Flying Overseas - what to take on the plane

Flying overseas?

Is there anything at all we may take on a flight?

With all the hype going on whether one may take carry on luggage on the plane, I looked into a few of the international airlines to see what their procedures were for carrying on flights.

What I found is that the airlines are quite cool and happy for you to take whatever you want on board. It is the national airport authorities of the respective countries who make the rules.

Therefore, the rules differ depending on the country of departure and country of destination.

The toughest regulations are from the UK. Till today, on any flight originating in England, both domestic and international, the passengers have been restricted to carrying select belongings in a plastic bag. The regulations can be found on the BAA (British Airport Authority) website at http://www.baa.com/alert_media.html

With the threat level going down, these regulations are in the midst of changing.

From Heathrow Airport starting on 15 August 4.30 AM, passengers will be allowed to bring a small piece of hand luggage onto the plane.

From all other British Airports, passengers are already able to bring a small hand luggage. The security guidelines for the UK will be at the end of this article.

The US has a much lighter screening process:

Passengers on flights originating in the US may take their regular hand luggage with the exception of liquids.

Baby formula and breast milk is allowed if the child is traveling. Prescription medicine must match the name on the ticket. Up to 8 oz of liquid or gel insulin and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications are permitted on board.

All shoes are to be x-rayed.

Unlike a common misconception, electronics are allowed on board all flights with the current exception of flights originating from Heathrow Airport.

An interesting difference between the US and England is in regard to liquid baby formula. On flights originating in England it will be necessary for the parents to taste the formula, on flights originating in the US it won’t.

Unfortunately, the airlines are a little slow when it comes to telling their passengers about the changes. As of the time this Blog went to print, many of the airlines had not published the security changes. These include United Airlines, American Airlines and British Airways. Qantas on the other hand was current.

All the security measures are from flights to and from the UK and the US. Flights traveling between most other countries are not subject to these strict security measures.

The security guidelines for Hand Luggage originating in the UK:

Strictly one item of cabin baggage per passenger, no bigger than the size of a laptop of small rucksack - 35cm (13.5 inches) wide x 45cm (17.5 inches) long x 16cm (6.5 inches) high.

The bag must NOT contain:
- Any liquids, cosmetics or toiletries, including gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures, perfumes and the contents of pressurised containers - these must be checked in as hold baggage
- Cigarette lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage or through the security search.

The bag CAN include:
- Electronic equipment including mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-Pods)
- Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit
- Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle MUST be tasted by the accompanying passenger)
- Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray.

All remaining items in pockets should be placed in the clear plastic bag provided, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note: You may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened.

Once in the departure lounge passengers may purchase any item in any store and take it onto the aircraft as normal. If traveling to the USA it is not permitted to bring liquid on board even if bought in the departure lounge.

I hope this helps all those who wish to fly. Please feel free to comment below to tell our readers of your feelings about these security changes and of any difficulties you may have endured while traveling.

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