The sudden change to the list of banned or restricted items that can be carried in hand luggage certainly had many people bewildered. It is not least a controversial issue because many of the budget carriers are now making charges for luggage checked in to be flown in the hold. Previously you one might have been relieved to find that the things you couldn't take in your hand luggage could still be taken in your checked-in bag but many budget travelers are loathe to increase the cost of their flight when their luggage could be carried for free in an overhead bin.
Now that everything has settled down it is a good time to recap on just what you can take into the cabin of an aircraft. In the case of liquids I have given both US and UK quantities to avoid confusion and it should be noted that I have taken as my example the regulations that apply to transatlantic flights; if you stick with these you will not be tripped up at some point in the future. I will not give an exhaustive list but merely refer to those items which passengers are likely to be carrying into the cabin.
Airlines give slightly differing guidelines as to the size of your piece of hand baggage but if you use this rule made by British Airways you should generally be OK
- no bigger than 56cm (22 inches) x 45 Cm (17.5 inches) x 25 cm (9.85 inches)
- you really should take note of the size of hand baggage your airline allows because if it is too big you may have to either remove some items or have it checked in as hold baggage which is not only inconvenient for you, but could cause the flight to be delayed
You may take into the cabin electrical items such as digital cameras, mobile phones, video cameras, etc so long as they fit inside your carry on bag. Laptops, digital cameras, etc should be easily accessible for checking by security staff so don't fasten them up so well they can't be easily opened.
Liquids this is where people get confused. Don't forget that for the majority of flights you can buy drinks and toiletry items air-side after you have gone through security so if you really need something you could buy it then. For the purposes of air security liquids when referring to toiletries includes gels, aerosols and conventional liquids.
The rule of thumb for most flights is that you can take toiletries in your hand luggage provided that they are in containers of no more than 100ml (that's 3oz for Americans). You can't half fill a 200ml container the size of the container is the important factor; you can't even roll up the end of a tube of toothpaste you must take a small sized item. If you have a favourite product you want to take why not ask at your beauty counter whether they do any sample sizes that you could take in hand luggage. All your toiletry items must fit in a clear resealable plastic bag this should measure approximately 20x20cm (8x8 inches). If in doubt, put all toiletry items in this bag.
MEDICINES
The rule here is that you may only take into the cabin those medicines you may need during the course of the flight. However, many people prefer to take their medication on board with them anyway in case their luggage gets held up or lost at the other end. I have a nut allergy and always carry adrenalin around with me but I also take a letter from my doctor explaining why I carry it. This covers me in this type of situation; try to do the same if you can. It is advised that you place liquid medicine in the clear bag but if you require more than 10ml of this medicine during the flight you may carry the extra in your carry on bag in this case you should definitely get a covering letter from your doctor.
FOOD AND DRINK
Drinks and food can be taken on board to be consumed in flight. You should note however that you may be required to bin any uneaten food on disembarkation depending on the country you are visiting. You may not, however, take liquids through security on transatlantic flights but can buy them air-side to take on board.
Parents traveling with children requiring pre-prepared milk or other drinks, will be required to taste the drink in front of security staff before getting clearance to take them on board. Specially prepared drinks are also allowed for people who require so because of a medical condition.
FOR CHILDREN
The same rules apply for children; one bag of the same size as for adults may be taken and the prohibited contents are the same.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS - for a while after the initial changes, musical instruments had to be stowed in the hold. This caused much concern especially amongst people who owned items such as violins which could be damaged in the cold temperatures inthe hold. They are now allowed to travel in the cabin so long as they can be x-rayed.
BANNED ITEMS
You may not take into the cabin the following items:
- a lighter although you may take on board one small packet of safety matches
- scissors these will be confiscated as you go through security
- knives don't lose a favourite old penknife- make sure it goes in your checked bags; I love my Swiss Army knife and wouldn't be without it
As I mentioned at the beginning, my list is not exhaustive; the following websites provide definitive advice on what may or not be taken on board. You could also check with individual airlines about exact allowances too
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited /permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
http://www.direct.go v.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_064478