You can also renew your passport by mail. However, if your passport was lost or damaged, it was issued when you were younger than 16 years old, you changed names but lack the documents to validate the change, or more than 15 years have passed since you received the passport, you’ll need to swing by a passport agency.6

Renew your passport by mail following these steps:

1. Complete the form. Fill out Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. 
2. Package up your current passport—one that meets the above conditions—along with the completed form, one passport photo (unbent and stapled to the application) and the applicable fee. Select an envelope large enough that none of the contents need to be bent to fit. For name changes and other requests, additional documents apply. Fees may vary depending on the circumstances.
3. Mail it away! Find the correct mailing address here.

Please consider your other international travel plans prior to sending off your passport for renewal. You won’t have a passport until the new one is issued.

Now you know everything you need when applying for or renewing your U.S. passport. With enough time and the right organization, getting this critical travel document is a fairly stress-free process. And once you have your passport, a world of possibilities awaits.

top of page

Thieves are smart. They target travelers, because travelers have money. But you can outsmart a thief — all you have to do is make it tough for them to take your stuff.

Here are a few of our best tips for concealing your money, electronic devices and other valuables when you’re traveling. And remember: the #1 best way to protect yourself is with a travel insurance plan that covers lost, damaged and stolen baggage.

How to protect valuables in your luggage

We can't say it enough: Never, ever put valuable items or cash in your checked bags. Luggage theft happens every day, whether by airport employees or people walking into airports to grab suitcases from the baggage claim.

Many travelers are now placing tracking devices, such as AirTags, in their luggage for extra security. In Florida, police were able to locate $16,000 worth of luggage stolen by an airline subcontractor, thanks to the AirTag concealed in one passenger’s bag.1 (Don’t use tracking data to try to nab possible luggage thieves yourself! Report your loss to the airline and local authorities.)

For your carry-on or personal luggage, you may want to invest in a bag with built-in safeguards to hide and protect your valuables. Travel backpacks from Pacsafe promise to be virtually theft-proof. Straps incorporate steel wire to deter bag slashers. Zipper pulls attach to security hooks to thwart pickpockets. And turn-and-lock security hooks allow you to attach your bag to immovable objects.

If you're looking for a smaller theft-deterring purse, Travelon makes cross-body bags with a locking main compartment, cut-proof shoulder straps, RFID blocking card slots and extra-strong Velcro closures.

How to hide money on your body

The best rule of thumb: Act like a squirrel! Hide your money and travel documents in several different places, not all in one stash. Many travelers also recommend bringing a dummy wallet when you travel, which is an old wallet filled with expired or fake credit cards and some small bills.

Money belts and neck wallets — those flat, cloth pouches that fit under your clothes — are the traditional ways to carry money safely while you're traveling. They're meant to escape the notice of pickpockets and muggers, and some even have RFID blocking to keep your credit card and passport information safe.

The problem with wearing one is that you end up fishing in your pants or under your shirt for cash, which may attract unwanted attention. Some travelers mistakenly wear money belts outside their clothes, issuing an open invitation to thieves.

Other discreet and clever hiding places for valuables and cash in your clothing and on your body include:

• Money belts that look like real belts. These belts have zippered pockets for cash (although nothing larger).
• Money socks. Try a pair of “stash socks” or security socks, which have a small pocket for a credit card, cash or a single key. Don’t try to stuff a whole wallet or passport in your sock, however.
• Money-hiding shoes. Some flip-flop and sandal brands include a slot where you can keep a card or cash. Or, try Storage Soles: foam insoles with a storage compartment that can be cut to fit your shoe.
• Stash underwear. Several companies make travel underwear for men and women that includes a surprisingly large pocket for hiding valuables. While we don't recommend reaching into your underwear for cash while traveling, this solution is pretty much pickpocket-proof.
• Money bra. Bra wallets attach to straps or fit between cups. They’re comfortable to wear but can be visible under tight shirts.
• A hair roller. Wear a single hair roller while traveling to give flat hair a little boost. Inside that roller, you can hide a few large bills, secured with a bobby pin.

How to hide valuables at the beach

This is a classic traveler's conundrum. You want to bring your phone, cards and cash to the beach. But how can you enjoy yourself in the water if you're worried about someone grabbing your stuff? You could ask a stranger to watch your things, but that friendly-seeming local may take the opportunity to steal your valuables.

To discourage thieves, tie your bag to your beach chair so it's not easy to grab. You can also purchase a travel bag with a retractable security chain, so you can lock it to a pole or tree. Or, keep your valuables close while you swim with a waterproof case that hangs around your neck or attaches to your swimsuit.

Some ways to hide your credit cards, keys, and cash at the beach:

• Wash out an empty, wide-body sunblock bottle and cut off the top so you can slide in your stuff.
• Use a sturdy, empty food container as a safe.
• Put everything in a zip-lock bag and tuck it under your towel or bury it in the sand. (Don’t forget where!)

One of the oddest — but still effective — hiding places for valuables is a disposable diaper. Take your phone, cash, and keys and roll them up inside a diaper, then fasten the adhesive tabs. Voila: a hiding place no thief will touch. You can leave it on your beach towel, so if your bag is stolen your valuables will remain safe. There are a few caveats: This works best for travelers with kids, obviously, and there's always the chance someone will toss the diaper by mistake.

top of page

In 2021, the Transportation Security Administration confiscated 5,972 firearms at security checkpoints—not to mention a cleaver, a can of bear spray, and a chainsaw.1, 2

You, of course, are a savvy traveler who would never pack such hazardous items in your carry-on bag. But what about in your checked bag? What’s allowed by the TSA, and what’s prohibited?

The answers aren’t always intuitive. For instance, you can pack your cleaver. You may be able to pack your chainsaw, as long as it’s purged of fuel and the airline permits it. But bear spray? No way.

Wondering, “What can I pack in my checked luggage?” Here are some of the most common prohibited items.

Items that are not allowed in checked luggage

Aerosols (in most cases)

Aerosol sprays are only allowed if they’re for medicinal or toiletry use (such as insect repellent or hairspray). They must be capped securely. Other aerosols—such as spray paint, air freshener or cooking spray—are not allowed.3

Any device containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries

If lithium batteries are damaged, or if the terminals are short-circuited, they can catch fire. For this reason, airlines prohibit them in checked bags; if a lithium battery fire occurs in the plane cabin, flight attendants can respond, but a fire in the cargo hold is a major problem.

You might think, “Oh, I don’t have any lithium batteries,” but they’re found in many common electronic devices, such as:

• Laptops
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Portable chargers
• Cameras
• Drones
• Vape pens
• Lighters4

Bug spray

While you are permitted to bring insect repellent that’s applied to skin, you can’t pack any bug spray that’s sprayed into the air or at insects.

Christmas crackers

These traditional British party favors are cardboard tubes that snap when you pull them apart, revealing a small trinket and a paper hat. While seemingly harmless, they’re not allowed on airplanes because they contain a tiny amount of gunpowder.

Compressed gases

Oxygen tanks, SCUBA tanks, butane, propane and other compressed or flammable gases are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage. If you require oxygen, you must carry a portable oxygen concentrator or ask your airline to provide oxygen service.5

Corrosive or oxidizing chemicals

If a chemical could be considered a hazardous material (hazmat), don’t put it in your luggage. Examples include chlorine, strong acids, paint stripper, drain cleaner, etc. Even hair dye can fall into this category.

Cremated remains

While the TSA doesn’t generally prohibit carrying cremated remains in checked luggage, some airlines do. It may be better to bring them in your carry-on luggage in a lightweight container that can be easily screened. “Out of respect for the deceased, TSA officers will not open a container, even if requested by the passenger,” the agency says.6

Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons

These nifty devices are intended to save your life if you’re lost in the wilderness or at sea by sending your location to emergency responders. Are EPIRBs allowed on planes? The TSA says to check with your airline.7

Extra-strong spirits

Beverages containing more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151-proof rum, are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.

Firearms

Guns are not allowed in your checked luggage unless they’re unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Always check with your airline about their policy on firearms, and carefully read (and follow!) the rules about transporting firearms on planes.

Fireworks

It’s not only large fireworks that are prohibited, but also the small ones: sparklers, poppers, bang snaps, etc.

Hazmats

You are generally not allowed to bring any hazardous materials onto an aircraft, including (but not limited to) radioactive materials, poisonous or toxic substances, or flammable liquids.

Live fish or coral

These should be transported in a transparent container of water in your carry-on baggage. Live lobsters, on the other hand, may be packed in checked luggage. From the TSA: “We recommend that you contact your airline to determine your airline's policy on traveling with your lobster before arriving at the airport.”8

Matches

You can bring a single book of safety matches in your carry-on, but no matches can be in checked bags.9

Medical marijuana

Regardless of your state’s (or your destination’s) policies on medical marijuana use, it remains illegal under federal law. The exception is products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by the FDA.10

Mercury thermometer or barometer

Unless you work for a government weather agency, you can’t bring these in your checked bags.11

Paint

Spray paint and any flammable kind of paint, or paint thinner, are not allowed in your checked bags. Most artist’s paints are nonflammable, so they’re OK.12

Replicas of explosive/incendiary devices

It doesn’t matter if they’re fake, or children’s toys: Realistic replicas of bombs, grenades, etc. are definitely not allowed in checked or carry-on bags. Replica firearms are OK in checked bags.

Tear gas

While a small (4 oz. or less) container of pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage (as long as it has a safety feature to prevent accidental discharge), self-defense sprays containing more than 2% by mass of tear gas are prohibited.13

Torch lighters

These specialty lighters, which emit a high-temperature jet of flame, are not allowed on airplanes.14

This list isn’t exhaustive, so check the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” database before you fly. Have a question about a specific item? You can send a picture or a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter.

Also, be aware that these TSA prohibitions apply specifically to domestic flights. If you’re flying internationally, additional rules may apply.

Items you shouldn’t pack in your checked luggage

Some things, while they’re allowed in your checked bags, are better stowed in your carry-on. The best rule of thumb is that anything necessary, valuable or important to you should be kept with you. This includes:

• Prescription medications
• Passports and travel documents
• Electronics, such as video game systems and computers
• Cameras (camera film, including Polaroid film, should be hand-checked by TSA agents so it doesn’t go through the X-ray machine)
• Jewelry and other valuable items
• Irreplaceable clothing, such as a wedding dress
• Cherished items, such as stuffed animals or family photos
• Medical or personal items that are difficult to replace

top of page