๐ก Travel tip #128: Weird things you can bring on a plane
Published 14 days agoย โขย 4 min read
Hi Reader,
We have all got liquids taken from our hand luggage.
If you have traveled in the last 20 years, I can almost guarantee this is the case.
I have gotten all sorts of things taken, though I must say I have not complied with the liquid limitations in many years, and take my chances on almost every trip without any issues. I often travel with full size shampoo and sunscreen bottles, mostly out of forgetfulness, not on purpose.
This week's newsletter is about the completely oppositve, the weird things you didn't know you could bring onboard.
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Weird things you can bring on a plane
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In the US, the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, has a very detailed website listing everything you can and cannot bring on a plane.
While this is not a universal list and every country has their own local rules, it is a good start, and the essential place to check if you are flying to /from the US.
Live fish, in a clear water container, so your pet goldfish can join you on your travels, just like your cat can too. That also includes live lobsters, if that is your choice of pet.
A cake, it would not be the first time I see someone traveling with a cake, it was actually very common on my weekly flight to Khartoum when I was working there. I always wondered how the cake arrived, since planes are not fridges and there is a lot of movement going on....
Frozen food, though you have to make sure it is completely frozen, as is the ice trying to keep it cool, or it may be taken, so this seems like an impossible mission...
Alcohol, as long as it complies with the liquid limitations. BUT, you cannot drink it on most airlines. The law or the airline regulation likely only allows alcohol served by the crew to be drunk onboard. This is the case in the US as the US FAA forbids drinking your own alcohol, and onboard most European airlines too.
A bowling ball, though it has to be securely kept under the seat in front of you and not in the overhead bins, as it could fall on someone.
Your falcon, and cabin crew working for Middle Eastern airlines get special instructions on how to act in case of an emergency if there are falcons onboard. Falcons, like other pets, need their own passports too and can travel in the seat next to you.
Cremated remains, as long as they are in a sealed urn that is spill-proof and can also be x-rayed. However, if you are taking them with you to spread them, check that the country you are traveling to allows you to spread them.
Harry Potter wand and lightsaber, both of these can be brought onboard, in case of inter galactic flights.
Things you cannot bring, don't make my mistake:
Soft cheese, or jams, even if they are relatively hard, they are considered liquids and have to abide by the liquids rules.
Aerosols are inflammables and airlines ban them, even though this is not always enforced, I've had mosquito repellent spray bottles taken.
Sharp objects, including nail scissors, though again, they may go through unnoticed.
Large amounts of powder, for example protein powder or cacao.
In many countries like Australia, you cannot enter the country with any food or animal products, so don't forget to eat or discard any snacks you had onboard with you.
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