16 baggage rules and tips to make flight journey hassle-free

While flying in a plane, travelers' most significant problem is the baggage fees when they weigh beyond the prescribed weight per the flying company's rule. Anything extra will charge extra, and sometimes in the checking session, one must abandon certain items as you cannot carry on with you. We have collected specific guidelines from frequent travelers and Transportation Security Administration on making flying safe and hassle-free.

Restriction on Liquids

This is a standard rule that applies to all flying companies, and even as per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) liquid rules, travelers are allowed to bring only a one-fourth size bag of liquid that includes aerosols, gels, creams, and paste with the portion of 3.4 ounces or less than that only in the carry-on bags as this will aid in the screening process. Containers/bottles Larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters can be carried in checked baggage provided they are properly sealed and secured with tamper-proof bags.

Though TSA has given exceptions for medicines, Infant and child nourishments, after Covid-19, TSA is allowing travelers to carry only one hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces which will be screened separately. In short, bring solid toiletries, so one doesn't have to waste their money by simply neglecting at the checking point or creating unwanted anxiety before boarding the flight.

Restrictions on powder

Just like liquid, even powder has rules to be carried. The TSA powder rule states. "Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened."

Powders larger than 12 ounces (350ml) must be packed separately only in the checked bag. And again, certain airlines make it clear not to carry any powders larger than 12 ounces in carry-on bags against the TSA rule.

Makeup rule

As per TSA guidelines, makeup in a solid or powder form is allowed in carry-on and checked bags with no size limitation. However, when packed in carry-on bags, cosmetics in a liquid, lotion, gel, paste, or creamy form, must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. One can take many travel-sized liquids as comfortably fit into one quarter-sized zip-top bag. One liquids bag per passenger is allowed in carry-on bags. There is no limit on the size or quantity of liquids in checked bags.

Hair straightener and a hair dryer

Place the hair straightener in carry-on bags by wrapping it using a small towel so that it is safe when placed after use and still it's hot as it could burn your clothes or other items in your bag. And the same with hair dryers.

Sporting goods

Archery, baseball, fishing, golf equipment, etc., must be properly encased in a suitable container. Service charges for the bags may apply. Archery and other equipment carried in addition to the bag allowance will be assessed at the current cost for excess bags. The company cannot be liable for damaged archery and other sporting equipment not contained in a hard-sided case. For all these, one set of equipment per customer is allowed. It is charged based on size and weight.

Are sharp objects allowed

A big no to sharp objects in cabin baggage. Even metal, pocket, and Swiss army knives are not allowed. Still, if one wants to carry a knife, box cutter, or sword on your trip, it must be packed in your checked luggage by safely wrapping it with secure taps so that the baggage handler or baggage screener are safe while handling the baggage and inspecting it.

Breakable objects like glass

According to the TSA website, the drink is allowed in hand luggage. Glass objects like glass picture frames and glass vases are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage as long as the glass item fits in the bag and the bag fits within the size and weight restrictions for your airline.

The fragile items must be wrapped carefully during the journey as, at times, the glass can be broken and dangerous when checked baggage is banged while handling luggage.

Is razor allowed on a plane

Well, here is the thing to know about razors. Razors with fixed/in-built blades can be carried along with them. Electric razors are also allowed in your carry-on. The problem is with those Straight razors with separate blades that are not permitted in your carry-on luggage. So Disposable razors are allowed in your carry-on bag, but straight razors are not.

Can you take knitting needles on a plane

The answer is yes for those who like to knit, especially to pass the time; you can bring knitting needles on a plane in your carry-on bag. TSA also allows crochet hooks in your hand baggage. Plastic or wooden knitting needles are preferred over metal ones, and circular knitting needles are preferred over straight ones; however, the TSA website doesn't mention this.

How about Guns

A Gun is a weapon not allowed in a carry-on bag, whereas they are permitted in checked luggage as long as they are empty and must be locked and put in a hard-sided container. And again, it is dependent on airlines as some airline companies have restrictions or fines; even some companies do not permit to carry of flares and gun powder in checked luggage.

As travelers, check the country's laws where you will land. Even within the US, different states have different rules, and many other countries heavily restrict or prohibit personal gun use and ownership.

Flammable items

If one wants to carry Camping gear used for fires and cooking, it must be empty, and there should be no trace of fuel or vapor in it. Flammable and explosive items are not allowed both in carry-on bags as well as in checked luggage. And even matchboxes are not permitted in checked baggage. Similarly, lighters are allowed in carry-on bags only after ensuring that the fuel is 100% empty.

E-cigarettes or vaping devices allowed

E-cigarettes or vaping devices are allowed in carry-on bags, not checked luggage. Vaping devices are battery-operated devices that people use to inhale an aerosol, which typically contains nicotine (though not always), flavorings, and other chemicals prohibited from operating on an airplane. And the batteries from the device have to be removed before carrying.

Alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.

Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must fit into a single quart-sized bag. Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151-proof rum, are neither allowed in carry-on bags nor checked bags.

Agricultural products

Most countries prohibit travelers from bringing meats, fruit, vegetables, plants, and other agricultural products. If one wishes to bring fruits as snacks, it is advised to eat them on the plane; if not on arrival, they will be confiscated.

Countries like Australia and New Zealand are even more strict and won't allow things like wooden souvenirs that may have been picked up somewhere else.

Food is allowed on a plane as it is pretty standard and, yes, depends again on the airline, but one has to ensure that they don't carry stinky foods as it might be disrespectful to other travelers. Food that can be considered a liquid is not allowed if it is more than 3.4 ounces (100ml). Sometimes semi-solid food like peanut butter counts as a liquid.

Knitting needles allowed on planes

Travelers who want to pass their time can carry knitting needles in their carry-on bag as TSA allows crochet hooks in your hand baggage. Plastic or wooden knitting needles are much preferred over metal ones.

Items for infants

The baby carrier is allowed, whereas baby formula like breast milk and juice in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Breast milk and formula come under medical necessity. This also applies to breast milk pumping equipment.

For travelers' convenience, they are encouraged to place non-essential powders more significant than 12 oz. in checked bags. Powder-like substances more effective than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening, and containers may need to be opened.

General tips

Avoid wearing strong perfumes as it may trigger allergies in other passengers.

Privacy is not guaranteed on the flight, so make sure that one doesn't read an adult magazine or watch any adult movies on your laptop or mobile.

Try to carry e-books or kindle, so you don't take bulk materials with you.

Carry liquid makeup separately and solid makeup individually; it is better to put the liquid makeup along with liquid packs of shampoo, perfume, etc.

Avoid carrying stinking foods.

Air mattresses with built-in pumps are allowed in carry-on Check on the size and weight instructions.

Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. Most other consumer devices preventing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage.

Self-defense items, like pepper spray or mace, are not allowed in carry-on luggage. These could be considered a weapon by TSA. Still, if you want to bring, travelers can have one 4-ounce mace or pepper spray container in their checked luggage "provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge."

Tools are considered weapons; with prior approval from TSA, one can bring their instruments and put them in checked luggage.

Instead of carrying shower gels, one can take shower bars, similarly to toothpaste tabs and others, just to avoid liquid issues.

Carry deodorant sticks instead of perfumes.

It is always advisable to check the TSA website before packing your bags and checking the arrival state or country's rule beforehand so you will be free from a trouble-loaded journey.