Vacuum Sealed Bags on Planes: Allowed or Not?

Vacuum - sealed bags are generally allowed on planes, but there are some important considerations:

1. Carry - on Luggage

- Liquids and Gels: If the vacuum - sealed bag contains liquids, gels, or pastes, it must comply with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 3 - 1 - 1 rule (in the United States) or similar regulations in other countries. This means that each container of liquid, gel, or paste should be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, and all such containers must fit into a single, clear, quart - sized plastic bag. For example, if you have a vacuum - sealed bag with small bottles of sauce or lotion, you need to follow this rule.

- Food Items: Dry or solid food items in vacuum - sealed bags are usually allowed. However, if it's a food that could potentially cause a mess or have an offensive odor (such as some strong - smelling cheeses), the cabin crew may ask you to store it in a different way. For example, a vacuum - sealed bag of smoked salmon or beef jerky is generally fine.

- Size and Weight: The size of the carry - on luggage, including any vacuum - sealed bags, must fit within the airline's specified dimensions for carry - on items. Usually, the combined length, width, and height of the carry - on should not exceed a certain limit (e.g., 45 linear inches or around 114 cm in some cases). Also, the weight of the carry - on bag may be restricted (commonly around 7 - 10 kg), and the vacuum - sealed bag's weight counts towards this limit.

2. Checked Luggage

- Almost Allowed: Vacuum - sealed bags are generally allowed in checked luggage. You can pack a wide range of items such as clothes, toiletries in larger quantities, and non - perishable food in vacuum - sealed bags. However, there are still some restrictions.

- Dangerous Goods: You cannot pack items that are considered dangerous goods, such as flammable or explosive materials, even if they are in a vacuum - sealed bag. For example, aerosol cans with flammable propellants are not allowed in checked luggage, and a vacuum - sealed bag doesn't change this rule.

Vacuum - sealed bags are usually allowed both in carry - on and checked luggage, but you need to follow the airline's rules regarding size, weight, and the nature of the contents.