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Written by Akshaya Devi on December 23, 2019 Share on

Things Not Allowed in Your Hand Luggage | And (Surprising) Things That Are.

Wondering what to pack in your hand luggage? Refer to this guideline of what and what not to carry!

Holidays and TSA memes are a hilarious love story. From carrying a half-frozen water bottle(have been there) to sneaking your favourite home-made gravy on a leak-proof pouch(not me, just heard it somewhere), we go all James Bond while packing our hand luggage. But knowing TSA, even Daniel Craig cannot pull off tricks with them.

Save some hilarious stares and packing fails with this list of what and what not to pack in your carry-on or hand luggage.

General guidelines for your hand luggage:

While this varies for different airlines, the standard regulations allow hand luggage that is 22*14*9 inches long and weighs below 22 lbs. And here’s a list of a few basic items we were always confused whether to bring or not:

Perfumes are allowed, but less than 100 mL

Perfumes less than 100 mL are allowed in your hand luggage. Though it’s bad news with those with fragrance OCD, be relieved that you can still carry a 100 mL perfume bottle in a transparent bag.

Follow the 3-1-1 rule while packing liquid make-up items

Any liquid make-up item like liquid foundations, liquid lipsticks, toner and moisturizers should be in a 3.4-ounce resealable container and all the items should collectively fit into a 1-quart transparent bag.

Non-liquid make-up items, then?

Any solid item like normal soap, lipsticks and powders can be carried in your hand luggage without any limits. But remember, anything n aerosol cans like spray deodorants and hair spray still come under liquid category and should conform to the specified rules.

Toiletries, if I need an emergency freshen-up?

Toiletries in solid form can be carried with no restrictions and those in liquid form(even toothpaste) goes in the 1-quart bag. Scissors with blades less than 4-inches and disposable razors are allowed in your carry-on luggage, whereas safety razors and blades are not allowed. Also please note that knives of any sort and similar sharp objects are a clear no-go.

What Medicines are allowed in the carry-on luggage?

Pills, syringes and even liquid balms and ointments don’t fall under the 100 mL liquid restrictions. You can carry them in your hand luggage with proper prescription from your doctor.

Hmm excuse me, what about food?

Liquid food, as usual, come under the 3-1-1 rule but solid food such as cereals, bread and dried food items are allowed in your carry-on luggage.

Also, these items(some are surprising!) are a straight NO-GO in your hand luggage.

  1. Sports equipment
  2. Sharp objects such as knives
  3. Mechanic tools
  4. Chemicals and toxic substances
  5. No oil paints or other combustible substances
  6. Magic 8 ball(Yes we always carry them around isn’t it?)
  7. Travel equipment like camping tents and kayak paddles(Sorry TSA, we DO need them in our hand luggage!)
  8. Guns(Logical, we’ll give you that)
  9. A maximum of two lighters are allowed, but not matches(yes, they totally, TOTALLY serve different purposes)

All set for your vacation? Not planned yet? Drop a message to Pickyourtrail and plan the best last-minute vacation you’ve ever planned.

And hey! Happy vacation:)

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