Dangerous goods

The following items can affect your safety and that of passengers. As such they are completely prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage. IATA classifies dangerous goods in 9 classes according to their risk level and the protocols required for their safe transport on commercial flights.

Class Description Examples

Substances or objects which present a risk of explosion or fire. 

Grenades, Ammunition, incendiary material, gunpowder, items for fireworks, flares, lighter fluid, and others.

Flammable, non-flammable and toxic gases. 

Compressed oxygen, nitrogen, aerosols, butane, methane and propane.​​​​

​​Liquid substances that give off flammable vapors at certain temperatures.

Alcohols, aldehydes, gasoline, diesel fuel, thinner. ​

Substances liable to spontaneous combustion and water-reactive solids.

Phosphorus, sodium, lithium, potassium, raw cotton.​​​


Compressed Oxygen, hydrogen peroxide (oxygenated water), benzoyl peroxide​.

Substances that can cause a disease (such as pandemic) or cause death.

Cyanide; chlorine; potassium trifluoroacetate; samples of blood, bacteria, fungi, viruses.​

Elements that emit ionizing radiation used in nuclear medicine or industry.
Barium -133, cobalt -55, iodine -123, indium -111.

Substances that due to their chemical action can create tissue damage or surfaces.  Acids and alkalis: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, formaldehyde, liquid batteries, hypochlorite.​

Objects and substances that during transport present a danger not covered by the other classes.

Vehicles or parts, motorcycles, dry ice, any item that includes flammable liquids, lithium batteries, ​magnetized materials and substances harmful to the environment. 

Some items that are considered dangerous goods can be transported as baggage with prior authorization according to their condition and quantity. Find out more about accepted goods​. (Only available in Spanish)

There is also a list of commonly undeclared goods (only available in Spanish) that sometimes you are able to take as checked baggage.

For more information, consult the FAQ list on dangerous goods​.


Please note 

Under no circumstances can objects or substances that may explode in flight, cause a dangerous reaction, produce flames, generate heat, or produce gases, or toxic, corrosive or flammable vapors under normal transport conditions be transported. 

As a traveler it is your duty to declare any dangerous article or item. Please note that carrying such goods in an aircraft constitutes an illegal act that is subject to penalty.