Packing & Luggage

By Travelog Editorial Team · Updated August 9, 2026

Packing & Luggage covers TSA's actively-regulated packing rules in specific detail: the 3-1-1 liquids rule and its genuine exemptions, why liquids and lithium batteries follow opposite checked-vs-carry-on logic, airline-specific baggage size and weight fees compared, and the declaration process for medication and baby formula. Anchored to TSA.gov and the FAA directly, verified close to publication since this is an actively-changing regulatory space.

Five pillars are planned for this domain -- AI Trip Planning: Trust & Accuracy, Booking & Comparing Your Options, Travel Insurance, Packing & Luggage, and Travel Safety -- per TripPlanningPrep-Content-Map.md. Packing & Luggage is now fully built (5/5 cluster pages), anchored to TSA.gov and the FAA directly.

Trip Planning & Prep -- the full domain this pillar belongs to.
Travel Safety -- this domain's other complete pillar, covering State Department and CDC guidance.

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TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule The 3.4oz/quart-bag rule, genuine medication and baby-formula exemptions, and the rule's 2006 origin.
Checked vs. Carry-On Rules Why liquids relax in checked baggage but lithium batteries reverse completely -- opposite logic behind two rules travelers often confuse.
Lithium Battery Rules The installed-vs-spare distinction, watt-hour limits, and a 2025 Air Busan fire that pushed several airlines toward stricter rules.
Baggage Size & Weight Compared The shared 62-inch/50lb baseline nearly every airline uses, and the large fee differences once a bag exceeds it.
Medication & Formula Rules The declaration process, a lesser-known right to request no X-ray for formula, and why a legal US medication can be illegal abroad.

Packing & Luggage

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