FAA Rules on Luggage

Safely Sky-Bound

Due to heightened security at airports, air travel has become much more difficult. Added security checkpoints and stricter regulations on the size and contents of your carry-on luggage can be both frustrating and time consuming. The Federal Aviation Agency has issued the following guidelines for what you can bring on an airplane and how. The Transport Security Administration at airports upholds these regulations.

Checked Luggage

The size and weight of your checked baggage is decided by the airline that you are flying on. Generally the limitations are set because of the weight capacity of the airplane with consideration that the heavier the plane is, the more gas it will expend, thus increasing the cost of the flight and decreasing the company's profit. Instead of minimizing their profit margins, many airlines are charging significant overage fees if your baggage does not adhere to their specific guidelines. Check with your airline before packing so that you are not caught off guard at the airport without an alternative.

Many items are prohibited in carry-on luggage but permitted in checked baggage. Sports equipment (bats, clubs, sticks, etc.), weapons, tools and self-defense items are examples of this. See the reference section for a detailed list.

Carry-On

The FAA recommends that when you are packing your carry-on luggage to: think small, smart and safe. Passengers are limited to one carry-on item (small suitcase) and one personal item such as a purse. The suitcase must be no larger than 45 linear inches. To calculate this, add the length, width and depth (in inches) together.

All knives, tools, aerosols and liquids over three ounces are prohibited. All liquids must fit into a single, one-quart plastic bag. A bag will be provided at the airport but the FAA recommends you pack it at home to save time and to ensure everything will fit.

Security Procedures

Checked baggage is subject to screening by the TSA after you have checked it. Security employees manually or using x-ray technology, search through bags for explosives and other dangerous materials. Carry-on baggage will be sent through an x-ray machine at the first security checkpoint. You must take out any laptops and send them through separately. If a member of the security team spots something in the scanner that looks suspect, they will manually search through your baggage to find the item in question. The TSA has the right to search your person as well, though passengers maintain the right to opt to be patted down privately.

References

• Island Cruise:New FAA Airline Regulations: How You're Affected
• TSA: Baggage Screening
• TSA: Prohibited Items