Items Banned At Airports: What Not To Pack

Airport security is a necessary nuisance for travellers who wish to fly safely. While it may be a tedious process, it can be made easier by being aware of what not to bring to the airport. Knowing what items are prohibited can help travellers prepare and pack properly, facilitating a smoother and faster security screening process. This includes being mindful of restricted items that are not allowed in hand luggage or checked baggage, as well as items that can slow down the security line, such as liquids and electronics.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols

• All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml).
• The containers must fit into a single quart-size (1-liter) zip-top plastic bag.
• Exemptions include essential medications, baby formula, and food for infants or children.

Examples of liquids, gels, and aerosols include:

• Shampoo, perfume, beverages, and liquid medicine.
• Toothpaste, hair gel, and hand sanitizer.
• Deodorant, insect spray, and hairspray.

It is important to note that these items should be easily accessible during security checks. They should not be buried at the bottom of your carry-on bag, and it is recommended to store them in an external compartment for easy access.

Additionally, some countries may have specific rules regarding the amount of liquid allowed in duty-free alcohol purchased at the airport. It is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities or the airline for the latest guidelines and restrictions.

Prohibited items

When packing for a flight, it's important to know what you can and can't bring to the airport. Here is a list of prohibited items that are not allowed in your carry-on luggage:

• Liquids or gels larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml): This includes items such as shampoo, sunscreen, and other toiletries. However, there are exceptions for essential medications and food for infants or children.
• Firearms, explosives, and weapons: This includes guns, ammunition, fireworks, pepper spray, and mace. Even items that could be used as weapons, such as baseball bats or knives, are prohibited.
• Flammable items: Lighters and matches are generally allowed, but electronic lighters and matches are often forbidden.
• Sharp objects: Scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches are usually permitted, but straight razors and knives are prohibited.
• Sporting equipment: Baseball bats, golf clubs, and martial arts equipment are considered potential weapons and are not allowed in carry-on luggage.
• Alcoholic beverages: Alcoholic drinks with more than 70% alcohol content are prohibited in carry-on luggage.
• Electronic devices: Larger electronic devices like laptops, video game consoles, and DVD players must be screened individually and are subject to restrictions.
• Power banks: Power banks and lithium batteries are allowed in carry-on luggage but are prohibited in checked luggage due to their combustible nature.
• Food and agricultural products: On international flights, most countries do not allow any food or agricultural products to be brought in.

Remember to always check with the specific regulations of your departure country and airline for a comprehensive list of prohibited items. The above list provides a general overview, but there may be additional items that are restricted.

Electronic devices

Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that all electronic devices are charged before travelling. Devices that will not power on may not be allowed through security, as they could pose a security risk. For example, explosives or other substances could be stored in the battery compartment. If a device does not switch on when requested, it may not be permitted on board.

Secondly, most regulations require passengers to remove all electronic devices larger than a smartphone from their bags for individual screening. This includes devices such as laptops, tablets, and full-size video game consoles. These devices typically need to be placed in a separate tray for X-ray screening. This separate screening is necessary to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and the aircraft. It allows security staff to assess the internal components of each device effectively, ensuring that no prohibited items are concealed within or under the electronics.

Thirdly, some countries and airlines may have specific restrictions on certain electronic devices. For example, the UK previously had a ban on bringing large electronic devices like larger phones, tablets, and laptops in hand luggage on inbound flights from certain countries. This ban has since been lifted, but it is important to check the latest regulations before travelling. Additionally, some devices, such as e-cigarettes, may be allowed in hand luggage but not in the hold.

Finally, it is important to note that electronic devices with lithium batteries may be subject to additional restrictions. Lithium batteries are not permitted in the aircraft hold, and power banks may need to be wrapped and protected to prevent contact with other objects.

In conclusion, when travelling with electronic devices, it is essential to be aware of the specific regulations of the departure and arrival airports and the policies of the airline. By planning ahead and ensuring devices are charged and easily accessible, passengers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Food and drinks

When it comes to food and drink, there are some restrictions on what you can bring to the airport. Here's what you need to know:

Solid Foods

Solid food items are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. This includes items like sandwiches, meat (including cooked and fresh meat), seafood, vegetables, fruits, breads, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. However, it's important to note that fresh fruits and vegetables may have restrictions for passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the contiguous U.S.

Liquids, Gels, and Creams

For liquids, gels, and creams, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the 3-1-1 rule. This means that you can bring these items in your carry-on as long as they are in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fit comfortably in a single quart-sized bag. This includes items like dips, spreads, peanut butter, olive oil, salsa, yogurt, gravy, juice, and baby formula. If you need to bring larger quantities of liquids or gels, you can pack them in your checked baggage without any size restrictions.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are subject to different rules. Alcoholic drinks with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol (up to 140 proof) are allowed in checked bags, with a limit of 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger. They must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to quantity limitations in checked bags. For carry-on bags, mini bottles of alcohol must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit comfortably in a single quart-sized bag. It's important to note that consuming personal alcohol on board the aircraft is prohibited, and flight attendants are not allowed to serve intoxicated passengers.

Baby Food and Formula

Baby food and formula are considered medically necessary liquids and are allowed in reasonable quantities in both carry-on and checked bags. This includes items like breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food pouches. These items do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag and can exceed 3.4 ounces. However, they should be removed from your carry-on bag and screened separately.

Special Considerations

When packing food and drinks, it's important to consider the following:

• Proper packaging: Use transparent containers whenever possible to facilitate the screening process. Avoid using foil or packaging that obscures the contents.
• Organization: Keep your carry-on bag organized and uncluttered. Separate food items from other belongings to ease the screening process.
• State and International Regulations: Be aware of any additional regulations or restrictions for the state or country you are travelling to or from. These may differ from TSA guidelines.

Clothing and accessories

When packing your clothes and accessories for air travel, it's important to be mindful of certain restrictions and guidelines to ensure a smooth journey through airport security. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you navigate what not to bring when it comes to clothing and accessories:

• Shoes: It is recommended to wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on, as you will likely be asked to take them off during security screening. Avoid sandals, as they expose your bare feet to the airport floor. Instead, opt for slip-on shoes that you can easily manage without bending down.
• Belts and Accessories: Remove your belt while waiting in line for security. Metal belts may trigger the metal detector, and it's one less thing to worry about as you pass through the checkpoint. Similarly, avoid wearing excessive jewellery, especially large or bulky pieces. Small items like wedding rings and earrings can usually remain on, but if you're wearing multiple accessories, consider removing them beforehand.
• Jackets: It is advisable to take off your jacket while in line for security. This will make the screening process faster and more efficient. However, seniors over 75 and children under 13 are typically exempt from this requirement and can keep their light jackets on.
• Scissors and Sharp Objects: Scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches (or 6 cm in some countries) are generally allowed in carry-on luggage. However, straight razors and other sharp objects with potential weaponization capabilities are prohibited in hand luggage. This includes box cutters, meat cleavers, razor blades, and scissors exceeding 4 inches in length. If you must pack these items, ensure they are securely wrapped and placed in your checked baggage.
• Electronic Devices: Only electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, need to be removed from their carrying cases and screened separately. Phones and small electronic devices can usually stay in your bag. Keep in mind that some countries may have different regulations, so always check the guidelines for your specific destination.
• Clothing with Large Pockets: Avoid wearing clothing with numerous large pockets, as they can take extra time to empty and search during security checks. Opt for clothing with minimal pockets or pockets that are easy to access and empty.
• Metal-Free Clothing: If possible, choose clothing that does not contain metal components, such as zippers, buttons, or studs. Metal-free clothing can help you move through metal detectors more efficiently and reduce the chances of setting them off.
• Prohibited Items Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited items for your specific destination. Each country has slightly different rules, and you don't want to accidentally pack something that is not allowed. Common prohibited items include firearms, explosives, sporting equipment that could be used as weapons, self-defence sprays, and sharp objects.

Frequently asked questions