Air Travel Regulations Regarding Special Items
There are some special items that you might want to take with you while you travel by air. The reason we call these special items is because airlines may have special rules or regulations for them. To avoid being frustrated after you reach the airport, it is advisable to call the airline you are flying with, since air travel regulations for special items may vary from one carrier to another.
In addition, if you are transporting anything that is particularly large or heavy, you should definitely call your airline before you arrive at the airport.
Alcoholic Beverages
With the exception of medications, any amount of liquid, including alcohol, greater than three ounces must be placed in your checked baggage. Any alcohol that you purchase, after you have gone through the security checkpoint, is allowed onboard the aircraft.
The airlines have special safety concerns regarding 140 proof alcohol and 95% grain alcohol and follow air travel regulations that forbid you from carrying these items in your checked baggage. You are allowed up to five liters of alcohol, between 24% and 70%, in your checked luggage if it is packed in a sealable bottle or flask.
Batteries
Effective January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will no longer allow loose lithium batteries in checked baggage.
In preparation for your trip, you should buy your batteries from a well-established source so as to avoid counterfeits and follow air travel regulations. Counterfeits are a big safety hazard because they could explode and start a fire.
If original packaging is not available for your spare batteries, you should insulate the battery terminals by isolating the batteries from contact with other batteries and metal. Place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag or package, or place tape across the batteries’ contacts to isolate the terminals.
Electronic Devices, Sharp Objects, Sporting Goods And Flammable Items
Camcorders, cameras, laptop computers, cell phones, pagers and personal data assistants may all be carried on board or checked and do not violate any air travel regulations.
You cannot carry on box cutters, ice axes, ice picks, knives, meat cleavers, sabers, scissors or swords per current air travel regulations, but all of these items can be checked. You are cautioned that any sharp objects that you put in your checked baggage should be securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers.
Baseball bats, bows & arrows, cricket bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, and pool cues are not permitted, per air travel regulations, to be carried onboard, but you may check them.
Am easy air travel regulation to remember is to leave your cans of gasoline, lighter fluid and gas torches at home, because they are all banned items. Lighters without fuel are permitted in your checked baggage.
