Since the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, airport security has become significantly stricter on what can be carried onto an airplane. The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, checks very closely for anything that could possibly be used as some form of weapon. They not only screen everyone at a security checkpoint, but they also screen all checked baggage. Remember, attempting to fly with a banned item, even accidentally, is illegal. TSA can either press charges criminally, civilly, or at the very least require that the banned item be disposed of immediately.
The most obvious rule is the ban on all explosives. No explosive material is allowed in an airport or airplane. Even bringing replica explosives will get a person arrested. There have been incidents where travelers have joked about having a bomb and were quickly arrested. After the hijackings of September 11, there is no place for joking when it comes to protecting our nation’s airways. Along these same lines, all flammable material is also banned. This includes fuels, paint thinners, aerosols, and any replica or look-alike flammables. As of April 15, 2005 cigarette lighters will be included in the list of banned flammables right alongside of strike anywhere matches. For smokers, you are only allowed to carry up to four packs of safety matches in your carry-on baggage. Large cans of aerosol hair spray are also not allowed in carry-on or checked bags. To ensure a swift trip through any security checkpoint, leave all flammable hairspray at home, aerosol or not.
Any sharpened metal object can be checked, but they are banned from carry-on baggage. This category includes scissors, knives, straight razors, box cutters, swords, meat cleavers, ice picks, etc. This category is pretty much common sense. The primary rule here is if the object in question can cut, it is not allowed in an airplane passenger cabin. If these sharp items are properly sheathed and protected, they can be transported in checked baggage.
Sporting goods objects that could possibly be used as clubs are also prohibited. Hockey sticks, pool cues, baseball bats, and golf clubs would fall under this category. All of these objects are allowed to be in checked baggage, but they cannot be carried on the flight as part of a carry-on bag.
Firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows, martial arts items, and any other weapon item cannot be allowed on an airplane. Most airlines will allow these items to be checked, such as for a hunting trip, but these items must be declared immediately upon check-in. Also, any airline that will allow checked transportation of a weapon would most assuredly have several special rules on packaging and types of acceptable shipping containers.
For the traveling technician, all tools boxes and tool bags must be checked during check-in at the ticketing counter. No tools are allowed in carry-on luggage. Also keep in mind that all airlines charge fines for bags exceeding 50 lbs.
Ever since our airlines were hijacked on September 11, many new rules have been made, and many old ones are now strictly enforced. Just remember, if an object can cut, punch a hole, or be used as a weapon, ensure the item is properly packaged and included in your checked luggage. Also, if an object can burn or explode, leave it at home. Keeping these rules in mind while packing your luggage will ensure a swift and easy time getting through an airport security checkpoint.
