The checks and scans for illegal or dangerous items required at aiports for passengers and baggage.
5
votes
1answer
65 views
Can I put Kensington lock in my hand luggage?
I frequently fly around Europe only with a hand luggage. Recently I bought a Kensington lock for my laptop which I usually take with me. The lock did not cause any problems at the airports in ...
4
votes
2answers
167 views
What's the worst that can happen when attempting to fly with double-edged razors?
I recently switched from cartridge-style razor blades to an "old style" razor which takes double-edged razor blades.
(source: Wikipedia)
I know that TSA officially does not permit flying with ...
7
votes
4answers
446 views
Why do airports sometimes detect traces of explosives in bags?
So there's a (usually spot check) inspection point at airports sometimes, and they do a check for traces of explosives/gunpowder residue.
I've never had any problems, but a couple of friends have had ...
55
votes
8answers
3k views
How to convince airport security that I am not dangerous when having metallic parts in my body?
I had an operation some time ago and now I have small screws in my shoulder which will not be removed anymore. When I decided to fly for vacation, I supposed that these will may bring me into trouble ...
5
votes
5answers
190 views
What can security officials do when they suspect my checked baggage?
Chris S answer in this question recommends against packing items such as desktop computer because they can look suspicious to the security officials.
Assuming I lock my luggage, what can they do if ...
10
votes
3answers
419 views
Can I bring my desktop computer as check-in baggage on a flight?
I am moving from Malaysia to the US, and planning to bring my desktop computer with me. I plan to pack it in my checked-in luggage. Will the computer risk being damaged? Any precaution should I take ...
3
votes
1answer
439 views
Can I bring whey protein powder on US domestic flight as carry on?
I have searched for a definitive answer to this question on google but found conflicting opinions. My question and situation is as follows:
I am traveling from Ithaca, NY to Detroit, MI and back ...
9
votes
1answer
146 views
I stamped my passport before international departure, but I want to cancel now!
If I stamped my passport for an international flight as we usually do before international departures and then I changed my mind for any reason, for example a family emergency reason. What's the ...
6
votes
3answers
224 views
Can you enter the departures area without a boarding pass at London Heathrow airport?
My girlfriend is leaving the UK from Heathrow tomorrow. Is it possible for me to go through security with her so that we can be together until she goes to her departure gate?
9
votes
3answers
161 views
Camping stove on a plane?
Can I bring a camping stove (without fuel) on a (domestic or international) jet, either in checked baggage, carry-on, or some other means?
6
votes
2answers
130 views
Are restrictions on batteries when flying common in first-world countries?
In Australia, there's recently been a restriction on certain types of batteries - they're not allowed in checked luggage of aircraft. Is this ban common in first-world countries, or is it not the case ...
3
votes
1answer
238 views
Do I need a transit visa to travel from US to India via Europe
I am an Indian citizen planning to go to India via London or Frankfurt. I won't go outside of airport. I heard rumor that you need a transit visa due to changes in European policies. Is this true ? ...
6
votes
1answer
832 views
Can I take two laptops to India from United States? One bought in India and one in US
I will be landing at New Delhi airport. The worth of new laptop (Lenovo Yoga Idea Pad 13) is about $1000 and old one (Macbook Pro) is > 1 lakh INR. I want to leave the new laptop in India. I have a ...
4
votes
1answer
137 views
Are cream-filled pastries allowed in my carry-on?
I want to bring small cream-filled snacks for family and friends.
Is it allowed? Small things like Twinkies, mini-cupcakes and so on in the one allowed carry-on. Or will airport security confiscate ...
8
votes
1answer
96 views
Electronics during airport security process in South Africa
I'm travelling to South Africa for 3 months on an internship for school, and recently someone told me that they might take my laptop at airport security.
Can anyone tell me how this works? And does ...
6
votes
1answer
5k views
Can I take both a laptop and a tablet in my carry-on bag when going to india?
I am planning to travel to India (COK airport, Kerala) from United States. I want to take my laptop as well as my tablet (iPad). Am I allowed to take both in my backpack with my documents related my ...
5
votes
2answers
296 views
Is it okay to bring a bottle of champagne on an airplane (as checkin luggage)?
Can you bring a bottle of champagne with you as luggage (not as hand luggage)? Or would the pressure pose a risk and as a result not be allowed?
11
votes
1answer
1k views
How early can you go through airport security for an International flight?
I'm not sure if this is airline or airport-specific? (assuming airport)
I know that if I have an early morning flight and show up the night before, I'm denied because the date on my ticket is for the ...
10
votes
2answers
343 views
How can I make my boots less of a nuisance in the airport?
I wear boots for business wear due to some foot issues, but they can be a pain when going through airport security. Airport security often requires you to remove your shoes before you pass through ...
15
votes
2answers
3k views
Can you bring an empty water bottle with you on the plane?
I know you can't bring bottled water and such with you on the plane. However, is it safe to bring an empty bottle with you to fill up later? Or do you risk losing your possibly expensive/fancy/awesome ...
17
votes
2answers
2k views
What does this sticker on the back of my passport mean?
I am currently travelling in the USA and when checking in on the boarding flight to enter the country, the security personnel attached a small yellow-white sticker to my passport (see a somewhat ...
6
votes
1answer
265 views
What is the earliest before a scheduled departure that you can get through a TSA checkpoint in a US airport?
If I am scheduled to depart from an airport for an afternoon or evening flight, what is the earliest the TSA will let me into the airport in the morning?
11
votes
3answers
829 views
Peacock feather a prohibited item?
I'm spending the summer in London and recently took a trip to Kew to visit the botanical gardens. While there I found a beautiful peacock feather that a friend of mine back in the US would love. ...
11
votes
1answer
354 views
Tent in hand luggage?
Can I carry a tent in hand luggage on a flight?
Do poles/pegs present a threat? I mean, they could but they're going to be tightly packed and actually attempting to get them out would draw a lot of ...
4
votes
2answers
223 views
Travelling with computers in the US
Last time I went to the US I travelled with a laptop and spent a lot of time taking it out at airport checks and removing the battery from it. This time I may be travelling with an iPad - do they ...
8
votes
2answers
394 views
Are the TSA rules legally binding?
A user asked
How do I minimize the chances of TSA agents confisticating liquids larger than 3 ounces?
My question is - are the TSA rules legally binding or not? Whether or not you get charged if ...
14
votes
3answers
2k views
Are parachutes allowed on airplanes as cabin baggage?
On the Ryanair website, I came across an FAQ entry on whether parachutes are allowed on planes. (So I presume it must be asked frequently enough to be added to the FAQ page of a major low-cost ...
14
votes
2answers
946 views
US and Canada Border Crossing and Computer Privacy: What do I need to know?
I've read stories about border officials searching laptops when crossing the border in one direction or the other. Does this really happen, typically speaking?
As a US citizen, can I be forced to ...
8
votes
3answers
5k views
How do I prevent damage to electronic devices at airport security?
I have travelled with a laptop before with no problems (not recently), but for an upcoming trip I will, for the first time, be carrying a smartphone and a Kindle (not the Fire but the older e-ink ...
28
votes
4answers
1k views
Can I take this on a plane?
I'm travelling to the UK in a couple of weeks to attend a wedding. While I'm away, I have a university assignment due, and I'm concerned that I might not be able to get it finished before I leave, ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
Duty-free liquids on a connecting flight in the US
I am going to the USA next week and want to bring some bottles of the good stuff as presents for my relatives living over there.
My flight was cheap however it requires me to make a stop over.
...
4
votes
3answers
7k views
What to expect at a Global Entry application interview?
I applied for the Global Entry program a couple of days ago, and I noticed a few mentions throughout the application process to an interview that I would need to schedule as part of the process.
What ...
17
votes
3answers
4k views
What does “SSSS” on my boarding pass mean?
When I checked in for my American Airlines flight from Costa Rica back to the States, I noticed that my boarding pass had "SSSS" printed across the top left corner.
Nobody else in my party had this ...
10
votes
4answers
895 views
Correct reasons for opting out of millimetre wave scanners
Having travelled through SFO a few times, and each time been asked to go through a millimetre wave (or backscatter) scanner, and each time 'opted out' and gone for the search (in public), I'd like to ...
3
votes
1answer
159 views
Where in Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport are the millimeter-wave body scanners?
This wikipedia page about millimeter-wave scanners indicates that Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport uses millimeter-wave scanners. Can someone tell me at what sections/terminals of the airport ...
16
votes
5answers
3k views
What to do if drugs / a bomb are planted in your travel bag?
So the scene: You're flying from Bogota, Colombia to New York, USA. You arrive, pick up your bag from the carousel, and figure you'll stuff your netbook you used on the flight into your bag now ...
3
votes
0answers
121 views
What exactly is the “personal item” you can bring in addition to a carry-on? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Additional cabin handbag on flights
On many airlines (at least in the US), you are often allowed one "personal item" in addition to your carry-on bag. For example, ...
12
votes
2answers
645 views
Carry on cheese grater on domestic U.S. flight?
Will I be permitted to pack a cheese grater in my carry-on bag for a domestic U.S. flight, or will this be considered a "potential weapon" and prohibited?
11
votes
3answers
5k views
Why do you need to take out your laptop from your bag during airport security checks?
Why do you need to take your laptop from your bag during airport security checks? Why can't they just x-ray check the whole bag together with the laptop? I can't think of a reason.
10
votes
1answer
162 views
Inspection of over-packed bags
On the TSA website, their "tips for packing your checked baggage" twice emphasizes that you shouldn't over-pack your bags:
Avoid over packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily ...
14
votes
1answer
163 views
Which organizations are/have been effective at lobbying against invasive airport security?
I've been selected for additional screening the last 5 times I've flown and I'm getting tired of it. Not flying is not an option. I want to donate money and time to a larger group that can represent ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
Can you buy duty free at Kuala Lumpur for travel to Australia?
Currently, Australia has tough restrictions on liquids for both departing and arriving flights. These mean that for a flight to Australia, you will be re-screened before boarding the plane, with ...
11
votes
1answer
746 views
What's a good substitute for a pocket knife that can be carried on-board a plane?
I always used to pack a pocket knife in my checked luggage when travelling, but now that I'm travelling with carry-on bags only, security restrictions prevent me from bringing a pocket knife.
Is ...
6
votes
1answer
763 views
Carry on crafting projects
I'd like to fly with my crafting projects as carry-on (backpack, tote bag, whatever).
Think: sewing needle, fabric scissors, glue gun, metal beads, crochet hook, knitting needles.
While non-metal ...
9
votes
2answers
1k views
Electronics in sealed box as carry-on luggage: issues at security?
We are going to a conference and we are taking a new ipad with us to give away but we don't want to box to be opened. Will they just run it through the scanner or do they have to open it?
15
votes
2answers
2k views
Is the TSA Lock acceptable in European Airports?
I understand if you travelling in or to the US, you can lock your luggage using the TSA Luggage Lock. (Immigration is still able to open your luggage using their own special keys)
How about Europe? ...
16
votes
4answers
2k views
Is it OK to take a disposable safety razor on a plane?
I'm travelling soon with cabin luggage only and I was wondering if I can take a disposable safety razor with me?
This page says it's OK, but it also says it's OK to take small scissors and I've ...
7
votes
2answers
358 views
Exiting Vancouver airport during a flight connection with New Zealand passport
A friend on a NZ passport flies through Vancouver tomorrow, and has a few hours at the airport between international flights. Can he exit to the 'outside world', given he has a valid passport etc? ...
15
votes
2answers
3k views
What happens if you miss a connecting flight?
What happens if you book tickets through an airline or travel agent, but on the travel date miss a connecting flight (either because the first flight was delayed, or because immigration/security took ...
10
votes
1answer
256 views
Is mozzarella liquid affected by the no fluids policy on planes?
Recently I heard a story of a friend who was flying from Rome to Berlin. He tried to carry a big mozzarella cheese with him. Mozzarella cheese is generally layered in a milky liquid.
At the security ...
