Luggage Item Restrictions for Flying
Traveling by airplane can be stressful and one of the trickiest parts of flying can be packing and transporting baggage. The Travel Security Administration (TSA) as well as airline providers have restrictions on the type, size and contents of baggage. Keeping up-to-date on these restrictions can be a daunting task but knowing the requirements before arriving at the airport can help keep you on time and less stressed.
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Prohibited Items
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The TSA prohibits certain items from being transported via aircraft. Explosives such as flares, fireworks and gunpowder are completely prohibited in all luggage. Fuels and other flammable items such as gasoline and lighter fluid cannot be transported. The TSA does make an exception for small amounts of flammable aerosols for personal use such as hairspray and deodorant, but only if they are securely capped to prevent accidental discharge. Other explosives and fuels are not allowed as they could ignite during flight. Disabling agents such as spray paints and liquid bleach are not permitted as they could be used as weapons to hijack the plane.
Prohibited Carry-Ons
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Sporting equipment that could be used as a weapon such as baseball bats and golf clubs must be placed in checked luggage and not carried on. Sharp items such as box cutters and swords are also not allowed in carry-on luggage. Guns and other firearms are not allowed in carry-on luggage but are allowed in checked luggage if they are secured in a separate, secure container. Other weapons such as brass knuckles, pepper spray and stun guns are only allowed in checked luggage. Tools are allowed only if they are 7 inches or less, such as small screwdrivers and wrenches. Other tools such as cattle prods, saws and hammers are not allowed in carry-on luggage.
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Electronics
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Electronic items may be brought aboard aircraft, either in checked or carry-on baggage. However, the TSA recommends that passengers keep battery-operated electronics in their carry-on baggage to prevent the spread of a fire should the batteries of an electronic device ignite in the hold of the plane. Certain electronic devices such as laptops, calculators and portable DVD players may be used during specified times during flight. Using devices that transmit radio waves such as radio controlled cars and AM/FM radios is prohibited at all times during flight.
3-1-1 Rule
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In August 2006, the TSA implemented a system to control the amount of gels, liquids and aerosols allowed in carry-on luggage. The rule states that passengers can only carry containers of gels, liquids and aerosols that are 3.4 liquid oz. (100 ml) or less. These containers must fit inside 1 qt.-sized zip-top bag. Each passenger is allowed one bag. The TSA 3-1-1 rule does not include baby formula or medication, which can exceed this limit.
Restrictions
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Many U.S. airlines have placed a weight limit of 70 lbs. (31 kg) to 100 lbs. (45 kg) per checked bag, depending on the airline. U.S. airlines also restrict the linear size (the sum of the measures of the length, the width and the depth) to 115 inches (292 cm). Though these measurements are the maximum that airlines will accept, most airlines charge additional fees for bags over 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 linear cm). Carry-on bags are limited to 40 lbs. (18 kg) and 45 linear inches (115 linear cm).
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References
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