Certain items are prohibited on airplanes to ensure passenger safety and security. These restrictions apply to both carry-on and checked baggage, although some items may be allowed in limited quantities or under specific conditions.
Here's a breakdown of items generally not allowed on an aeroplane:
Prohibited Items
- Oxidizing Materials: Substances that can easily release oxygen and support combustion, such as:
- Bleaching powder
- Peroxides
- Poisons and Infectious Substances: Materials that can cause illness or death, including:
- Insecticides
- Weed killers
- Live virus materials
- Items with Offensive Odors: Anything emitting a conspicuous and/or offensive odor that could cause discomfort to other passengers. This is subjective and depends on the airline's policy and crew discretion.
- Explosives and Flammable Materials: This category encompasses a wide range of dangerous goods, including:
- Dynamite
- Fireworks
- Flares
- Flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.)
- Gases (propane, butane, etc.)
- Compressed Gases: Including aerosols (except for limited quantities of personal care products).
- Corrosives: Substances that can damage or destroy other materials by chemical reaction (e.g., acids, alkalis).
- Radioactive Materials: Materials that emit ionizing radiation.
- Other Dangerous Goods: Items classified as dangerous goods by transportation regulations, such as self-defense sprays containing irritants or disabling substances.
- Sharp Objects (in Carry-on Baggage): While many sharp objects are permitted in checked baggage, those that could be used as weapons are prohibited in carry-on baggage. This includes:
- Knives with blades exceeding a certain length (typically 6 cm or 2.36 inches)
- Box cutters
- Ice axes
- Scissors with blades exceeding a certain length
- Firearms and Ammunition (without proper declaration and handling): Although firearms can be transported under specific circumstances (declared to the airline, unloaded, and securely packed), they are strictly prohibited without following protocol.
Considerations
Airline regulations and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines in the US, or equivalent organizations in other countries, are subject to change. Always check with your airline or the relevant aviation authority for the most up-to-date information before traveling.
