Tag: CarryOn

  • 6 Surprising Things TSA Says To Leave Out Of Your Carryon

    6 Surprising Things TSA Says To Leave Out Of Your Carryon

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    A recent tweet that has now gone viral has people confused over what they can actually take in a carry-on. 

    The tweet, which has gotten over 10.5 million views, describes a man’s experience with airport security confiscating a jar of peanut butter. 

    Jokes ensue in the comments as people try to figure out if peanut butter is a liquid, gel, or aerosol. 

    This has sparked rumors that peanut butter has been banned on flights, which is not entirely true. 

    It is, however, a “spreadable item,” which means it must abide by the same regulations as liquids, gels, and aerosols. 

    Many airlines have started serving alternative snacks instead of peanuts due to peanut allergies, but you may still bring both peanuts and peanut butter – as long as the latter is under 3.4 ounces. 

    Although it is permitted, you may still want to reconsider purely for the chance that it could cause a medical emergency that would delay your flight.

    Snack packages on a Southwest flight

    What Is A Liquid?

    According to the Transportation Security Administration, “a liquid has no definite shape and takes a shape dictated by its container.”

    Creams, pastes, gels, aerosols, and liquids that fit this description must all be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller. 

    These must then all fit in a quart-sized bag.  These requirements are also known as the “3-1-1 rule.” 

    While most travelers are aware of this rule, it’s still surprising to find out some of the items that fall into the “liquid/gel” category.

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    A carryon suitcase with travel-sized liquids in a plastic bag

    Here are some of the surprising items you will need to limit in your carryon:

    1. Spreadable Foods

     A majority of this list comes from food products that walk the line between a liquid and a solid, such as “spreadable” foods. 

    Peanut butter falls under this label, as does hummus, guacamole, jams and jellies, and other dips or spreads. 

    Creamy cheeses, such as brie, also fall under the 3-1-1 rule. 

    While it may not be difficult to keep these items to a minimum as airport or plane snacks, if you plan to bring home a jar of authentic maple syrup or some Texas barbecue sauce from your trip, you’ll want to pack those in your checked bag. 

    It’s also important to consider that if you are flying internationally, many fruits and vegetables are prohibited to prevent invasive plant pests.  This is also true for flights from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the mainland U.S.    

    Man going through airport security

    2. Some Makeup Items

    Travelers are usually conscious of their toiletries when it comes to the liquids rule. 

    There are travel-sized containers for your shampoo and conditioner, and you can buy travel-sized sunscreen, hairspray, and deodorant. 

    However, makeup may not come to mind.  Concealer, foundation, lip gloss, and even mascara are all items that must follow the 3-1-1 rule. 

    Although most makeup items are typically far beneath 3.4 ounces, technically, they all still need to fit in the quart-sized bag. 

    So if you plan on bringing a lot of makeup, you may want to consider putting the majority of it in your checked bag. 

    Another thing to know – any large quantities of powder-like substances could raise red flags and may need to be screened separately.

    A person putting a plastic bag with makeup items into an airport security bin

    3. Certain Toys

    Any toy that resembles an actual weapon is not allowed for obvious reasons. 

    TSA also specifically lists slingshots and foam toy swords as prohibited items but states that water guns (without water) and nerf guns are okay. 

    Two other very specific mentions are light sabers and Harry Potter wands – these are both allowed onboard the plane. 

    Play-doh, which you might now consider a liquid/gel item, is actually not and is allowed onboard as well. 

    TSA officer searching someone's luggage at the airport

    4. Snow Globes

    This popular souvenir will have to risk a journey home in your checked bag unless it is small enough to abide by the 3-1-1 rule.  

    Even if it’s small enough, it also still needs to fit in the quart-sized bag with all of your toiletries. 

    TSA maintains that regardless of the rules, the discretion is up to the officer.

    5. Musical Instruments

    If you’re planning on bringing a guitar, violin, or other instruments that meets the size requirements, it’ll have to undergo additional inspection. 

    Brass instruments, however, must be checked.  It’s best to check with the airline ahead of time to make sure you understand exactly what you must do to get your instrument to your destination.

    Luggage getting x-rayed at the airport

    6. Candles

    Gel-type candles are prohibited in a carry-on, regardless of size.  However, TSA does state that solid candles are okay. 

    Still, there have been reports of candles being confiscated at security.  To be safe, it would be best to pack all candles in your checked bag.   

    Exceptions

    There are always exceptions to every rule, and the 3-1-1 rule is no different. 

    Baby food, formula, puree pouches meant for toddlers, and breastmilk are all permitted in “reasonable quantities.” 

    They do not need to be less than 3.4 ounces or fit into a quart bag.  Ice and gel packs for breast milk or for medical needs also get a pass. 

    These are all considered “medically necessary liquids,” right along with liquid medicine, insulin, and inhalers. 

    Although these are permitted, they do need to be declared to TSA officers for screening.

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com



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  • Don’t Check A Bag Right Now! Here’s What You Can Bring In Your Carry-On

    Don’t Check A Bag Right Now! Here’s What You Can Bring In Your Carry-On

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    If you’re desperate to scratch that travel itch now that Covid has finally retreated, and a majority of countries have reopened, you probably noticed that the current travel landscape is looking dramatically different from the pre-pandemic years – and we’re not talking about health regulations or reinforced personal hygiene inside the aircraft.

    Female Traveler Packing For A Trip As She Lists Up Missing Items, International Travel Concept

    All around the globe, airlines have been hit with a wave of flight delays, cancellations, and other logistical problems that are shaking the aviation industry to its core. As we have seen in a number of cases over the last couple of weeks, checking in days in advance, or even showing up has long ceased being a protective measure against disruption.

    Now, travelers are being advised to travel prepared for the worst, and that includes arriving to their final destination without their bags:

    Not Checking In Bags Is The Secret To A Stress-Free Vacation

    Traveler Packing Hand Sanitizer In A Small Purse

    Now that airlines are delaying more flights than ever before, and the situation on the ground is not much better, with handlers making a mess out of luggage shipping, any attempt to reduce disruption is valid. That means packing just enough clothes for a trip or, in other words, carrying cabin luggage only.

    By avoiding the chaotic check in counters and heading straight to security instead, with only their carry-on in hand, travelers are able to reduce their own wait times significantly, both during departure and after arrival, and eliminate the risks of being deprived of personal items when they are most needed.

    Upset Woman After Realizing Her Baggage Is Lost, Travel Disruption

    Luckily, some airlines allow you to bring a reasonable amount of items on board, without paying an extra fee. Expressly, it is possible for most non-Basic fare customers to bring a complimentary carry-on, along with a small backpack or purse, at no extra cost, though size rules still apply and they may vary – even if only slightly:

    Full Service Airlines

    Concept Image Of United Airlines Aircraft At The Airport Runway
    • United Airlines
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Delta
    • American Airlines
    • JetBlue
    • Hawaiian Airlines
    • Air Canada
    • WestJet
    • Lufthansa
    • KLM
    • British Airways
    • Air France

    As a general rule among full service airlines, the carry-on bag must be 22” x 13” x 9”, or 45 linear inches including wheels and handle. An additional personal item (e.g. a laptop case, a purse or a small backpack) can also be carried, as long as it fits underneath the seat in front or, in some cases, the overhead compartment.

    Having said this, select carriers may have specific rules, such as:

    Passengers Walking Inside Terminal At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, United States

    United Airlines

    When booking a Basic Economy fare ticket, United customers are not allowed to bring a carry-on on board, being restricted to traveling with a personal item only unless they add extra bags. The personal item must be sized 9” x 10” x 17” or less. This rule does not apply to Economy, Economy Plus, or Business Class passengers.

    Air France

    Air France has a much more generous bag policy. Those flying Economy may take one hand luggage and one personal item free of charge, while other Premium Economy, Business or First Class ticket holders can bring two carry-on bags, as well as a personal item. Air France’s hand bag dimensions are 21.6” x 13.7” x 9.8”.

    Young Female traveler Waiting to Pass Through Security Check At The Airport

    JetBlue

    While all JetBlue fares include a personal item, only the Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra and Mint fares allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag on board. Those flying on the Blue Basic fare will need to pay $65 extra when approaching the gate with more luggage. More information can be found on the airline’s website.

    WestJet

    WestJet permits every guest with a ‘confirmed seat’ to travel with both a carry-on and a personal item at no additional costs, though their baggage dimensions are somewhat different from other airlines: carry-on bags must be sized 21” x 9” x 15” and personal items 16” x 6” x 13”. Varying fees apply at the gate when this size limit isn’t respected.

    These airlines normally include a checked in bag for free, but then again, that is not the point here. When booking flights with these airlines, travelers are advised to double check their ticket fare and baggage allowance. In any case, you will also be allowed to bring duty free purchases in the cabin, in a separate bag, regardless of fare.

    Low Cost Airlines

    Smiling Female Traveler Boarding An Aircraft
    • Spirit
    • Frontier
    • Swoop
    • Sunwing
    • Ryan Air
    • EastJet
    • Vueling

    Low cost airlines are a bit trickier to navigate when you’re looking to bring a carry-on with you on a journey. As their main goal is to maximize profit by selling as many tickets at the lowest possible fare, checked bags and in-flight services are either limited or come at a cost. Even then, carry-on bags are either free, or can be added for a small fee:

    Here are some examples:

    Happy Young Woman Checking Her Phone While She Proceeds To The Boarding Gate At An International Airport

    Sunwing

    Each passenger flying with Sunwing is permitted one carry-on item and another personal item on board. The former cannot exceed 5 kg, or 11 lbs, and a 9” x 16” x 20” dimension must be observed, and the latter must be sized 9” x 11” x 5” or smaller. Unless included in the ticket fare additional checked bags must be purchased.

    Frontier

    Frontier, on the other hand, charges a fee for carry-on luggage, starting at $35 for those who pre-book it, and $60 at the check in counter. The maximum weight is 35 lbs and the following dimensions, or smaller, are required: 10” depth x 16” width x 24” height. A comprehensive list of Frontier baggage fees can be found here.

    Passengers Pictured Inside An Aircraft As Air Crew Walks Down The Corridor

    Ryanair

    Indisputably the most popular European low cost carrier, Ryanair allows carry-on bags on board sized 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm from only 6 euros (or $6.16 at the current rate). Customers are allowed to pack up to 10 kg when adding a bag. On top of that, the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags offer allows both a carry-on, a personal item, and a further 10 kg check in bag.

    EasyJet

    With EasyJet, everyone can bring one small cabin bag on board sized 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm weighing up to 15 kg. However, it is important that passengers are able to fit it under the seat in front. Those booked on Up Front or Extra Legroom seats can bring a second, large cabin bag that fits in the overhead compartment (56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm).

    A majority of these carriers have pretty decent luggage policies in place, even at the lowest possible fare level, including small fees for additional bags and other add-ons. The most obvious exception here is Sunwing, which only allows a 11 lb carry-on when most carry-on bags already weigh between 5 lbs to 8 lbs completely empty.

    Some Packing Tips For Traveling Light

    Airport Staff Checking In Bag By Placing A Flight Tag On The Side Handle

    We know that downsizing is not always easy, particularly when it comes to packing for a week-long trip abroad. Whether it’s unpredictable weather or accidental spills, it’s always best to carry an extra pair of shirts for emergencies. While bringing a 23 kg bag may feel like the safer bet here, more isn’t always better.

    Believe it or not, you can actually fit a lot into a carry-on, especially when following these simple, but extremely effective packing tips:

    • Rolling clothes instead of folding them
    • Picking items that can be used interchangeably for more outfit options*
    • Using space-saving vacuum storage bags
    • Putting socks, underwear, and other smaller objects inside shoes

    *Planning daily outfits in advance, as opposed to deciding what to wear on the spot, also helps you pack smarter when traveling light.

    Young Female Traveler Walking Down A Street In Spain, Solo Travel Concept

    The Liquid Issue

    According to TSA guidelines for carry-on luggage, liquids must be transported in travel-size containers that contain no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters of any substance. Furthermore, each passenger is limited to ‘one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols‘, such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, other beauty products in liquid form etc.

    Europe has similar restrictions, where a maximum capacity of 1 liter, in containers of up to 100 ml each per passenger has been established – though some airports in the continent have even scrapped liquid rules following the introduction of a new screening technology. Despite the good news, this is yet to be replicated in most international hubs.

    Traveler Holding Up A Face Mask As They Pack Luggage Ahead Of International Travel

    While other airports don’t catch up, the best tips for ensuring your liquids fall within the accepted limit are:

    • Opting for travel-sized liquid cosmetics, such as foundation
    • Packing bar soap and shampoo whenever possible
    • Considering what full size products can be purchased at your final destination instead

    Bottom Line

    Backpacker Resting His Head Against His Own Backpack While Sitting On The Floor Of An Airport

    As baggage handlers are overwhelmed with an influx of air traffic, especially now that the U.S. has lifted its inbound testing rule for Americans, opening the travel ‘floodgates’, passengers are facing a veiled, but very real threat of losing their bags during an international trip. In sum, checking bags is the last thing you want to do traveling this year.

    According to Paul Stewart, the managing director of shipping company My Baggage, hundreds of passengers across the UK are being separated from their baggage for hours (sometimes days), due to some airlines’ inability to manage higher passenger numbers. It goes without saying that a missed bag is no minor inconvenience.

    Air Passengers Waiting In Line With Their Bags

    Many travelers carefully select outfits they plan on using while on vacation, and although that is not advisable, even carry valuable personal belongings in their hold luggage. Unfortunately, retrieving a luggage that’s been lost in the mail is no easy feat either: as Stewart claims, it may take weeks before an airlines sends the customer’s belongings via courier.

    By the time the luggage finally finds its way to the owner, it is likely vacation plans will have been ruined. When traveling, we may often plan for emergency expenses, but shopping for a whole new rack of clothes for the entire time you’ll be abroad for will not cost a negligible 100 dollars extra – it will have a debilitating impact on travel savings.

    Young Female Traveler Looking Upset While Sat At The Kerb At An International Airport Or Train Station Pickup And Dropoff Point

    Besides the most obvious – getting insured for lost luggage – dropping the excess weight is a simple solution for dodging these major travel woes. Now that cancellations are rampant and numerous airlines are experiencing delays or re-routing flights, downsizing bags and keeping all your belongings within reach is truly the best option moving forward.

    Read More:

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    Complete Guide To Canadian Airlines and the Destinations they Fly

    Delta May Offer You $10,000 Dollars To Get Off An Overbooked Flight

    Canada’s Strict Border And Vaccine Rules Are Preventing Americans From Visiting

    Skip The TSA Line For Free At These Airports With Advanced Reservation

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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