Travel Expert Reveals 11 Surprising Things That Can Be Ruined in the Plane’s Luggage Hold
Global Work and Travel
With summer travel in full swing, Jessie Chambers, Travel Expert at Global Work & Travel, is urging holidaymakers to think twice about what goes in their checked luggage - after revealing the 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 Jessie. “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.
Crisps & 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.
Event Outfits or Irreplaceable Items
Luggage goes missing more often than you think. Always keep outfits for weddings, interviews, or key events in your cabin bag.
Jessie Chambers Travel Expert at Global Work & travel 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.”
