Rollaboard Travel - Tips on Traveling Light

Since the security breech almost a decade ago there has been heightened security in all airports around the world. In the beginning there were no liquids or potentially harmful metal objects allowed in your carryon but as time went on they became more reasonable. Now days there are specific allowances and restrictions for carryon and checked luggage. Here is the most recent safety information so you can pack accordingly.

Liquids & Gels

The rule for each passenger when it comes to liquids and gels is known as the 3-1-1 rule. This means that each person can have one zipped closure bag that is one quart size. The person is allowed to fill the bag with three ounce sized containers of liquids and gels. The actual maximum size allowance is 100ml so make sure you check your bottles and tubes.

Sharp Objects

You are allowed to bring disposable razors and their cartridges for shaving in your carryon luggage. Also you can bring scissors that are shorter than four inches, plastic knives, butter knives, tweezers, nail clippers and nail files.

You must pack all other sharp objects in your checked luggage to comply with their regulations. The objects must be properly stowed in a case or wrapping to not inflict harm on potential inspectors. This includes but is not limited to box cutters, ice picks, ice axes, pointed knives, meat cleavers, utility knives, sabers, scissors longer than four inches and swords.

Sports Equipment

Now days you cannot carry on most types of sports equipment except the different types of balls and protection gear. Round small sports equipment like softballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs and hockey pucks are not listed as prohibited items.

Things like baseball bats, cricket bats, weights, hockey or lacrosse sticks, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles and bows and arrows are not allowed on board. These items have to be packed and checked in luggage underneath the plane. Also skis, snowboards and surfboards have to be packed in special bags and checked on their own.

Firearms & Ammunition

While many airlines do allow you to check your guns in proper cases in your checked luggage some do not allow guns period. It is important to contact your airline to see what is allowed and what is not before packing for your trip. If the airline does allow you to pack firearms they must be declared at check in to show they are packed correctly.

The rules for BB guns, pellet guns and compressed air guns are the same as regular firearms. Also gun parts and replicas must be packed under the airplane as well. These rules are in place to protect you and other travelers. Also remember that flares and gun powder are not allowed when traveling on airplanes ever.

Tools

Most tools are to be wrapped and packed in your checked luggage except screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches seven inches or smaller .The tools that must be checked include axes, hatchets, crowbars, hammers, drills, saws and large wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers. Remember only seven inch or smaller tools may be packed in your carryon.

Self Defense & Martial Arts

While it is important for many people to have personal self defense items on themselves at all times you cannot carry these items onboard. Items such as Billy clubs, black jacks, brass knuckles, kubatons, marital arts weapons, night sticks, nunchakus, stun guns, shocking devices and self defense sprays must be checked. However you cannot check a self defense spray with containing more than 2% by mass of Tear Gas.

Explosive & Flammable Material

There are no explosive or flammable materials allowed on the airplane in either your carryon or checked luggage. The explosive items include but are not limited to dynamite, fireworks, flares, hand grenades, plastic explosives and realistic replicas of explosives.

The flammable materials not allowed include most aerosols, fuels, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, torch lighters, strike anywhere matches, flammable paints, paint thinner and turpentine. You are allowed two properly cased lighters with fuel in them and one book of non-strike anywhere matches in your carryon.

Chemicals & Other Items

The only other items that may be checked in your luggage or carryon are small compressed gas cartridges, nonflammable paint, and small aerosol toiletries. Remember that the containers in your carryon must be clearly labeled at 100ml or less.

Items such as chlorine for pools and spas, fire extinguishers, liquid bleach and spray paint are not allowed period. However, gel candles, snow globes and gel shoe inserts are allowed in checked luggage only.

It is important to be up to date on the current rules and regulations by the TSA to ensure you are flying safely. Do not forget to pack your carryon liquids and gels in one quart sizes bag and large liquids or gels in your checked luggage. Also make sure you check with your airlines with any questions regarding items in your carryon or checked luggage. This will ensure you do not have any troubles when traveling at the airports.