In this article, we will explore the 11 things not to pack in your carry on bag for flight. You will not want to forget these essentials when you are preparing for your trip as a lot of people have faced consequences at airports because of forgetting something.
Your carry-on luggage is primarily used for storing things you want with you in the flight cabin, protecting them and keeping them within your reach.
We’ve compiled a list of things you should never put inside your baggage – as they are, at best, completely unnecessary and only take up space in your bag while they could, at worst, result in losing important belongings and create difficulties during security checks.
As we know that travel by plane is not an easy thing to do and it takes a lot of time and effort. The purpose of this article is to give you some advice about your airplane journey.
So, to make your trip easier and more pleasant, there are some 11 things you should never pack in your carry on bag for flight!
What not to pack in your carry on bag for flight?
Every time you fly, there are items that you have to bring with you– and items you should leave at home. To be fair, not all of them are household enough.
But some items pose a threat to everyone involved in the flight – and airline crew don’t want them near their planes either!
There are lots of things every traveler should keep in their bags while traveling by plane. But different airlines have different rules.
Remembering all the different rules can be confusing and irritating, so we’ve done the dirty work for you and listed those 11 common mistakes you want to avoid (and why).
1. Sports Equipment
Sports equipment such as baseball bats, skim boards, hockey sticks, and other large objects are prohibited on planes. I advise against packing them in any carry on baggage or checked luggage because they can create hazards during the flight.
Sports equipment are not allowed on the plane for safety reasons. All bags are checked and scanned to ensure there is no risk to other passengers.
The likelihood of a flying object injuring someone is higher than what should happen if a person is stranded on the ground.
Even though airports usually allow carry-ons, it’s possible that they will be taken away when going through security.
When checking in at the gate, flight attendants might also check that your luggage meets restrictions before boarding the plane. These rules can differ depending on the country or airport you are in.
2. Liquids Over 100ml
When traveling by airplane, there are a lot of rules that need to be followed. One rule is to not pack liquids over 100ml in your carry-on bag.
This is because they may be confiscated and they could cause the person inspecting them at security to suspect that you are carrying explosives. It’s best to store any liquids over 100ml in your checked baggage.
You can pack liquids and gels in your checked bags or carry-on bag as long as they don’t exceed the 3.4-ounce (100 milliliter) limit per item placed in a single, quart-size zip-top plastic bag.
Carry-on liquids must be in containers that hold 3.4 fluid ounces or less per item. Each security officer reserves the right to approve only one carry-on item for consideration, so carefully look through all pockets of items claimed to be the carry-on for any additional containers that do not fall within this requirement.
3. Weapons
It is illegal to bring weapons on a plane. Even if you have a concealed carry permit, it won’t matter. You cannot bring any kind of weapon onto a plane and will be questioned by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
This includes firearms, knives, sticks, stun guns, metal or plastic knuckles, martial arts weapons, etc. If you do not get permission from the TSA beforehand and are caught with any of those items at the airport when going through security, then you could be arrested.
4. Explosive Items : Fireworks, Christmas Crackers
One of the most important things to not pack in your carry on bag is anything that could be considered an “explosive.” This includes fireworks, bomb-making materials, flares, or anything that can start a fire.
Just because something can’t explode doesn’t mean it’s safe either – things like knives are not safe in a checked bag. They could easily stab somebody and would make the entire area unsafe for everyone around them.
When carrying potentially explosive items at airports, a lot of restrictions come into play. For starters, the Transportation Security Administration will not allow flammable materials to fly in checked bags or passenger’s carry-on luggage.
Furthermore, items that may potentially explode when mishandled are also on the list of prohibited items for carry-ons
5. Flammable Items : Paints, Fuels, Gasoline, Lighter
Do not pack any items that could ignite and cause a fire because such items are prohibited on planes. This includes crayons, hair spray, alcohol, cosmetics and aerosols containing liquids such as nail polish remover.
Remember to leave any flammable items at home such as aerosols, beauty products, fluid lighter fluid, and gas bottle. If you have been in a war zone or natural disaster zone, that should go without saying.
Not only are these dangerous when the oxygen supply is limited or impeded in the cabin of an aircraft, but also cause mishaps on the ground with luggage and at airport check-in.
Bringing these items on board is highly dangerous because they have the potential to explode or catch fire and cause a bigger emergency evacuation than needed.
6. Chemicals : Chlorine, Bleach, Fertilizers, Spray paint
It is recommended to not pack chemicals in your carry on bag. Chemicals should either be checked or kept in your checked luggage.
There are many harmful chemicals that shouldn’t fly with you, including bleach, ammonia, paint thinner, and nail polish remover.
Once on the airplane, bringing these types of items could result in you being the subject of unnecessary searches and delays.
If a traveler has hazardous chemicals in their carry-on luggage and the TSA do not detect it they could be prosecuted under the Federal Aviation Act.
This is because those types of materials may be counted as an “extraordinary security threat” if an x-ray machine operator cannot determine what the contents are.
7. Sharp Objects : Box Cutters, Large Scissors, Tent Spikes, Knives
Sharp objects are not allowed in your carry-on bag due to the possibility that they could be used as weapons against the plane’s crew and passengers.
These items include scissors with blades over 4″ longer than their handles; pocket knives with blades over 2″ longer than the handles; box cutters; edged weapons like axes, daggers, or swords; adhesives; as well as tools such as ice picks and screwdrivers.
Don’t pack any knives in your carry on luggage for a flight. Even small pocketknives can be considered dangerous when security does a quick pat down or check of the bag.
Make sure to pack these items in your checked luggage and have them placed in your bag as overflow baggage.
If a TSA officer sees you passing through the metal detector and asks to check your bag, it might cause you some problems if the sharp object is among your belongings.
8. Self Defence Items
When it comes to packing for your flight, you don’t want to pack anything in your carry on bag that could pose a threat.
That includes pepper spray, stun guns, knives and any other items used for self-defence. Anything with a blade or liquid will be confiscated by authorities.
Always make sure if you’re late to boarding that you talk to the gate agent first. It’s not uncommon for them to let cheaters through while they verify their paperwork but they’ll need you in line to board the plane too.
This is especially important if the boarding process has already begun in which case hijackers cannot jump over during certain points of the procedure.
9. Meat, Fruit, Vegetables
There are a number of items you should take care to not pack in your carry on bag that could present a problem. For example, fruit, vegetables, and meat.
When packing for your flight, it is best to pack meat at the bottom of your bag and high up so that if water spills or seeps out of the bag, the meat won’t get wet.
Fruit and vegetables should also be packed high and towards the center of the bag so that they don’t become mushy if they leak.
The flight attendants will then have to check this suitcase and break the bad news that pungent food cannot be carried aboard.
Meat, fruit, and vegetables may seem innocent in your hand luggage for flight, but airlines do not allow them.
This rule is because meat, fruit and vegetables can spoil or cause bacteria around the luggage compartment.
For example, if an apple has been sliced with applesauce spilled all over it, people are probably going to be skeptical of bringing it.
10. Smelly food
Don’t pack food with strong odors in your carry-on bag before going through airport security. The smells can linger and bother other passengers.
Don’t forget that certain items like sweets, vinegar, wine, spices, or tuna are considered contraband on jets – typically nicotine is allowed to be mailed or flown as long as it’s not in a large quantity or in liquid form.
Since flight attendants won’t allow you to bring your own blanket onboard the seven mile high club anymore, some hotels supply complimentary blankets for guests staying under an hour; however these are often small and thin ones.
For a comfortable flight opt for one of the many available travel blankets that fold up into nothing more than their own pockets; most of which will wrap around your body twice and remain comfortably warm despite being so thin.
11. Perfume
It’s not a good idea to pack perfume, aerosol cans, or spray paint in your carry on bag. These items might create significant problems if they explode during flight.
Leaving them at home will help to reduce your nerves and make the flight that much smoother. It also means less of a likelihood for any accidents as well.
There are regulations about what you can bring onto an airplane when it comes to medication (sciencescientistsonline, 2014). Different medications are considered under different categories.
Passengers are allowed to have a limited quantity of prescription medications but the specific requirements vary from airline-to-airline so be sure to check with your airline before packing them.
Videostreamstore found some useful information which defines the legal number of pills for each category on a plane.
Summary of things not to pack in your carry on bag
The TSA website has a list of what not to pack in your carry on bag for flight. Some items include: liquids or gels, powders, knives (including tools that are sharp), firearms and ammunition.
You may be able to bring these items with you on the plane if they are in your checked bags. Other prohibited items and actions include strollers, selfie sticks, liquids or gels in containers larger than 3 oz., and any type of aerosol spray.
Experts recommend you avoid packing liquids, gels, creams and pastes, small tools and power cords in your carry-on bag.
You should also avoid sharp items such as scissors or pocket knives and anything made from metal. Have a TSA checkpoint officer decide what’s needed for the flight and get those things in your checked luggage. Finally, don’t carry over-the-counter medicines that can be helpful during the flight
Generally, you should find out if there are any specific restrictions of airlines before you pack your carry on bag (some airlines require certain items to be in your checked or unpacked luggage) and things you should never pack include anything that is liquid, aerosol or gel, which includes lotion, perfume etc.
As you can see, there are quite a few items that you should not pack in your carry on bag when flying. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your flight is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Do you have any other packing tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!
