Travel Luggage Packing Restrictions

The days of flying airlines fee-free have come to an end. Now, in addition to arriving to the airport on time, travelers have to make sure that they are aware of new rules and regulations regarding their luggage. After September 11, 2001, a variety of new rules regarding what people can pack in their luggage arose, and now with the struggling economy, more fees associated with baggage have come to fruition.

Significance

When travelers decide to carry on a bag, it is essential that they are aware of the carry-on rules to prevent losing items that are valuable to them. When packing shampoos, gels or any type of liquid in a carry on bag, the liquid must be in a bottle and it must be three ounces or less, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The containers must then be placed in a one-quart plastic bag. Then, the bag must be placed in the security bin as a person goes through the security checkpoints.

Considerations

Medications, breast milk, food and baby formula are allowed in carry-on bags and can exceed three ounces. These items are not required to be placed in plastic bags, according to the TSA. However, these items must be declared so that they can be inspected as travelers pass through security checkpoints.

Warning

Sharp objects, sporting goods, guns and firearms, tools and martial arts and self defense items are not allowed in carry-on bags, according to the TSA. However, metal scissors with blades shorter than four inches and screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers that are seven inches long are allowed in carry-on bags. While flare guns and starter pistols are allowed in checked baggage, flares and gunpowder are not allowed in checked baggage.

Misconceptions

Travelers should consider packing light if they can help it. Starting in December 2008, many airlines, such as Delta Airlines and American Airlines, started charging fees to check bags. In general, the first bag costs $15 to check, and the second bag costs $25 to check. If a bag weighs over 50 pounds, airlines like Delta Airlines charge about $90 to check it.

Benefits

To save time at the airport and avoid any grievances, TSA recommends that travelers check their airlines' policies on luggage restrictions, since rules and regulations on luggage vary from airline to airline. Simply log on to your airlines' website, click on their travel info section, then click on "baggage" or "luggage" for details regarding their luggage policies. In addition, most airlines do not permit more than two carry on items--one personal item such as a purse and one carry-on such as a small suitcase or laptop.

Resources

• Transportation Security Administration--Prohibited Items
• Airtran's Baggage Policies
• Delta Airline's Baggage Policies