Air Travel Restrictions

Since the terrorist attacks on the United States of America on September 11th, 2001, air travel has become infinitely more difficult and scrutinized, and as a result, passengers have had to face innumerable complications. There are many new air travel restrictions that are in place now, which never existed before. There is no doubt that the primary cause for the emergence of these air travel restrictions is the overall safety of passengers, but it would be impossible to locate a person who is not troubled by these new rules and regulations.

Familiarity with these air travel restrictions would be a major benefit to any individual who is about to embark on a preplanned air journey or for last minute air travel. There are many fliers who have had to face extremely long lines, sudden delays and unpredictably frustrating instances before boarding a flight. The remedy to such frustrating occurrences is simply to be aware of all the air travel restrictions. Knowing what to expect can help a flier be well prepared and avoid any unnecessary and unseen troubles.

Hand Baggage Rules

• The difference between hand baggage and hold baggage (checked-in baggage) must be clear to any person who plans to take a flight. The regular size beyond which hand baggage is not allowed is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Some airlines may even insist on smaller dimensions, so it is advisable to check with them beforehand. The number of bags allowed may also vary between different airlines.
• Electrical items like hair driers and laptops, are permitted in hand baggage but they are removed and examined during the security check. Even medical equipment and medicines are allowed but they are also screened beforehand. These medicines or equipment must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription, especially in the case of post-pregnancy air travel.
• If a passenger intends to carry a musical instrument, the airline authorities must be notified in advance. Depending on the size of the instrument, an extra seat may need to be booked. Such instruments will compulsorily be screened as well.
• Liquids, must preferably be packed into the checked baggage since the amount of liquids permissible in the hand baggage is limited. Any drinks, toiletries, gels, sprays and pastes qualify as liquids. No container of such liquids should hold more than 100ml, and all such containers must comfortably fit into a resealable transparent bag. An individual cannot carry more than one such bag.
• Lighters are considered as liquids and one person may carry only one lighter. The lighter must be placed in the bag with the other liquids and once the screening is done, the lighter must be carried by the person during the flight (this does not include torch lighters). Under no circumstance should the lighter be put in the checked-in baggage.

What Is Not Permitted in Hand Baggage?

Any item that can potentially cause damage to you or any of your fellow passengers will not be allowed in your hand baggage and will be listed as one of many airline carry-on restrictions. These should be packed into your checked-in baggage. Setting forth on last minute air travel could lead to a person accidentally packing something in the hand baggage that should not be there. The following is a list of items that must not be packed into your hand baggage.

• Scissors
• Razors and blades
• Knives
• Axes and hatchets
• Arrows and darts
• Harpoons and spears
• Ice skates
• Meat cleavers
• Machetes
• Drills, hammers, screwdrivers, saws, crowbars, pliers and blow torches.

Other blunt instruments are also not permitted in the hand baggage.

• Baseball bats or softball bats
• Cricket bats
• Golf clubs
• Hockey sticks
• Lacrosse sticks
• Skateboards
• Fishing rods
• Pool or billiard cues
• Boating paddles
• Martial arts equipment

It goes without saying that passengers are not permitted to carry any firearms or weapons or flammable substances with them. The authorities may choose to confiscate any item at any time that they may see fit.

Traveling by air can be a very pleasant experience, but if air travel restrictions are not kept in mind, then the experience can turn very sour. Safety of the public as a whole, is the prime responsibility of the airline and airport security, and if they spot any suspicious item or activity, they will not hesitate to carry out a thorough check of you and your baggage. To avoid such embarrassing situations, you must be completely aware of all air travel regulations and air travel restrictions.