How to Pack for Air Travel

After the tragic events of 9/11, there were many changes made concerning what passengers were allowed to pack while traveling by air. These changes can make packing for a trip confusing and somewhat hard. For the most up to date listings of what airlines will and will not allow passengers to bring on carry-on bags or luggage, it is always best to call the airline or airport directly and ask a representative. You can also visit the Transportation Security Administration’s website to check the latest changes in policies. Knowing what is accepted and is not will help you and other travelers move through the security check points faster and easier.

It is completely fine to pack clothing, shoes, belts and undergarments in your luggage or carry on bag. If you plan on bringing liquids, gels or aerosols with you, and they will be in your carry on bag, there are certain rules to follow. These items must be in containers that are three ounces or smaller. If the container is larger than 3 ounces, it is not allowed and you will be asked to throw it away. These three ounce containers must be placed in one, quart-size, zipping top clear pastic bag. This is mandatory and strictly enforced. Upon going though security, you must take the plastic ziplock bag out of your carry on place it on the conveyor for x-ray screeing. Airlines will make exceptions for breast milk, baby formula and medications. If you need larger amounts of these kinds of items, you should pack them in your luggage and check them in with the airline you are flying with.

In the past, most sharp or semi sharp items were banned from being brought in carry on bags or packed in luggage. However, you can now pack these items in your actual luggage. Sharp items need to be carefully wrapped so that baggage checkers do not get hurt. The items that are in this category are mail clippers, nail files, tweezers, razors and scissors with blades that are shorter than four inches. Knitting and crochet items are now allowed in your carry on luggage. Sports equipment, martial arts items and firearms are not allowed in carry on luggage. Travelers must tell the airline about the firearm ahead of time and they must be unloaded and locked. Some airlines do not allow passengers to bring firearms at all, so you should check with your airline on their regulation. You can pack tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches in your carry on as long as they are less than seven inches long. Otherwise, these items must be packed in your checked luggage.

All electronic items are allowed either in carry on or in checked luggage. The airline recommends that most expensive, personal electronic equipment be packed in a carry on bag and kept with the traveler at all times.

If you are traveling over the holdiays and you must take gifts with you on the airplane, do not wrap anything. Instead, leave the gifts in unwrapped bags and pack in your luggage or carry-on bags. If you do wrap your gifts, be prepared to have them unwrapped if the security officials deem it necessary.

Airlines do not allow flammable items, lighters, fireworks and other explosives or spray paint, paints or paint thinners. Chlorine bleach and other abrasive chemicals are also not allowed in luggage or carry on bags.