Things You Should Not Bring on Board

Changes in the Wake of UK Terror Conspiracy

  • On 10 August 2006, authorities in the United Kingdom uncovered an alleged plot to sabotage as many as 10 U.S. airliners traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States, reportedly by using liquid and gel based explosives. Over 20 suspects were arrested in the UK as part of the ongoing investigation into this alleged plot.
  • U.S. Authorities intially prohibited all liquids and gels from carry on luggage.
  • As of 26 September 2006, passengers may now carry liquids and gels under the following conditions:
    • Passengers may bring into the secure area of the airport liquid and gel products, so long as the items are carried in a clear plastic food storage type bag with a capacity of no more than one quart.
    • These would be items such as shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.
    • Each individual container must have a capacity of no greater than three ounces.
    • Passengers may not pass through the security screening with gel or beverage containers of greater capacity.
    • Once a passenger has passed through security screening, they can purchase any size beverage and other liquid or gel products in the terminal and take them on to the plane.
  • Although the most recent announcement did not explicity say so, it is presumed that previous exceptions to gel and beverage policy are still valid, including the following:
    • Small amounts of baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling.
    • Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket.
    • Liquids or gels for passengers who indicate a need for such items to address their medical condition, including diabetic passengers. Quantities are limited to no greater than 8 oz. (240ml) per container.
    • Up to 4 oz. (120 ml) of essential non-prescription liquid medications.
    • Gel-filled bras and medical gel prosthetics.
    • Solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items such as lipstick in a tube, solid deodorant, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.
  • If you have questions or doubts on about an item, place that item in your checked baggage.

Some items should not be carried on an aircraft in either carry-on or checked baggage because of the danger they represent for the passengers and crew. Many of these items are commonly used at work or in the home, but may become a hazard in flight due to changes in temperature and pressure that can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or start a fire. Some exemptions are allowed for medical devices and personal care items. If in doubt, check with your air carrier/airline.

Categories of Banned Items (Please do check with the relavent carrier and the TSA website, Basecrew.com is just an informative site and should not be presented as reference, no liability/claim of any sort will be accepted for all information on this website)

In the wake of the events of 11 September 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has prohibited the following items from airplane cabins (though in some cases they can be carried as checked baggage):

  • Knives of any length, composition or description
  • Most cutting instruments, including carpet knives and box cutters (and spare blades), any device with a folding or retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, and metal scissors with pointed tips.
    Note: As of 22 December 2005, small scissors with a cutting edge less than four inches (10 cm) and small tools such as pliers and screwdrivers that are less than seven inches (18 cm) in length will be allowed in the cabin.
  • Lighters, lighter fluid, and strike-anywhere matches (up to four books of safety matches are allowed)
  • Baseball/softball bats
  • Golf clubs
  • Pool cues
  • Ski poles
  • Hockey sticks
  • There are some exceptions for medical and special needs
  • When in doubt, transport item in checked baggage

The TSA also provids a more complete list of banned items, as well as a list of items that are allowed either in carry-on baggage or checked baggage, in a website as well as a detailed document with more detailed information on prohibited items.

Other Categories of Banned or Hazardous Items

Explosives and Firearms: Matches, sparklers, other fireworks, flares, gunpowder, ammunition or other ordnance, blasting caps, dynamite, loaded firearms (in some cases, unloaded firearms and sporting ammunition may be carried in checked baggage if properly packed)
Note: In the United States, federal laws apply to aircraft and to the secure areas of the airport such as the gate areas. State or local laws concerning the carrying of concealed or unconcealed weapons do not apply. Attempting to enter these areas with weapons may lead to your arrest.

Other Weapons: Knives of any kind, throwing stars, swords, or other items commonly used in martial arts competitions. Rules in other countries will vary with respect to the carraige of knives and other weapons.

Gases and Pressure Containers: Flammable aerosols like hair spray, spray paint, or insect repellant; carbon dioxide cartridges, oxygen tanks (scuba or medical), mace, tear gas, pepper spray, self-inflating rafts, and deeply refrigerated gases such as liquid nitrogen

Flammable Liquids and Solids: Gasoline, propane, butane, and other fuels; lights with flammable reservoirs, matches, flammable paints, paint thinners, some cleaning solvents, some adhesives, cigarette lighters, and lighter fluid. As of 10 August 2006, all liquids and gels are banned from carry on baggage, but many liquids and gels including personal care items containing flammable liquids such as perfume may be carried in checked baggage.

Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides: Bleach, nitric acid, fertilizers, swimming pool or spa chemicals, and fiberglass repair kits

Poisons: Weed killers, pesticides, insecticides, rodent poisons, arsenic, and cyanides

Infectious Materials: Medical laboratory specimens, viral organisms, and bacterial cultures

Corrosives: Drain cleaners, car batteries, wet cell batteries, acids, alkalis, lye, and mercury

Organics: Fiberglass resins, peroxides

Radioactive Materials: Smoke detectors, radioactive pharmaceuticals, and other radioactive materials

Dry Ice (frozen carbon dioxide): Up to four pounds (1.8 kg) may be carried on board for packing perishables provided the package is vented

Magnetic Materials: Strong magnets such as those in some loudspeakers and laboratory equipment

Other items: Wet-cell batteries, chemical oxygen generators (either used or unused), or any equipment containing fuel or other flammable liquids

Declaring Hazardous Materials: In the U.S., you must declare hazardous materials to airlines, express package carriers, or the U.S. Postal Service. Violations can result in either fines or imprisonment.