You’re getting ready to go on a trip. Let’s say, for purposes of this article, you’re flying in or out of London. You’re excited to be traveling, but when it comes time to pack your luggage, you’re not quite sure what you’re allowed to bring on board the airplane and what you aren’t. If an item is not allowed in your carry-on bag, is it okay to check it in your luggage? How about items that aren’t allowed in either your carry-on bags or checked luggage? You certainly don’t want to set out for the airport, learn some of your items are prohibited, and be forced to leave them in luggage storage in Victoria Station.
For those who aren’t ready to leave their items in luggage storage in Victoria Station, let’s explore the question of what exactly is and is not allowed on an airplane, both in your carry-on and checked luggage, in further detail.
Flammable Items
This seems pretty straightforward, but anything that could catch fire mid-flight is dangerous and not allowed. Gasoline, other fuels, paints, lighter fluid, or aerosol cans larger than 3.4 ounces are a few examples. However, you are allowed to bring a lighter or one book of matches, provided they aren’t strike-anywhere matches. Also, the lighters cannot be plasma, electronic, or arc lighters.
Liquids
Non Flammable liquids are allowed on an airplane, but only up to 3.4 ounces each. This includes things like food and beverages, makeup, lotion, hair gel, hairspray, shampoo, toothpaste, or spray deodorant. Any container these items are in must be 3.4 ounces or less. Therefore, if you have a six ounce tube of toothpaste, but it’s half-empty, so you think it’ll be okay, guess again. You will not be allowed to bring it on the airplane. You might be leaving it at luggage storage at Victoria Station.
It’s also a good idea to remember the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. Any liquid item you are bringing in your carry-on luggage must be in a 3.4 ounce container or less, you must put all of your liquid containers in a clear, 1 quart plastic bag, and you are only allowed to bring 1 plastic bag on board.
Sharp Objects
Items with sharp edges like box cutters, picks, knives, or straight razors are not allowed in your carry-on baggage. Scissors are acceptable as long as they’re not over four inches long. If any of these items are going in your checked baggage, make sure they are securely wrapped.
Guns and Weapons
Guns or other types of weapons are not allowed in your carry-on bags, but are permitted in your checked luggage, provided you declare them to the agent at check-in. Even then, the gun will need to be unloaded and in its own locking, hard-sided container. If you are bringing ammunition, it must be in its own container as well and there is a limit to how much you can bring. If you are thinking of traveling with a weapon or ammunition, it’s best to double-check with your airline first.
Explosive Items
Anything that could explode, such as fireworks, flares, dynamite, or other such items are not allowed on an airplane, either in your carry-on bags or your checked luggage.
Chemicals
Items like bleach, chlorine, liquid batteries, fertilizer, fire extinguishers, or spray paint are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags. They are hazardous and run the risk of leaking, which is dangerous to everyone on board.
Sporting Equipment
Any equipment used for sports that could be dangerous or used as a weapon, including bats, golf clubs, ski and hiking poles, or hockey and lacrosse sticks cannot go in carry-on luggage and will need to be checked. If you are traveling to the airport and realize your baseball bat isn’t going to fit in your luggage, perhaps it’s best to secure it in luggage storage at Victoria Station while you’re away.
Alcohol
Any alcohol you consume during a flight must be purchased from the airline. However, you are allowed to bring up to five liters of alcohol in your checked luggage if it is packed securely. Alcohol bought at the airport, such as a duty-free store, is allowed to be brought on board with your carry-on luggage, but it must be in a clear, plastic bag and remain in its original packaging. Any alcohol that is over 140 proof is not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage.
Enjoy Your Trip!
If you are careful, do your research, and follow directions, packing for your trip should be no problem, even with items that have some restrictions. Once you get off your flight and are ready to see some sights, drop your bags at luggage storage at Victoria Station and see the best that London has to offer!