Airport Security Regulations & Baggage
Don't let the challenges of air travel and airport security scare you away from vacationing in the world's most spectacular spots. Be sure that you and your travel agent check for the most updated information for your airline as well as the Travel Security Administration (TSA)
Airline Carry-On Baggage Rule
The TSA mandates that you can only carry liquids, aerosols and gels in three-ounce containers, which should be safely kept inside a one-quart, plastic zip-top bag. This includes common items such as toothpaste, shampoo and food. You should be aware that airline carry-on baggage
extends to gift or special items including lotions, creams, scented oils, liquid soaps, perfumes and even snow globes.
Exception to the Carry-On Baggage Rule
Baby food, medications (and associated injectors) or other liquid/gel items that are for health purposes. In order to have these containers permitted, you need to declare them to an airport security officer and have them screened at the checkpoint. It's highly recommended that you label medications to make this process smoother.
Distinguishing Which Items is for Carry On or Checked Baggage
Along with your personal items, you are permitted to bring corkscrews, cigar cutters, common lighters, nail cutters, safety razors and travel-sized or blunt scissors in your carry on baggage. If you are carrying any types of martial arts weapons or tools such as an axe, crowbar, hammer, drill pliers, saw, etc., you'll have to pack them in your checked bags. If you pack any sharp objects in your checked suitcase, wrap them to ensure safety for the baggage handlers and transportation security officers. Please review information on Traveling with Special or Hazardous Items.
To prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires, there is a limit for packing loose lithium batteries, which are commonly used in digital cameras, cell phones, PDAs and laptop computers. For your checked airline baggage, batteries must be installed in the electronic device. You are limited to 8 grams (100-watt hours) of lithium batteries in your carry-on baggage, and they must be properly protected in original packaging or a protective case. The TSA officer at the airport may deem certain items too dangerous to permit through the checkpoint. Be aware that the list of permitted and prohibited items changes periodically and you should always check for updates with the Travel Security Administration (TSA) before going to the airport.
Pack Smart & Spend Less Time in Airport Security Lines
Your travel agent will know the different airline security regulations, but for more airlines, the maximize size of your airline carry on baggage is 45 linear inches. Save yourself from extra hassles by checking anything larger and try to pack your carryon baggage as light as possible. Know that if you have a full bag, your personal items may spill out for everyone to see when the airport security officer unzips it. For both your checked and carry on baggage, try to organize its contents, so that everything is easy to see in a brief glance.
When possible, keep from overstuffing your checked suitcase to avoid additional airline baggage fees. When traveling over the holidays, ship your gifts ahead of time instead of packing them. If you insist on bringing gifts, consider wrapping them after you arrive at your destination. For travelers who still make use of a non-digital camera, don't pack film in your checked luggage, because the screening equipment will damage it. It's better if you can keep undeveloped film and cameras in your carry on baggage. Please see our section on How to Prepare for Packing.
Disclaimer: All of the above information is subject to changes by the Transportation Security Administration at any given time. All information is current at the time of posting to this website, however may not be current now. Please be sure and check the Travel Security Administration (TSA) website for updated information.
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