It happens to even the most experienced of travelers – you pack the vacation amenities, fill your suitcase to the brim, and then, so close to being finished, find yourself clutching some odd piece of luggage and wondering where it belongs. Maybe it's a gas camping stove, a hockey stick, a hunting knife, or a small animal. Questions flood your mind. Can I put this in my carry-on? Will it go through security? Is it even legal to bring this into the airport?
The Transportation Security Administration (or TSA for short) anticipates these questions, ensuring the safety of travelers at transportation hubs nation-wide. At airports in particular, the security measures and baggage guidelines may seem like a hassle for busy people, but researching them ahead of time speeds up the process and gets you on your flight faster and with peace of mind. Here we'll discuss some common luggage items and questions, as well as information on what to expect at the security checkpoint. |
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The standards listed below apply to the TSA, but specifications regarding sizes of bags, what counts as a carry-on, special luggage, and so on vary by airline.
This information, as well as links to airline sites, is coming soon to this webpage for your convenience. |
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Each passenger is permitted one carry-on item (check by airline for size specifications) and one personal item, like a purse or laptop. Check all remaining luggage at the ticket counter. The TSA screens every bag before placing it on the plane to ensure the safety of every passenger, every time. |
So what rights to privacy apply to travelers? Occasionally, the TSA inspects luggage by hand, which requires unrestricted access to your belongings. They have the right to do this at any time, before or after checking articles. If you place a lock on your checked luggage and the TSA cannot find a way to open it, they hold the right to break it open.
Avoid this by purchasing a TSA approved lock, available at airports and stores nation-wide. Security opens these with a special master key, and then re-locks them after inspection – they include security windows that turn from green to red if opened and re-locked, keeping travelers aware of what happens to their suitcases. |
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In the case of any search, security must leave a notification slip indicating the opening of the bag. In the event that your luggage is physically inspected, security must leaves behind the notification slip right on top of your belongings, although sometimes you may find it at the bottom or even mixed in the middle. This indicates the date and location the search took place, as well as the screener's badge number. Most times they leave your luggage the way you packed it and other than their note you would never have guessed they preformed an inspection. In more unusual cases you may find your things out of order after a search. |
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If you want to bring carry-on luggage aboard your plane, security must screen it to check for potential safety hazards. This happens first by x-ray machine, and then through additional physical searches as needed (you can watch these take place.) Travelers who refuse either of these procedures will not be permitted to board their flights. |
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After you leave your checked luggage, it is sent off to an x-ray and screened for dangerous items. If security finds it necessary, they may also complete an additional physical inspection of the contents. |
What about gels, liquids, and medications?
Anyone traveling by air the past few years has heard rules about carry-on "gels and liquids", the two big buzzwords of the security checkpoint. Many travelers carry everyday items such as contact solution, perfume, hand sanitizer, or makeup, all easily forgotten in the depths of a purse or other luggage.
To pass through security quickly, take some time to review the contents of your carry-on luggage before reaching the checkpoint. The TSA now permits liquids, aerosols, and gels, but restricts the amounts. Travelers must transport their liquids, aerosols, or gels in containers 3 oz. or smaller. The containers in turn must fit in comfortably in a clear, 1 qt. sized plastic bag with a zip top, and each traveler may carry 1 bag (as the TSA handily puts it, just remember the "3-1-1 rule.")
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, particularly on necessity items for the ill and very young children. These items may cross security in amounts larger than 3 oz. and without a clear bag, but you must declare them at the security checkpoint. This includes:
-Baby food
-Formula or breast milk
-Any liquid or gel used for life support, disabilities,
or medical
conditions
(including liquids like juice or water) |
What about food and alcohol?
For those arriving hungry, try to hold off munching until after clearing security. Travelers may purchase food to bring on the plane after this point, but anything prior must remained wrapped and pass through the X-ray (keep an eye out for any food that might be considered too "gel-like", such as condiment packages). Similar requirements apply to alcohol – anything more than 3 oz must be checked, but if you purchase it after security, feel free to enjoy it on the plane (keep in mind that each airline has different rules about this.)
When dealing with food and alcohol, keep in mind your sequence of flights, and stay aware of all procedures regarding duty-free items and other airport purchases. Imagine purchasing liquor from a duty-free store in Mexico. If you then fly to the United States, you must declare the liquor and pass through customs. This isn't a problem unless you are then catching another domestic flight; say from your point of entry, Chicago, to Pittsburgh. You must pass through general security at the Chicago airport, where officials will seize your excellent purchase as you try to board the Pittsburgh leg of your journey. To avoid this, place your duty-free food or alcohol in your checked luggage when given the chance – after clearing customs, and immediately before re-checking your bag for the next phase of your trip.
What about my laptop?
Travelers may bring laptops as carry-on items. They become a bit of a hassle going through security, when the TSA requires most to be removed from their bags and sent through the x-ray separately. Try balancing on one foot while taking a shoe off, holding your coat in the other hand, herding small children, finding a bin, and taking your laptop out of its case, all at the same time. Not a pretty picture, but all necessary steps to get through the checkpoint. Eliminate some hassle by buying a special bag that provides a clear image of the inside laptop, and sent it straight through in its case. You'll be through security and back in your shoes in no time.
What about my film?
Undeveloped film can and should be placed in carry-on luggage. The screening equipment used for checked luggage is very strong, and will ruin your pictures. The weaker x-ray used for carry-on luggage won't damage your film the first time, but if your bag must make multiple passes, ask for security to inspect it by hand.
What other common items are allowed in my carry-on bag?
-Tools smaller than 7"
-Knitting needles or sewing projects (but remember, items with blades, such as cutters or large scissors, should be checked)
-Scissors with blades smaller than 4 inches
-Solid pills
-Common lighters ("Bic style" or unsealed "Zippo style". These don't need to be in a plastic bag, despite containing liquid—this aligns with standards used by the rest of the world.)
-Safety matches (1 pack) |
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Whether playing a concert or sporting event, planning a hunting trip, or snorkeling on the Caribbean Islands, each trip requires its own unique luggage, which can pose a new set of questions and difficulties in airport security. |
Items with blades (Check)
Place items with blades (unless they are scissors with blades smaller than 4 inches) with your checked luggage, making sure to properly cover the blade.
Firearms (Check)
Firearms come with their own unique restrictions for careful observation. Travelers can check most firearms with their luggage, but speak with your airline about any restrictions in this area.
-Firearms, parts of firearms, and flare guns
These must be unloaded, and should be packed in a hard-sided, locked and secured container. Remember to use a TSA approved lock, in the event the TSA must break the lock, they will not place the firearm on the plane.
-Paintball guns
Paintball guns are not considered firearms (but still must be checked), and can be packed in any sort of case. However, any paintball guns (or other equipment such as snorkeling gear) including a compressed gas cylinder must have the regulator valve completely detached, clearly exposing the inside of the container.
-Ammunition
Note that the TSA completely prohibits flares or loose gunpowder in either checked or carry-on luggage. Small-arms ammunition in small amounts is permitted. Pack any ammunition in an appropriate box, and make sure no portion remains exposed.
-Other guns (and items resembling them)
Feel free to bring pellet guns, starter pistols, and gun representations, but remember to place them in your checked luggage.
Musical Instruments (Check or carry-on)
Musical instruments, because of their diverse shapes and sizes, can be checked or carried on the plane. Travelers should generally check their brass instruments, and can carry strings through security. The TSA allows travelers to carry one instrument in addition to a carry-on bag and personal item.
Sporting Equipment (Check or carry-on)
A general guideline is to check any sports items resembling poles, sticks, or spears (baseball bats, fishing spears, skiing poles, etc.). Do not hesitate to carry on items such as snorkeling masks, fins, and balls for sports. Place anything with a blade into your checked luggage, and make sure to properly sheath it.
Photographic Equipment (Check or carry-on)
Similar to musical instruments, travelers may bring one bag of photography equipment in addition to a carry-on bag and personal item (check rules by airline first.) For any delicate photography equipment, travelers may find this the wiser choice.
Items with Compressed Gas Cylinders (Check or carry-on AFTER regulator valve is removed)
Some common items like scuba equipment or camping gear come with attached compressed gas cylinders. The empty containers may be checked or brought as carry-on luggage, but first completely detach the regulator valve from the cylinder, leaving the inside of the container exposed. The TSA prohibits containers with compressed gas, or with the regulator valve still attached, from entering a plane.
Pets (Check or carry-on)
Many people choose to travel with their animal companions, and a variety of options exist for transport, depending on the size of the animal and the restrictions of each airline. (Keep in mind that traveling with an animal might bring on a whole new set of complications, so take some time to consider your animal, the trip in question, and their compatibility before packing up.) Travelers, note that no security official can send your animal through the x-ray machine, but kennels are subject to search.
Many pets accompany checked baggage or fly to their destinations on cargo planes, but some airlines permit small animals to fly in the cabin with their owners. The exceptions are service animals, which the Department of Transportation requires every airline to allow onboard.
If the animal travels in the cabin, the airline considers it carry-on luggage. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the pet's kennel must be small enough to fit in the seat in front of you, the pet must stay contained the entire time, and it must be properly stowed throughout the entire flight. Rules differ, but general requirements say the pet should be harmless and odorless, and that you should provide a recent health certificate if asked. There are also usually limits on how many pets can travel per flight, and how many you can bring.
Necessity Children's Items (Carry-on)
Many airlines consider things such as strollers, diaper bags, and child seats personal items, and permit one alongside your carry-on bag. Each of these items must pass through the security checkpoint before entering the plane. Several airlines also offer the option for "gate checking" strollers, a handy tool for parents. An agent gives you baggage tag, you leave your stroller at the door, and personnel put it on the plane just before takeoff. Upon reaching your destination, the stroller is ready and waiting for you as soon as your enter the airport. |
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There are a few things you simply cannot bring with you on your flight, whether you pack them in your suitcase or keep them in your purse. If caught with them, expect possible fines or prosecution (even if you didn't know better). To skip over any difficulties in the airport, avoid packing these items – purchase them once you've reached your destination, and then leave them behind.
Items to avoid:
-Flammable liquids, gels, or aerosols (such as gasoline, spray paint, or turpentine)
-Dangerous chemicals (such as liquid bleach, chlorine, or spillable batteries)
-Torch Lighters (Also called jet lighters, and used for pipes and cigars, the flame is thin, longer, and much hotter than that of a normal lighter.)
-Explosive materials (such as dynamite, flares, loose gunpowder, or plastic explosives) |
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For travelers who remain unsure about what is appropriate for checked luggage, carry-ons, or the airport in general (But wait, what about my ninja stars??), your best bet is to check the TSA website , which provides checklists covering everything from cattle prods to ice picks to spear guns (and yes, even ninja stars.) When in doubt, take the time to check – it can save you time, frustration, and speed up the process of getting in the plane and on your way. |
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