So, you’ve finally finished preparing for the vacation you have spent your days daydreaming about. You have acquired that travel visa, saved up for your travel expenses, and had a whole itinerary planned for visiting some of the countries in the Schengen area. You arrive at the airport with high spirits, only to be stopped by security because 50% of your luggage violates item restriction rules.
Airline security around the world is extremely tight, and their leniency can only go so far for allowing certain items past customs. Knowing what you can and can’t bring in an airplane is extremely crucial, for it can be the cause of short-term delays or long-term detainment. Strict as it is, this is to ensure that terrorism and causes for personal accidents are kept at bay. The right travel insurance in the Philippines can aid in expense reimbursement for such cases, but nothing beats a smooth journey, so avoid a long delay by familiarizing yourself with item restriction rules.
When it comes to luggage, it can be classified as either carry-on or checked. Carry-on on specifies personal bags that are carried by their owners to the cabin, while checked luggage refers to bags that are transported separately. Both have similar, albeit different guidelines allowable items. Listed below are the general item restrictions for common and uncommon items:
1. Weapons
Besides firearms, items that can be construed as a security threat are also subject to removal. This includes:
- Bullets and gunpowder
- Blades and other sharp objects *
- Worker’s Tools
- Blunt Tools, including sports materials
- Concealable like spring batons and knuckle dusters*
- Fake Weapons**
*Sharp tools from self-care bags or multitools such as scissors must be shorter than 4 inches
**Toy guns, airsoft guns, sizeable replicas
2. Animals
While certain breeds of cats and dogs are allowed for air transport, it’s not recommended for owners to bring along their furry friends. It is a stressful health risk for the animals, even if they’re brought in as carry-on. Restrictions usually consider the animal’s size, type, hair, odor, and sometimes the owner’s special needs. Therapy pets are assessed before they’re approved or denied boarding. Proper documentation on the necessity is needed.
- Exceptions for exotic animals are rarely made.
- Every airline has different policies regarding pets
3. Liquids
The rule for liquids is no more than 3.4 ounces of any liquid, regardless of whether they were brought checked or carry-on. This goes for care products, souvenirs, and consumables. Exceptions are made for medications, baby food, and those with special needs relating to liquids.
- Gels, jelly, condiments, and creams count as liquid
- Alcoholic beverages are allowed, but they must have less than 70% alcohol content and they cannot be drunk on the plane
- Mashed foods are considered as liquid
4. Flammables
Lithium, Alkaline, and rechargeable batteries are allowed, with certain restrictions.
- Batteries must be installed in their devices.
- Spare/Uninstalled lithium batteries in checked luggage are not allowed in checked luggage
- Batteries for electric vehicles like wheelchairs are subject for assessment
- Large batteries and batteries prone to leakage are not allowed for both checked and carry-on
- Liquid fuel, matches, and paint are prohibited
- Aerosols are only allowed if they’re in carry-on baggage.
- Rules concerning matches and lighters depend on the airline. Some are tolerant, while others only allow emptied lighters for both carry-on and checked luggage.
Other notes:
- Vapes, e-cigarettes, and the like fall under the category of liquids and flammables.
- Items of questionable legality like hemp products and ivory trinkets should not be brought
- Bringing in large quantities of powdery substances is not recommended
- Loud items like party poppers and air horns are prohibited
- Some countries like Hawaii have strict policies against bringing produce-type food through customs due to health concerns.
- Flammable items like fuel and paint are prohibited
If you ever feel like these restrictions are too tough, just remember that this is for your and everyone’s safety. After all, airline companies and employees do everything in their power to maintain a secure environment and to generally provide a satisfactory experience for you.
