Be careful if you fly this summer: certain products are strictly prohibited on board. Check carefully what you are allowed to take in your luggage, as the rules are different for the cabin and the hold.
Traveling by plane is always exciting. But unlike the train, and for obvious security reasons, you cannot take certain objects and products in your bags and suitcases, whether in the cabin or in the hold. Whatever your destination, here’s what you need to know to prepare your luggage without risking an unpleasant surprise at the airport before boarding.
In the cabin, the rules are very precise, especially for objects that are dangerous or could be used in a dangerous manner. Firearms and bladed weapons are of course prohibited, as are sharp objects. A simple knife with a blade longer than six centimeters will not be able to pass, with tools such as screwdrivers and sharp scissors also being banned. Another crucial point concerns liquids. You cannot bring containers of more than 100 milliliters into the cabin. This includes water bottles, cosmetics, shower gels, shampoos, perfumes and even toothpaste! All these products must be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. If you forget this rule, you will unfortunately have to abandon your items at the airport.
The list of prohibited items differs somewhat for checked baggage. Lithium batteries, for example, are a real concern, as they pose a risk of explosion and fire. Laptops, as well as smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices with batteries, must be carried in cabin baggage. If you have an electric bicycle or a medical device such as a wheelchair equipped with such batteries, you will have to find another solution for transporting them. Other items, such as corrosive chemicals, explosive materials and compressed gases are also prohibited. Batteries, however, are allowed, provided they are in their original packaging or in an individual bag.
If you have planned something to eat during the flight, be aware that solid foods such as sandwiches, fruit and biscuits are allowed in the cabin. On the other hand, drinks, soups and other sauces follow the same strict rules as other liquids and must not exceed 100 milliliters per container. In the hold, you can take food without too many restrictions, but always check your destination’s specific rules for fresh produce.
At the airport, your luggage undergoes several checks. Upon arriving at the security checkpoint, you will need to place your personal belongings, including liquids and electronic devices, into bins for inspection. The hand luggage then goes through an X-ray scanner. Sometimes additional checks such as a manual search or checking for traces of explosives may be carried out.
For hold baggage, after being weighed and labeled, it is sent to a sorting area where it is also scanned to detect prohibited items. Be careful if you are transporting certain products such as almond paste which can be detected as explosives, due to a similar density: search guaranteed!
If you are caught with prohibited items, consequences may vary. The most common sanction is confiscation and destruction of the items. In some cases, you could be banned from flying on certain airlines or even face legal action. Don’t take any risks and check with your company before you leave.