TRAVELING BY PLANE – PACKING

Traveling by plane. For some people completely normal way of traveling. Like going by bus or by train. But it is a nightmare or at least stressful for many people. Stress before traveling, because they are not sure what they can take on the plane with them and what they cannot. Stress on the way to the airport, thinking if their luggage is not going to be overweight. Or if their backpack has the right dimensions. Stress during the security control. And so on.

WHAT YOU CAN PACK TO YOUR CARRY-ON. AND WHAT YOU CANNOT!

I receive questions regarding this topic often. Domi, can I pack chocolate into my carry-on luggage? But what if security check officers will throw it away? No, they will not. I offer you the list of the most common items, however, it is not complete at all.

What you cannot pack:

• Liquids with more than 100ml capacity. It applies also to the cases when you have only a little suncream left inside of the tube. If it says 200 ml on the packaging, it goes to the bin. The liquids have to either have the capacity written on the packaging or you can use small transparent bottles you can buy in drug stores. These are internationally approved. Many times, I used a small bottle of mouth wash or small shampoo. It does not matter that the original content is not there anymore. All this applies to the perfumes as well. 
• Food of creamy nature. I found out by myself when the whole unopened Nutella went to the bin. I tried to argue that it is not liquid. They answered that it can melt. Well…
• Sprays or any other pressured cosmetics, for example, shaving foam. Even smaller than 100ml. Still not.
• Sharp items. Pocket knives, manicure sets. I usually carry a small sewing kit (only small needles and a few threads) and I have not had a problem with that. For now. 
• Drone. It has to be packed in the suitcase going to the cargo. But its battery has to be packed with you. Does it make sense? No? Keep reading.

What you can take – the most common questions in this category are: 

• Food? Yes, if it is not liquid or creamy. Be careful with the salads from supermarkets, there can be mayo packed inside. That is not allowed.
• Charging cables? Yes
• Portable batteries? Yes
• An empty bottle that you can fill after security control? Yes, please. You do not have to buy expensive water at the airport or on the plane.

CHECKED BAGGAGE

What you cannot pack:

• Lithium batteries. They usually ask about them during check-in. You have to have them with you in carry-on luggage. These are all chargeable batteries, which you have in the cameras, drones, mobile phones, and also portable batteries. Why? These batteries are safe for everyday use, but they can have their faults. Damaged or staying in higher temperatures for a longer period of time, and can overheat themselves and start fuming or catch fire. It is better to keep an eye on these. 
• dangerous items like gas cylinders, guns,…
• the list is quite long. If you are interested to read more about it, check here.

What you can pack:

Cosmetics, sprays, and capacity does not matter. Food. Electronics, which does not contain lithium batteries. Alcohol, but be careful with the quantity. Every country has its limit for imported alcohol. Tobacco as well.

If you have problems with packing for holidays, read this article on how to make your packing faster and easier. 

ONE MORE RECOMMENDATION:

You do not want to pay for extra carry-on luggage but do you need to take more things with you? Be creative. Wear 2 jumpers and 2 t-shirts, 2 pairs of socks and 2 pieces of underwear. Hang the camera around your neck or have it in your hand. Put the portable battery in your pocket. 

INTERESTING RESOURCES TO READ:

International Air Transport Association – Passenger corner

European Union Aviation Safety Agency – Dangerous Goods