Getting there isn’t half the fun if a poorly packed suitcase yields an unexpected mess, or damaged, items upon arrival. With this in mind, experts at Global Work & Travel, an Australian work-travel brand (with offices in Canada), has a assembled a list of 10 everyday items that can crack, burst, spoil or disappear entirely by the time you land.
“It’s a myth that aircraft holds are always safe,” says GWT’s Jessie Chambers. “While most are pressurised and lightly temperature-controlled, they can still get extremely cold at altitude, with low humidity and heavy turbulence – all of which can ruin certain items if you’ve packed them in the wrong place.”
Here’s what not to check in your luggage hold, and why:
- Candles & wax gifts: They don’t need heat to melt — soft wax can deform even in fluctuating temperatures and leak into clothes or electronics.
- Toiletries & makeup: Perfume, foundation, and creams can freeze, separate, or leak. Mascara and lip balm can become unusable if exposed to very low temperatures.
- Chips & bagged snacks: Pressure changes in flight can cause sealed snack bags to explode inside your case — leaving greasy crumbs in everything.
- Cheese, chocolate, and perishables: Soft cheeses can spoil and create a strong odour if baggage is delayed. Chocolate may not melt in freezing conditions but can “bloom” or crack.
- Aerosols & pressurised cans: Sprays like deodorant or dry shampoo can burst or leak with pressure and temperature shifts. Some are banned in holds entirely.
- Lithium battery devices & power banks: Banned by most airlines in checked bags due to fire risk. These must go in hand luggage.
- E-Cigarettes & vape pens: Also banned from the hold – and could be confiscated if packed incorrectly.
- Important medication: Some meds (like insulin or EpiPens) must be kept within specific temperature ranges. If delayed or frozen, they can become ineffective.
- Contact lenses & solution: Contact solution can crystallise in low temps. Lenses can dry out or even freeze if left too long in hold conditions.
- Perfume bottles & nail polish: These can crack under pressure or temperature drops. The cold can also alter their consistency or scent.
Chambers says, “If it’s fragile, flammable, perishable or irreplaceable – it doesn’t belong in the hold. Think of the hold like a freezer with turbulence. Protect your trip by packing essentials smartly and checking airline rules before you fly.”
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