What NOT to bring on your flight

Air travel has certainly changed over the years, and continues to change on a regular basis.  Since I have to pack and prepare for flights next week, I thought I would review with you some reminders about air travel.  Each airline may have specific requirements, so always be sure to consult with the airline as well as these guidelines.  Each airline has a dedicated section on their website for luggage and allowances.

TSA screening uses the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, fluids, and gels to be carried on to an airplane.  In a nutshell – that is no container larger than 3 oz., in a 1 quart zip lock baggie, and 1 per person.   Technically the allowable size is 3.4 oz., but 3 oz. is much easier to remember when it comes time to pack!   Always remember to remove your zip lock baggie from your carry-on (unless you are qualified for TSA Pre-Check) and place it in one of the bins for security screening.  Each time security has to search a carry-on bag it slows down the line.  If you have any doubt about something being considered a liquid, fluid, or gel it is safest to put it in your checked bag.  You should also declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. You must declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Please remember and be patient as officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.  Remember, the 3-1-1 rule only applies to liquids, fluids, and gels; it does not apply to pills or powders.

        

If you are a bride and will be taking your wedding dress with you, please check the requirements and airline policy prior to flying.  Most aircraft no longer have closets to hang your dress!  Many will allow you to lay your dress in the overhead bin, on top of luggage.  Each airline handles this a bit differently, it is important to know before you go!  Some of my brides have determined the wedding dress they purchase based on ease (or lack thereof) of transporting the dress!  Also, there are specific garment bags you need to use to carry-on the dress.  If you do not, you will have to stand there and watch the TSA folks inspect and unpack your carefully arranged dress.  I promise you, they will not put it back the same way you had it!

If you will be doing any sort of air travel over the holidays, I highly recommend that you do not pre-wrap your gifts!  There is nothing worse than spending that time and energy to wrap your gifts, only to have them unwrapped for a security inspection.  I promise you, the officers will not take the same amount of gentle care to unwrapping the gift as you did to wrapping the gift!  This goes for both carry-on and checked bags.

There are some prohibited items that you cannot take on the plane with you.  A very general list includes Sharp Objects Sporting Goods, Guns & Firearms, Tools, Martial Arts & Self Defense Items, Explosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals, and Other Dangerous Items.  While these items cannot be carried on the plane, some of these items can be taken in your checked luggage.  For specific allowances, please check http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items 

For general security information, screening processes, and information about carry-on items, please check the TSA website at www.tsa.gov   I also recommend downloading the TSA app to your smart phone – it has great information for you.

When it comes to your checked bags, there are also specific allowances for those as well.  Please remember to confirm your airline allowances prior to travel so you don’t have any surprises at the airport upon departure or return!  With the exception of Southwest Airlines, all airlines now charge for checked baggage when purchasing the least expensive (and in some cases any!) tickets.  There are also weight and size requirements for your checked bags.  Each airline will have their specifics, but a good rule of thumb is no heavier than 50 pounds, and no bigger than 62 linear inches.   These requirements will vary among airlines, please check!  As a note, the international carries have very different standards for their flights that originate in countries outside of the United States.  If you are uncertain of the requirements, please check with them so you don’t find yourself re-packing in the midst of a very busy airport in another country.

The official policy is Federal law prohibits hazardous materials from being included in either checked or carry-on baggage. Items such as explosives, compressed gases, oxidizers, corrosives, flammable liquids and solids, loaded firearms, radioactive materials and poisons are considered hazardous.  Some common examples of prohibited items include paints, mace/tear gas, lighter fluid, oxygen bottles and fireworks.  You would think this goes without saying, but dangerous or hazardous materials are not allowed on aircraft.  However, if you follow TSA on Twitter, you will quickly learn that people try to get all sorts of things on airplanes!

With just a little knowledge and preparation in advance, you will significantly decrease your travel day stress.