Since the Terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, and the attempted trans-Atlantic attacks in 2006, airline safety policies seem to have been tightening and changing.To the frustration of travelers, one of the biggest consequences of these events has been a crackdown on carry-on baggage, especially on liquids.While some contraband items (such as peanut butter and gel insoles) may be surprising, the TSA mainly restricts appearance, or items that can be used as weapons.
Sharp objects and weapons
Knives, swords, razors - if sharp, they should not be carried in hand luggage.The only exceptions are disposable razors or replacement shavers and sewing or household scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches.Remove the scissors from the bag before performing the X-ray, as the TSA agent needs to measure them.Hand luggage is not allowed to use any type of gun, even BB guns, torch guns and realistic fake guns, and not all airlines are allowed to inspect guns. Even martial arts weapons such as nunchakus cannot be carried in hand luggage.
Sports Equipment
A few years ago, before the restrictions on hand luggage were increased, if you were traveling with a hockey stick, baseball bat or other oddly shaped personal sporting item, place it in an in-flight overhead compartment rather than expose it to potential damage through inspection.Most types of sports equipment are now prohibited from being used in airplane cabins, whether they are freely carried or carried in a tsa backpack.Long, club-like items that may be used as weapons, such as baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, table and hockey sticks, as well as bows and hand weights, are prohibited.
Large liquid container
In 2006, authorities foiled a planned terror plot targeting as many as 10 trans-Atlantic flights between Britain and the United States, in which militants planned to detonate powerful liquid explosives.Since then, the TSA has limited air travelers to a 1-liter clear plastic bag, with no liquid bag exceeding 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.If you must travel with liquid medicines, infant formula or food, take these items out of your smart backpack and make a statement when you pass through the security checkpoint.You will need to present your doctor's instructions in order to authorize any liquid medical treatment during flight as necessary.
Food with cream or syrup
Even though the terms commonly used for prohibited items are liquids, gels and aerosols, many other types of food fall into the restricted category.Do not pack any transmissible items (such as cheese sauce, peanut butter, jam, jelly, gravy, sauce and salsa) in carry-on luggage.If any of these items weigh less than 3.4 ounces, place them in a zipper top plastic bag along with other liquid toiletry items.
