You should not allow the challenges of airport security and air travel scare you away from vacationing in the world’s most fabulous locations. If you have good travel sense, you’ll have the correct guidance which will allow you to make your way through airport security lines which is often the most time consuming part of your trip on the way to your destination.
This is a simple guide to airline baggage and the security regulations at the airport and it is intended to help you pack without fear for your next journey. There are airport security regulations that you should know when checking your airline luggage and carry on baggage. In addition, ensure that you and your travel agent check for the most updated information for your airline and the Travel Security Administration (TSA).
There is an easy formula for your airline carry on baggage that has been established by TSA which mandates that only carry gels, aerosols, and liquids in 3 ounce containers can be carried onboard the aircraft, and they must be kept safely in a plastic bag that has a zip top and be no larger than 1 quart in size. This includes such common items as food, shampoo, and toothpaste. You should also be aware that airline carry on baggage extends to special items or gifts which include perfumes, liquid soaps, scented oils, creams, lotions, and even snow globes.
The only exception to this carry on baggage rule is medications and associated injectors or other gel/liquid items for health purposes, and baby food. In order to get these containers permitted, you must declare them to an airport security officer and have them screened at the checkpoint. It’s also recommended that you label the medications to make this process go smoothly.
Be Aware of What Not to Bring in Checked Baggage to Airline Carry on Baggage
You are also permitted to bring blunt scissors safety razors, nail cutters, common lighters, cigar cutters, and corkscrews along with your personal items in your carry on baggage. If you are carrying any types of martial arts equipment, tools or weapons such as a drill pliers, a saw, a hammer, a crowbar, or an axe then you’ll have to pack them in your checked bags. Should you decide to pack any objects which are sharp in the baggage that you intend to check, be sure to wrap them up to help ensure the safety of the transportation security officers and baggage handlers.
In an effort to eliminate the possibility of unintentional fires and short circuiting, there are limits on the amount of loose lithium batteries you can pack. These batteries are most commonly used in laptop computers, PDAs, cell phones, and digital cameras. The batteries must be installed in the proper electronic device. You are limited to a maximum of 8 grams of lithium batteries in your carryon baggage, and they must be properly protected in a protective case or in the original packaging.
The transportation security officer at the airport may ascertain certain items too dangerous to permit through the checkpoint. Be aware that the list of permitted and prohibited items will be posted and updated as necessary.
Pack Smart and Spend Less Time in Airport Security Lines
Your travel agent will know the different airline security regulations, but for most airlines, the maximum size of your airline carryon baggage is 45 linear inches. Also be aware that if you have a full bag, your personal items may spill out for everyone to see when the airport security officer opens it. For both your carryon and checked baggage, try to organize its contents, so that everything is easy to see at a brief glance.
Don’t overstuff the baggage that you check to prevent being charged the fees for additional baggage. If you travel over the holidays, ship your gifts ahead of time instead of packing them. If you must bring gifts, consider wrapping them after you arrive at your destination. For travelers who still use non digital cameras, keep the undeveloped film and your cameras in your carry on baggage.
