Baggage Blues

For some of us, going to the airport, travelling, packing etc can be really stressful. Worrying about the size, the weight, excess baggage, prohibited items are some of the things we stress about. There are some basic common security issues and some basic baggage rules, get to know these and going to the airport will be much easier. Most airlines and countries have similar rules but its best to check with the airline concerned before travelling. The rules regarding weight and size differ from airline to airline too, so these too need to be checked after you have decided on the carrier you wish to fly with.
There are 3 main issues to deal with. Cabin baggage, Items not allowed as Cabin Baggage but can be carried as Checked In Baggage, and lastly Prohibited Items. Everything you carry will be screened at the airport and must conform with airport and airline rules. We will cover all three.

Cabin Baggage
Cabin Baggage or Hand Baggage, is the luggage you are allowed to carry on the plane with you. 


Laptops and Electronics
You are allowed to carry your Laptop, iPod, Mobiles, Camera etc but these will be removed and screened thoroughly. 

Essential Medical Equipment
Such as walking cane, wheelchairs, push chairs. These too are allowed and will be screened. You will need a medical certificate for the same, such as a letter from your doctor. 

Musical Instruments
If it is a normal sized one and will go overhead, its fine. But if it is an oversized one, you need special permission. For this you need to contact the airline and make special arrangement.

Liquids
You can carry liquids like lotions, perfumes, toiletries, gels and pastes but the quantity cannot exceed 100ml. Anything more than that will not be allowed. Also, try and use transparent containers. 

Essential Medications
You are allowed to carry more than 100 ml of any medication in your hand baggage but you will need a supporting document from a qualified medical professional, a prescription or a letter from a doctor. You may also need prior permission and approval from the airline concerned. 

Baby Food and Milk
You are allowed baby food, milk and sterilized water. The milk and water can be carried in baby bottles only. Formula for milk and baby food of various consistencies are also allowed. You may be asked to verify the milk or water by tasting it. 

Liquids Bought at Airport
These can be taken into the aircraft if you have bought them after passing through security check. This includes perfumes, wines, spirits and bottled water. 

Jewellery, Valuables and Money Related Items
These are all allowed in your handbag. In fact, these should never be placed in Checked In Baggage at all. 

Other Items
All other personal items like sunglasses, passport, documents, toys, portable data devices like flash drive, keys, photos, and all other things that are not sharp, are small and you don’t want to lose it, can be carried with you.



Items not allowed as Cabin but allowed as Checked In Baggage
This is also known as Hold Luggage. These items go into your suitcase along with your personal items like clothes and shoes. They can be carried but will not be allowed as Cabin Baggage.


Personal Items
Razors, nail clippers, nail filer, tweezers, knitting and sewing needles, scissors, knives, blades. Any liquids over 100 ml, including your contact lens solution, shampoos, conditioner, lotions etc 

Sporting Equipment
Golf clubs, darts, fishing gear, sports sticks, racquets or bats, shotgun, spear gun, martial arts equipment etc. 

Work Tools
Blowtorch, nail gun, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, wrench, drill and drill bits, or anything with a blade or shaft longer than 6cm.



Prohibited Items
These are items you cannot even dream of carrying. These are the banned items.


Chemicals and Toxic Items
Any chemicals and oxidizers, bleach, including chlorine and mercury and repair kits, acids and alkalis, vehicle batteries or fuel systems, radioactive material, defensive sprays including Mace, poison and toxic substances, Infective substances and biological hazards, fire extinguisher.

Ammunition
Guns, rifles and firearms, detonators and diffusers, imitation or replicas of explosive devices, mines, grenades, fireworks, smoke canisters, dynamite, gunpowder, gun cigarette lighters.



The Action Plan
Apart from what to carry and what not to carry, here are some tips for you.
 
1. Do not put heavy items in the overhead storage spaces, it would cause severe head injury, if it fell.

2. Always tag your bags with a distinct label, with your name and telephone contact given clearly, never your part or complete address.

3. Customize the look of your bag so that it is easy for you to identify.

4. Make sure that the airline tags show the correct destination.

5. Be sure to keep the baggage tab with you, in case the airline loses your bag, you have proof.

6. Don’t carry any hazardous items.

7. Report the loss of your bag to the airline representative immediately.


If in case you have any further clarifications about what you can carry or not, you can always send us an email and we will get back to you, or you can even check with the airline concerned. We have tried to give a complete list but do double check everything always, for your own benefit.