🎒 Here's the packable backpack I showed at the start of this video (made by Osprey): osprey.pxf.io/JzNx7v 👉🏻 And here's my packable backpack comparison, so you can choose the best one for your needs: th-cam.com/video/YZlEfy4kQI0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vjbwf1EPBjflLVoR 📚 Do you prefer to read? Here's the written study on packable backpacks: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/portable-perfection-ultralight-packable-backpacks-for-easy-travel/ 🧳 Save luggage space and fees with this FREE Travel Gear and Packing List CHEAT SHEET! bit.ly/3AFfiTq Includes special discount codes up to 25% off the things you need. 📺 RELATED VIDEOS 📺 👜 Which is the BEST Personal Item Bag? | Peak Design, Knack Bags, Pacsafe, Nomad Lane - th-cam.com/video/LL-_ZhFXZz0/w-d-xo.html 🧳 Pack More in Smaller Bags: Tips for Flying Carry on Only - th-cam.com/video/nYonKzhlP_Y/w-d-xo.html 🛩 Airlines are Cracking Down! 2024 Carry on Changes, and How to Be Prepared - th-cam.com/video/yLDz-ttaf20/w-d-xo.html
Just a note about jewelry, I had to transport my mother’s jewelry home due to her dementia. 5 bags of it and the TSA officer had to go through it at 5 am. He was obviously anxious about all the valuables he was dumping out. I learned to pack jewelry in a see through bag, usually one slightly tinted so the officer can easily see the contents but another person would have problems seeing it. It has prevented other incidents of extremely valuable items being dumped out.
@@trekster7777 Who knows what was suspicious. It might have been the 5 big bags of various metals and chains. The TSA agent did not say. Some was very valuable and some not. He did not want to touch anything after dumping it out.
Great video! The only thing I will add is that TSA and their foreign equivalents can be arbitrary at times, and will sometimes disallow an item that an airline says is allowable. For example, I traveled for years with a travel iron (yes, I'm one of those people!), but on a trip from Mexico to the U.S. a couple years ago, they disallowed it, and I had to check my bag. I wrote a complaint letter to American Airlines, and they refunded the checked-bag cost, but it was a hassle. A few years ago on a flight from Madrid to London, tubes of lipstick were not allowed, and the agents announced that anyone with a tube of lipstick had to either discard it or check their bag. I've never had that happen before or since. I also used to bring a collapsible travel teapot in my carry-on, which is allowable according to the TSA website. However, after getting pulled out of line, questioned, and a TSA supervisor called over, I no longer do so. In Guatemala City I had a screener confiscate my small roll of masking tape. I always travel with it, through many U.S. cities and many different countries including Guatemala, but that was the only time they cIaimed it was prohibited. I also travel with a pair of cheap children's scissors from the dollar store. Sometimes they get confiscated, sometimes they don't, even though they meet the TSA requirements of being less than 4" long. So just be aware that even when you follow the rules, you may still get an allowable item confiscated. It's not right, but it happens.
This is so true! I've brought stuff (like scissors) through countless security screenings, then randomly they get confiscated. Super strange about the lipstick tubes, and the masking tape!
Thank you for your time and posting. OMG. I think it is hysterical with all the stuff that is not allowed, only allowed in checked, only allowed on carry-on, allowed only in special containers, quart-size bags, AND each airline is different. Hysterical, but I think it is hysterical because I don't fly very much. Going to Vietnam in October to maybe retire there. Thanks again for all your work.
It is quite a thing! I didn't realize how complex it was until I started researching it for this video, at which point I thoroughly confused myself! Ha ha!.
Years ago, shortly after 9-11, I was leaving JFK for Asia. I carry my camera equipment in a common backpack. Going through TSA, I was asked what I had in the backpack, I promptly replied "a camera, two lenses and two flash guns" The young TSA man's eyes just about popped out of his head! Seeing his reaction, I got excited and quickly explained what "flash guns" are. Being much older than him, I had inadvertently used a 1950s, 1960's term for "speedlights", "camera flashes", or "speedlites". The situation was defused, and after inspecting the bag's contents, I was allowed to proceed. Lesson learned - be sensitive to how you describe or declare the contents of your carry on baggage. LOL
What always surprises me when checking luggage-- is they ask "any lithium batteries"-- I say yes, my AirTag. Always seems to be a bit of confusion before I'm told okay. I never hear/read about anyone discussing this.
I was called to security in a domestic flight in China, screamed at, with my checked luggage opened, and barely let on the plane, all because of a small bottle of dry shampoo spray. That was 9 years ago and now I pack powder dry shampoo.
Wow. I thought I had a hard time when a bag that had a lock attached, but not locked. They were yelling the bag was too big and that I had to open it! I went over and unzipped it and in moving it so that it was clear it wasn’t close to being full.
Many thanks to you Nora ! My recent return from a trip to Panama went off without a hitch, other than horrible problems with the "Friendly Skies", thanks to watching your videos & following your advice. Many Thanks !
Medical equipment might need some extra scrutiny or notifying the airline earlier. CPAP/APAP machines are apparantly allowed on the aircraft and not counted as carry-on. Haven't tried that one yet, but time will tell.
This all makes sense thank you. Husband and I are going international for his hockey trip (plays). I hope we can figure out to take his equipment with us (and no one goes through it and steals an item)!
I got stopped once because I had preserved butterflies. They were professionally framed so the tsa had no idea how to full inspect them. They called in a lot of coworkers to see them because they were so unique. They were my entire carryon that trip because we had expected questions.
On my last trip to visit my brother (computer wizard) I packed a broken laptop in my checked luggage. I wanted the files on its hard disc, and he could extract them. I also had my current laptop, tablet and phone. I packed the broken laptop in checked luggage, AFTER I removed the battery. [The battery went in my personal item.] I expected my checked bag to be inspected, so I packed the laptop where TSA could see it without disturbing my clothing, with the open and empty battery compartment facing up. My bag was inspected. Nothing was disturbed, and they left a note saying it was inspected. We got my files, and I left the broken laptop with my brother, so had no worries on the flight home. The take-aways is, if you're packing a questionable item, expect your bag to be opened and inspected, so pack to make things easy on TSA. *Don't* try to break the rules!
My knitting friends often ask about knitting needles. I’ve only had a problem once. I flew from Phoenix to LA to Sydney, knitting all the way. They confiscated them on a puddle jumper, Aussie flight, but gave them back. 😂
My carry on is all medical equipment. If I have to check it it would be empty! Of course since it’s a soft bag, it could then go in the emergency backpack😱😂
I once flew a live african violet in cabin (not sure if that was legal, it was hidden in a box). I was moving from Quebec to Vancouver and the plants had been my mother and survived her 7 years. It made it there in one piece but did not survive my 17 year old non green thumbs 😆I'm planning to fly some of my dad's ashes to Squamish next summer and since one of my carry ons is my cat, I'll have to pack efficiently.
Great hints on what to look for. It is much better to be prepared! Recently I had my husband's wedding ring in my little jewelry pouch. His fingers swelled, so he took it off. He spent the flight worried that the airline was going to lose our checked bag and his wedding ring. I assured him that jewelry is always with me on the plane!
One typo, you said that, I general, the maximum capacity for a lithium battery is 100 watts. It should say 100 watt-hours. Since most batteries are rated in amp hours: watt hours = amp hours x battery voltage. So, my 3,000 mah (3 amp hour), 12 volt battery would be 36 watt hours which is fine. However, my 5 amp hour, 44 volt pack would be 220 watt hours, well outside the limits.
@@NoraDunnMy wheelchair is allowed a total of 240Wh sometimes 300Wh and a spare although the spare gets messy with the rules and whether things are removable.
I can’t believe the horror of going through the Vienna security after giving up all your things you will not know where your stuff is for more than 20 to 30 minutes i got so worries about my wallet passport etc so many peoples things just get moved all over the conveyer belts if I knew how to make a complaint to Schwechat airport security I would never encountered any thing like that many people where concerned like I was totally unacceptable 😟👎
@@NoraDunn One could light the chair in front of you or set the toilet paper or someone's carry on. The rules may then change....always not very creative.
Thanks for the video. I had my lighter confiscated from my carry on Are you sure about lighters and matches. I smuggle the matches because they always take my lighters?
It depends on the airline; most language I've read indicates you're allowed to bring one lighter on board. Some security agents will scrutinize this, many won't.
I do like to travel with a small can of aerosol hair spray. I put it in a tiny ziploc bag in my liquid bag. I’ve never had any problems going through TSA with it, and the extra bag protects my other items if the can leaks or heaven forbid explodes.
My last trip I had my extra insulin in small cooler with chill packs in my checked luggage. My husband collapsed at the Chicago airport and we spent the night at a nearby hospital. Next flight was the next day, thank God the airline didn't charge extra to change the flight. We got into Rochester New York at 9 pm. I was able to retrieve our checked luggage but I needed to pay for another insulin prescription due to the spoiled medicine. Now I wouldn't be able to fit all my meds in my personal bag, much less all the other items I would need in it. So I guess I won't be flying.
@@constancepullen810 Awful, so sorry. Instead of taking all the insulin you need, can you travel with a written insulin prescription to fill when you arrive at your vacation destination?
@@DallasNatureLover I had the current pen I was using with me and it had 3 days supply in it. Dr offices don't give out paper prescriptions anymore. Seeing as I fly with needles, 15 prescription item plus medical appliances things can get dicie. My next trip I'm driving from Western New York to Dallas TX for the anniversary of my husband's death. Anyway, my dog wouldn't be practical on the plane.
Apple air tags are allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage because they contain less than 0.1 grams of lithium, which is considered safe by the FAA.
Thank you Nora. One common aerosol I carry when going abroad is bug spray. Typically size of these cans is larger than allowable liquid volume. Can it go in checked luggage?
@@NoraDunn..i once had a full-sized toothpaste tube, almost empty. The TSA agent promptly confiscated it. She claimed it was the volume available, not the actual volume remaining (about two-three ‘brushes’ left).
Are shaving blades allowed in carry-ons? TSA website says yes but I’ve heard different things. What is the latest please thanks. Keep up the good work.
DEATH CERTIFICATE! I met a man who was traveling with cremated remains and was turned away because he didn’t have a death certificate. He went thru another line and got through the second time. (Then accidentally left the ashes where he spent the night at his destination.)
Just a quick question. You mentioned prescriptions, I am traveling for 5 months out of the country and taking my medication, are you saying that I should also take a paper prescription for the same meds? (This is our first extended trip, so we have no experience).😊
If possible, yes. It helps the customs agent identify what they are looking at. I take photos of the pills next to the prescription so that they can match everything up. In the long run, it’s faster and you will get your bag more easily at your destination.
YES. and in addition to that the others said, pack them in containers with the prescription on the container. (you can ask them to be in blister packs if that makes the packing easier, although if you're taking a 5 month supply, bottles may be better. however, you might also check to see if they can fill your prescriptions while you're there, and how much it would cost. we ran into a bind on our first international trip, because her doctor was too slow authorizing early refills on prescriptions that were going to run out while we were there, and we ended up just getting them filled on our arrival. and the cash cost of the medical consultation and medications were less than an equivalent refill would have cost us in co-pays at home.
@@leeannkleine6120 - good idea photographing the pills inside the bottle with the prescription info on the side + a close up of the pill for ID. EXCELLENT.
Does anyone know if keychains or brooch/enamel pins are allowed through TSA? I know this may sound like a stupid question but i am very anxious bringing them through TSA!! (I have checked my flights TSA guidelines but it says nothing about it)
Great question! Tough to say. The pointy part of a brooch pin might be problematic. Then again I've carried safety pins and sewing needles on board countless times with no issue.
I’ve carried the pins that are single posts through with no issue. Years and years ago I had trouble with an open wire pin that set off the metal detectors while the 8 quarters in my pocket didn’t!
Would your packable backpack then become another carry on? If they are reducing carry ons, will they let you have a packable backpack with things in it?
No, I always pack my packable backpack. :-) I only bring it out on a travel day if I'm traveling with just one bag (no personal item) and I'm forced to check it because it's a small airplane. Then I unpack my packable backpack and put my valuables in it and carry it on.
How many protein bars can I carry in my carry-on luggage? What about protein powder? Does it have to be in the original package and unopened? As a bodybuilder, I eat a lot of protein and find it difficult to get protein powders/bars in some of the countries we travel to. The weight of the bars and protein powder adds up quickly and I don't want to go over on the checked baggage. I do not mind the weight in my rolling carry on.
If you are traveling on a set schedule and know where you'll be staying, consider shipping your protein to your destination, not having it on the plane at all. It won't be cheap, but will be cheaper than excess luggage fees. You need to be worried about your carry-on, as some international airlines have small weight allowances for personal items. [As in, 7kg for all your carried on items, total.] Check with each airline you'll be on.
@@lizcademy4809 As you stated, it won't be cheap! It is SUPER expensive to ship to Eastern Europe. We always book UNITED for international so we can use our points.
I plan on taking my dog ashes on a flight from the U.S. to Thailand when I move there in 2 years. Since a carryon is limited to 7 kilos, I’ll bring them in my backpack
I travelled with my father's ashes through 3 international airports. In Miami, the young officer had no clue how to deal with the situation. He went to get help. While i waited, i pondered that all hell would break loose if they wanted to open the urn. Fortunately, the young man came back with an apology and condolences before letting me go through.
I carried my wife's ashes as my personal item. The urn was made out of wood so it could be x-rayed. No problems with the TSA. I did carry paperwork provided by the company that handled the cremation, as the urn was buried next to my wife's parents' remains.
I enjoyed the video, but I noticed one error. You (can) take live fish on an airplane. Any live fish must be in a clear plastic bag when you go through TSA. I'm speaking only of air travel in the USA. There will be no concerns or questions. No (US) aviation rule/law excludes live fish carried in this manner. I've never (ever) heard of an airline denying a passenger the right to bring their live fish on board. Simply Google, can I take live fish on an airplane in a clear plastic bag?
I find it interesting you can check personal pepper spray protection, smaller cans, not bear spray! I bring one with me when I’ll be in questionable areas, such as in California! 😂 but one piece of advice, if you do pack a small can of pepper spray, put in a sealed zip lock baggie! Or even better, double bag it! You DONT want to be that passenger that causes an unscheduled landing due to irritating fumes in the cabin! The FAA WONT be happy with you! lol 😱
Never assume the goons in the bowels of the airport won't steal or destroy items in your checked luggage. I had a CPAP machine destroyed when they attempted to pry it open with a screwdriver.
I’m a chef and I do mission work for church. I travel with my chef knives. The first time I had to go to TSA to claim my baggage because of the knives. They suggested I put a note with the knife roll. I put. “ chef knives, on church mission trip”. My bags get search every time, but no more trips to the TSA office.
I would suggest that NO powe banks should be allowed. Too many cheap ones with questionable quality are in the marketplace. If there was a need, I would buy such a device once I arrive at the destination even if I have to give it away for return trip. Also, most aircraft have phone charging ports or power points available for people to use. Most if not all laptops are made by reputable companies and are generally safe so long as they are not mishandled.
@@NoraDunn Just saw a video on YT of lithium battery fire in South Korea. It was a security camera video, showing stacks of boxes containing trays of the usual type of lithium batteries (18650 ). Some trays were out of boxes and stacked on the floor. One of the batteries burst into flames and while staff tried to extinguish them, there was no way they could succeed with standard extinguishers. Just to think that out of millions of such cells in marketplace, a tiny fraction WILL burst into flames and it could be one of those power banks, sitting in someone's overhead luggage on a plane. Why they allow such things on a plane is beyond understanding. BTW, about 20 workers died in the fire.
Wow, so many banned items that I'd never think to pack on a flight because, well, why? I mean lighter fluid, spray paint, torches, cleaning fluids, tear gas, explosives, fireworks, loaded firearms, etc.? Unless, of course, you're traveling for work and need them for professional reasons, in which case you're probably familiar with the process of packing and getting approval for them. But, who takes spray paint and bleach to Disney, London or a cruise? Do I even want to know? 🤣
@@NoraDunn Not really. Even distilled water can be difficult in Europe if you don’t know where to look! And, on some of the trips to just the cruise line island that’s even harder.
Recently traveled to Seattle to catch a cruise after not flying or cruising since 2020. Left my home airport without issue. Was a little confused when TSA had me leave my laptop in backpack, but breezed through otherwise. Returning from Seattle was a whole different experience. SEA was packed at 8 AM, the line looked endless. Had to remove laptop (which I expected) and breezed through X-ray screening. Upon reaching the end of the line, each of my carryon bags were being hand searched. And then the TSA officer declared that there was a hit on a container of body powder, still in its original container, clearly marked. That hit resulted in further screening and swabbing of my bags and person by a Fed agent (ATF, I believe). He seemed perplexed by the alarm and said he had never experienced an alarm on body powder before. He was quite calm, relaxed and professional. The TSA agent was practically foaming at the mouth, insisting everything be re-searched and swabbed, which tested all clear and I was sent on my merry way. Mind you, that same powder made the trip to SEA and never set off an alarm. I quizzed the Fed about what triggered the alarm and he said he had no clue or explanation for it.
Good on you for keeping your cool and letting them do their thing. I've had various items (eg: protein powder) get through lots of security check points, and then get flagged at others. It's just one of those things.
Actually I do occasionally check my luggage. In fact, more and more I'm bringing carry-on sized luggage (for ease of travel at my destination) but checking it anyway to avoid carry on hassles in the overhead bins/at the gate/around the airport. After years of lugging my carry on all over, it's actually quite refreshing to board the plane with only my personal item!
I like to travel with a Swiss army knife and sometimes pepper spray. Both have to go underneath in checked! I wish a smaller pen type Swiss Army knife didn’t, but alas, they all do!
@@NoraDunn - Even in Economy Premium, all the overhead compartments are jammed full of luggage from the mouth breathers at the back who have gigantic oversized suitcases that they squeeze into overheads of aisles 1-10, then try to access in the first twenty minutes of flight when the cabins slowly freeze and they realize that tank tops and flip-flops are not appropriate international flight attire. So one ends up sitting patiently while a large bellied person leans over one’s tray table as they access YOUR overhead compartment, searching for their personal items. Why aren’t these bags checked? Maybe a eight/ten hour international flight freezing might be a good lesson!
🎒 Here's the packable backpack I showed at the start of this video (made by Osprey): osprey.pxf.io/JzNx7v
👉🏻 And here's my packable backpack comparison, so you can choose the best one for your needs: th-cam.com/video/YZlEfy4kQI0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vjbwf1EPBjflLVoR
📚 Do you prefer to read? Here's the written study on packable backpacks: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/portable-perfection-ultralight-packable-backpacks-for-easy-travel/
🧳 Save luggage space and fees with this FREE Travel Gear and Packing List CHEAT SHEET! bit.ly/3AFfiTq
Includes special discount codes up to 25% off the things you need.
📺 RELATED VIDEOS 📺
👜 Which is the BEST Personal Item Bag? | Peak Design, Knack Bags, Pacsafe, Nomad Lane - th-cam.com/video/LL-_ZhFXZz0/w-d-xo.html
🧳 Pack More in Smaller Bags: Tips for Flying Carry on Only - th-cam.com/video/nYonKzhlP_Y/w-d-xo.html
🛩 Airlines are Cracking Down! 2024 Carry on Changes, and How to Be Prepared - th-cam.com/video/yLDz-ttaf20/w-d-xo.html
Is perishable food allowed in a luggage bag?
@@spicefaith7419 I would suspect it depends on the food, but it's not categorically disallowed.
@@NoraDunn thanks dear
Just a note about jewelry, I had to transport my mother’s jewelry home due to her dementia. 5 bags of it and the TSA officer had to go through it at 5 am. He was obviously anxious about all the valuables he was dumping out. I learned to pack jewelry in a see through bag, usually one slightly tinted so the officer can easily see the contents but another person would have problems seeing it. It has prevented other incidents of extremely valuable items being dumped out.
Ooh - great tip about the see-through bags! Thank you.
What jewelry is something suspicious or prohibited?
@@trekster7777 Who knows what was suspicious. It might have been the 5 big bags of various metals and chains. The TSA agent did not say. Some was very valuable and some not. He did not want to touch anything after dumping it out.
Nora, Very sorry to hear about your mother’s dementia.
So sorry, I had to go thru this too. Fortunately I went thru TSA with bags full of my mom’s jewelry without incident. Guess it depends on agent.
Great video! The only thing I will add is that TSA and their foreign equivalents can be arbitrary at times, and will sometimes disallow an item that an airline says is allowable. For example, I traveled for years with a travel iron (yes, I'm one of those people!), but on a trip from Mexico to the U.S. a couple years ago, they disallowed it, and I had to check my bag. I wrote a complaint letter to American Airlines, and they refunded the checked-bag cost, but it was a hassle.
A few years ago on a flight from Madrid to London, tubes of lipstick were not allowed, and the agents announced that anyone with a tube of lipstick had to either discard it or check their bag. I've never had that happen before or since. I also used to bring a collapsible travel teapot in my carry-on, which is allowable according to the TSA website. However, after getting pulled out of line, questioned, and a TSA supervisor called over, I no longer do so.
In Guatemala City I had a screener confiscate my small roll of masking tape. I always travel with it, through many U.S. cities and many different countries including Guatemala, but that was the only time they cIaimed it was prohibited. I also travel with a pair of cheap children's scissors from the dollar store. Sometimes they get confiscated, sometimes they don't, even though they meet the TSA requirements of being less than 4" long.
So just be aware that even when you follow the rules, you may still get an allowable item confiscated. It's not right, but it happens.
This is so true! I've brought stuff (like scissors) through countless security screenings, then randomly they get confiscated.
Super strange about the lipstick tubes, and the masking tape!
Thank you for your time and posting. OMG. I think it is hysterical with all the stuff that is not allowed, only allowed in checked, only allowed on carry-on, allowed only in special containers, quart-size bags, AND each airline is different. Hysterical, but I think it is hysterical because I don't fly very much. Going to Vietnam in October to maybe retire there. Thanks again for all your work.
It is quite a thing! I didn't realize how complex it was until I started researching it for this video, at which point I thoroughly confused myself! Ha ha!.
Years ago, shortly after 9-11, I was leaving JFK for Asia. I carry my camera equipment in a common backpack. Going through TSA, I was asked what I had in the backpack, I promptly replied "a camera, two lenses and two flash guns" The young TSA man's eyes just about popped out of his head! Seeing his reaction, I got excited and quickly explained what "flash guns" are. Being much older than him, I had inadvertently used a 1950s, 1960's term for "speedlights", "camera flashes", or "speedlites". The situation was defused, and after inspecting the bag's contents, I was allowed to proceed. Lesson learned - be sensitive to how you describe or declare the contents of your carry on baggage. LOL
Ha ha! Glad you eventually escaped unscathed!
Ah, the uneducated idiot in uniform. Far more common that one might think …
What always surprises me when checking luggage-- is they ask "any lithium batteries"-- I say yes, my AirTag. Always seems to be a bit of confusion before I'm told okay. I never hear/read about anyone discussing this.
Most people don't think about the batteries in Air Tags, I think!
I was called to security in a domestic flight in China, screamed at, with my checked luggage opened, and barely let on the plane, all because of a small bottle of dry shampoo spray. That was 9 years ago and now I pack powder dry shampoo.
Yikes! Once bitten, twice shy!
Wow. I thought I had a hard time when a bag that had a lock attached, but not locked. They were yelling the bag was too big and that I had to open it! I went over and unzipped it and in moving it so that it was clear it wasn’t close to being full.
I will never step foot in China again
All the BS, I quit flying 10 years ago.
Many thanks to you Nora ! My recent return from a trip to Panama went off without a hitch, other than horrible problems with the "Friendly Skies", thanks to watching your videos & following your advice. Many Thanks !
Woohoo! Thanks! Glad you had a fab trip.
Medical equipment might need some extra scrutiny or notifying the airline earlier. CPAP/APAP machines are apparantly allowed on the aircraft and not counted as carry-on. Haven't tried that one yet, but time will tell.
True - I've heard this as well! And there are some travel-friendly CPAP machines too.
Thanks for all the helpful tips. First time traveling in over 15 years and things have changed.
Indeed things have changed! You'll be fine though. Happy travels!
This all makes sense thank you. Husband and I are going international for his hockey trip (plays). I hope we can figure out to take his equipment with us (and no one goes through it and steals an item)!
Luggage locks help to secure your stuff against petty thieves.
Thanks Nora, very helpful! How does this battery info apply to the air tags or tiles that we are encouraged to put in our checked bags?
They're okay. They have very small batteries, so they're copacetic.
Aerosol hairspray is flammable
True.
I got stopped once because I had preserved butterflies. They were professionally framed so the tsa had no idea how to full inspect them. They called in a lot of coworkers to see them because they were so unique. They were my entire carryon that trip because we had expected questions.
That must have been an interesting interrogation! I assume you got them through okay...
On my last trip to visit my brother (computer wizard) I packed a broken laptop in my checked luggage. I wanted the files on its hard disc, and he could extract them. I also had my current laptop, tablet and phone.
I packed the broken laptop in checked luggage, AFTER I removed the battery. [The battery went in my personal item.] I expected my checked bag to be inspected, so I packed the laptop where TSA could see it without disturbing my clothing, with the open and empty battery compartment facing up.
My bag was inspected. Nothing was disturbed, and they left a note saying it was inspected. We got my files, and I left the broken laptop with my brother, so had no worries on the flight home.
The take-aways is, if you're packing a questionable item, expect your bag to be opened and inspected, so pack to make things easy on TSA. *Don't* try to break the rules!
Thanks for sharing, Liz! Also, good on you for knowing the rules and removing the battery.
My knitting friends often ask about knitting needles. I’ve only had a problem once. I flew from Phoenix to LA to Sydney, knitting all the way. They confiscated them on a puddle jumper, Aussie flight, but gave them back. 😂
People have asked about knitting needles, so thanks for the intel!
My carry on is all medical equipment. If I have to check it it would be empty! Of course since it’s a soft bag, it could then go in the emergency backpack😱😂
I once flew a live african violet in cabin (not sure if that was legal, it was hidden in a box). I was moving from Quebec to Vancouver and the plants had been my mother and survived her 7 years. It made it there in one piece but did not survive my 17 year old non green thumbs 😆I'm planning to fly some of my dad's ashes to Squamish next summer and since one of my carry ons is my cat, I'll have to pack efficiently.
Ooh - that will be a tricky trip. I'm sorry for your loss.
Darn, that's the Segway coming off my packing-list.
Very interesting video.
Ha ha! I had at one point considered getting one of those portable hoverboard thingies, but that's out the window now.
Great hints on what to look for. It is much better to be prepared!
Recently I had my husband's wedding ring in my little jewelry pouch. His fingers swelled, so he took it off. He spent the flight worried that the airline was going to lose our checked bag and his wedding ring. I assured him that jewelry is always with me on the plane!
Whew!
One typo, you said that, I general, the maximum capacity for a lithium battery is 100 watts. It should say 100 watt-hours. Since most batteries are rated in amp hours: watt hours = amp hours x battery voltage. So, my 3,000 mah (3 amp hour), 12 volt battery would be 36 watt hours which is fine. However, my 5 amp hour, 44 volt pack would be 220 watt hours, well outside the limits.
Thank you for the clarification Raymond!
@@NoraDunnMy wheelchair is allowed a total of 240Wh sometimes 300Wh and a spare although the spare gets messy with the rules and whether things are removable.
@@Reed-2big Great info - thanks!
Thank you for all your hard work!!! Great video, Nora!
Thanks Mia!
Thank you, I enjoy your clear and professional videos!
Thank you Lisbeth!
Thanks I haven't flown in eons you have truly truly done your homework.
Thank you!
Bless you for this! Flying soon, first time on over 10yrs.
All the best with your trip. When you haven't flown for a time, it can seem scary, but once the trip begins, I'm sure you will enjoy yourself.
@@MeiLee-t2v thank you SO much! ☺️
Happy Travels!
I can’t believe the horror of going through the Vienna security after giving up all your things you will not know where your stuff is for more than 20 to 30 minutes i got so worries about my wallet passport etc so many peoples things just get moved all over the conveyer belts if I knew how to make a complaint to Schwechat airport security I would never encountered any thing like that many people where concerned like I was totally unacceptable 😟👎
Oh dear!
I love your hair!! 😊 As a nervous flyer, I really don’t like knowing small lighters and matches (albeit safety) are allowed on a plane 😬
Interesting. I don't worry about lighters, but I guess I never considered them being used in nefarious ways.
@@NoraDunn One could light the chair in front of you or set the toilet paper or someone's carry on. The rules may then change....always not very creative.
@@casaraku1 😳
@@NoraDunn until someone does...
@@NoraDunn Much easier to use nefariously than nail clippers🙄
I keep seeing people say that you should put a tracker, like an Airtag, in your checked bag, but they're powered by lithium batteries.
Airtags are fine in checked luggage, presumably because the battery is so small that it's not a problem.
Beautifully done in all ways, as always. Thanks Nora.
Thank you, Bill!
Thanks for the video.
I had my lighter confiscated from my carry on
Are you sure about lighters and matches.
I smuggle the matches because they always take my lighters?
It depends on the airline; most language I've read indicates you're allowed to bring one lighter on board. Some security agents will scrutinize this, many won't.
@@NoraDunn thanks
I do like to travel with a small can of aerosol hair spray. I put it in a tiny ziploc bag in my liquid bag. I’ve never had any problems going through TSA with it, and the extra bag protects my other items if the can leaks or heaven forbid explodes.
I think small cans are pretty uniformly accepted.
PRESCRIPTION MEDS - never put them in a checked bag! I know a Dr who did this. Bag was lost for days.
Thanks for the tip!
My last trip I had my extra insulin in small cooler with chill packs in my checked luggage. My husband collapsed at the Chicago airport and we spent the night at a nearby hospital. Next flight was the next day, thank God the airline didn't charge extra to change the flight. We got into Rochester New York at 9 pm. I was able to retrieve our checked luggage but I needed to pay for another insulin prescription due to the spoiled medicine. Now I wouldn't be able to fit all my meds in my personal bag, much less all the other items I would need in it. So I guess I won't be flying.
@@constancepullen810 Awful, so sorry. Instead of taking all the insulin you need, can you travel with a written insulin prescription to fill when you arrive at your vacation destination?
@@DallasNatureLover I had the current pen I was using with me and it had 3 days supply in it. Dr offices don't give out paper prescriptions anymore. Seeing as I fly with needles, 15 prescription item plus medical appliances things can get dicie. My next trip I'm driving from Western New York to Dallas TX for the anniversary of my husband's death. Anyway, my dog wouldn't be practical on the plane.
@@constancepullen810 Hope your drive goes smoothly
Great video, great tips. Thank you very much. ❤
You're welcome!
Can you pack Apple air tags in the luggage or are the batteries small enough?
My husband and I each had an AirTag in our carry on luggage and in each of our backpacks (4 total) no problems at all.
Air tags are no problem.
Apple air tags are allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage because they contain less than 0.1 grams of lithium, which is considered safe by the FAA.
Gracias señora.
De nada!
Can I bring an urn of my husband on my flight to Asia ? What are the requirements?
Yes I believe you can bring cremated remains - in carry-on only.
Thank you Nora. One common aerosol I carry when going abroad is bug spray. Typically size of these cans is larger than allowable liquid volume. Can it go in checked luggage?
Hmm....good question. I suggest you check with the airline to be sure.
@@NoraDunn..i once had a full-sized toothpaste tube, almost empty. The TSA agent promptly confiscated it. She claimed it was the volume available, not the actual volume remaining (about two-three ‘brushes’ left).
@@ernestgalvan9037 I had the same thing happen to me!
How about a transistor radio? I know you won't answer, nobody ever does 😢
Eek! I'll answer, but I don't know what to say! LOL
Are shaving blades allowed in carry-ons? TSA website says yes but I’ve heard different things. What is the latest please thanks. Keep up the good work.
I don't know since I don't travel with one. Perhaps another viewer here has experience and can comment?
I’ve traveled with a shaving razor and an extra blade in a case in my personal item and had no problems.
Nail polish is considered flamable and have to be in carry-on. Hey, my vials of ILNP I consider valuables anyway 💅
Good to know! I hadn't thought of nail polish.
Thank you for another great post.
You're welcome!
DEATH CERTIFICATE! I met a man who was traveling with cremated remains and was turned away because he didn’t have a death certificate. He went thru another line and got through the second time. (Then accidentally left the ashes where he spent the night at his destination.)
Ooh - good tip about the death certificate!
@@NoraDunn TSA is not legally allowed to touch cremated remains you have to show death certificate before you go thru xray so they put bag asside
@@karinaeichmann1595 Good to know!
How much money can you carry on board
Hello Madame,
I really enjoy your channel and bright ideas.
Thank you!
Just a quick question. You mentioned prescriptions, I am traveling for 5 months out of the country and taking my medication, are you saying that I should also take a paper prescription for the same meds? (This is our first extended trip, so we have no experience).😊
If possible, yes. It helps the customs agent identify what they are looking at. I take photos of the pills next to the prescription so that they can match everything up. In the long run, it’s faster and you will get your bag more easily at your destination.
We always bring photocopies of the labels from the pharmacy bottles for each of our prescriptions!
YES. and in addition to that the others said, pack them in containers with the prescription on the container. (you can ask them to be in blister packs if that makes the packing easier, although if you're taking a 5 month supply, bottles may be better. however, you might also check to see if they can fill your prescriptions while you're there, and how much it would cost. we ran into a bind on our first international trip, because her doctor was too slow authorizing early refills on prescriptions that were going to run out while we were there, and we ended up just getting them filled on our arrival. and the cash cost of the medical consultation and medications were less than an equivalent refill would have cost us in co-pays at home.
@@leeannkleine6120 - good idea photographing the pills inside the bottle with the prescription info on the side + a close up of the pill for ID. EXCELLENT.
I agree - fantastic suggestions here. Thanks!
Does anyone know if keychains or brooch/enamel pins are allowed through TSA? I know this may sound like a stupid question but i am very anxious bringing them through TSA!!
(I have checked my flights TSA guidelines but it says nothing about it)
Probably need to be on checked luggage. The pins on brooch could be too pointy.
Great question! Tough to say. The pointy part of a brooch pin might be problematic. Then again I've carried safety pins and sewing needles on board countless times with no issue.
I’ve carried the pins that are single posts through with no issue. Years and years ago I had trouble with an open wire pin that set off the metal detectors while the 8 quarters in my pocket didn’t!
Would your packable backpack then become another carry on? If they are reducing carry ons, will they let you have a packable backpack with things in it?
No, I always pack my packable backpack. :-) I only bring it out on a travel day if I'm traveling with just one bag (no personal item) and I'm forced to check it because it's a small airplane. Then I unpack my packable backpack and put my valuables in it and carry it on.
How many protein bars can I carry in my carry-on luggage? What about protein powder? Does it have to be in the original package and unopened? As a bodybuilder, I eat a lot of protein and find it difficult to get protein powders/bars in some of the countries we travel to. The weight of the bars and protein powder adds up quickly and I don't want to go over on the checked baggage. I do not mind the weight in my rolling carry on.
I just traveled with protein powder, and they just pull your bag to test the outside of the package for explosives
@@dalithecat Does it fall under the ounces rule? Can I travel with a pre-opened bag or does it have to be sealed (never opened)?
If you are traveling on a set schedule and know where you'll be staying, consider shipping your protein to your destination, not having it on the plane at all. It won't be cheap, but will be cheaper than excess luggage fees.
You need to be worried about your carry-on, as some international airlines have small weight allowances for personal items. [As in, 7kg for all your carried on items, total.] Check with each airline you'll be on.
@@lizcademy4809 As you stated, it won't be cheap! It is SUPER expensive to ship to Eastern Europe. We always book UNITED for international so we can use our points.
Fudge looks like C4 explosive. I imagine some smooth protein bars look similar. But they have dogs to sniff that.
Hoverboards?? Did they become real? Only know them from Back to the Future. Wondering if the Mattel one uses lithium batteries?
Ha ha! yes, they are a thing now. (But unlike Back to the Future, these ones touch the ground) ;-)
A few years ago I saw a man carrying on a shoebox sized, clear box of live scorpions. 😮
WOW!
Great info!
Glad it was helpful!
Are Apple air tags allow?
Yes!
Not sure how you are supposed to transport an urn of ashes in carry-on. A full urn is really heavy. Excess luggage charge, for sure!
th-cam.com/video/FhI7OFm_vUI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pUGBrPKlfwHbVqfI
I plan on taking my dog ashes on a flight from the U.S. to Thailand when I move there in 2 years. Since a carryon is limited to 7 kilos, I’ll bring them in my backpack
I travelled with my father's ashes through 3 international airports. In Miami, the young officer had no clue how to deal with the situation. He went to get help. While i waited, i pondered that all hell would break loose if they wanted to open the urn. Fortunately, the young man came back with an apology and condolences before letting me go through.
I carried my wife's ashes as my personal item. The urn was made out of wood so it could be x-rayed. No problems with the TSA. I did carry paperwork provided by the company that handled the cremation, as the urn was buried next to my wife's parents' remains.
I enjoyed the video, but I noticed one error. You (can) take live fish on an airplane. Any live fish must be in a clear plastic bag when you go through TSA. I'm speaking only of air travel in the USA. There will be no concerns or questions. No (US) aviation rule/law excludes live fish carried in this manner. I've never (ever) heard of an airline denying a passenger the right to bring their live fish on board. Simply Google, can I take live fish on an airplane in a clear plastic bag?
Cool - thanks for the intel!
U BOUGHT THE PAINTING BEHIND U IN CHINA?
Yes, the scrolls on the left are from China, from many (many!) years ago :-)
If you’re passing through Japan, they aren’t playing about drugs, you might even be profiled based on your origin and destination.
Good to know.
What about nail polish?
Good question! I feel like it should be fine.
I find it interesting you can check personal pepper spray protection, smaller cans, not bear spray! I bring one with me when I’ll be in questionable areas, such as in California! 😂 but one piece of advice, if you do pack a small can of pepper spray, put in a sealed zip lock baggie! Or even better, double bag it! You DONT want to be that passenger that causes an unscheduled landing due to irritating fumes in the cabin! The FAA WONT be happy with you! lol 😱
Yikes! Great tip! Ha.
Pepper spray would be prohibited on a UK flight. Not sure about Europe generally, but pepper spray is illegal in the UK.
Apparently chains and metal were suspicious to this particular tsa agent.
Who would travel with drain cleaner.
Ha ha! I dunno....a plumber perhaps? ;-)
loved the video Nora ! to be clear e cigarettes and vapes are aloud when in our carry on 👍🏻 thanks !
Thanks for clarifying!
Never assume the goons in the bowels of the airport won't steal or destroy items in your checked luggage. I had a CPAP machine destroyed when they attempted to pry it open with a screwdriver.
Oh dear....
My sister takes her cpap machine but never checks it. She carries it on the plane.@@NoraDunn
Yes, that is what my husband does as well@@marilynm5024
I’m a chef and I do mission work for church. I travel with my chef knives. The first time I had to go to TSA to claim my baggage because of the knives. They suggested I put a note with the knife roll. I put. “ chef knives, on church mission trip”. My bags get search every time, but no more trips to the TSA office.
Great tip - thanks!
I cant check my pet lobster!?! Ridiculous!!
😂
Thank you..bye
Damaged or lost... or stolen.
Yeah....."Sorry but we don't allow that (because I need one at home)."
I would suggest that NO powe banks should be allowed. Too many cheap ones with questionable quality are in the marketplace. If there was a need, I would buy such a device once I arrive at the destination even if I have to give it away for return trip. Also, most aircraft have phone charging ports or power points available for people to use. Most if not all laptops are made by reputable companies and are generally safe so long as they are not mishandled.
I've never been a power-bank user, but I know some people who swear by them. You make a good point about charging points being ubiquitous these days.
@@NoraDunn Just saw a video on YT of lithium battery fire in South Korea. It was a security camera video, showing stacks of boxes containing trays of the usual type of lithium batteries (18650 ). Some trays were out of boxes and stacked on the floor. One of the batteries burst into flames and while staff tried to extinguish them, there was no way they could succeed with standard extinguishers. Just to think that out of millions of such cells in marketplace, a tiny fraction WILL burst into flames and it could be one of those power banks, sitting in someone's overhead luggage on a plane. Why they allow such things on a plane is beyond understanding. BTW, about 20 workers died in the fire.
@@MrDomingo55 Wow! That's awful.
@@NoraDunn The fire:
th-cam.com/video/PIyFtxiAx0E/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=CTVNews
@@NoraDunn Now if I just had one of those stationary, charging points on my trek through Macchu Pichu!
Guess I can’t bring my arc welder
Wow, so many banned items that I'd never think to pack on a flight because, well, why? I mean lighter fluid, spray paint, torches, cleaning fluids, tear gas, explosives, fireworks, loaded firearms, etc.?
Unless, of course, you're traveling for work and need them for professional reasons, in which case you're probably familiar with the process of packing and getting approval for them.
But, who takes spray paint and bleach to Disney, London or a cruise? Do I even want to know? 🤣
😂
Would you think white vinegar was weird? It cleans a lot of things!
@@Reed-2big True! But it's also easily attainable at your destination.
@@NoraDunn Not really. Even distilled water can be difficult in Europe if you don’t know where to look!
And, on some of the trips to just the cruise line island that’s even harder.
@@Reed-2big Interesting! I thought vinegar of all things was universal.
Recently traveled to Seattle to catch a cruise after not flying or cruising since 2020. Left my home airport without issue. Was a little confused when TSA had me leave my laptop in backpack, but breezed through otherwise. Returning from Seattle was a whole different experience. SEA was packed at 8 AM, the line looked endless. Had to remove laptop (which I expected) and breezed through X-ray screening. Upon reaching the end of the line, each of my carryon bags were being hand searched. And then the TSA officer declared that there was a hit on a container of body powder, still in its original container, clearly marked. That hit resulted in further screening and swabbing of my bags and person by a Fed agent (ATF, I believe). He seemed perplexed by the alarm and said he had never experienced an alarm on body powder before. He was quite calm, relaxed and professional. The TSA agent was practically foaming at the mouth, insisting everything be re-searched and swabbed, which tested all clear and I was sent on my merry way. Mind you, that same powder made the trip to SEA and never set off an alarm. I quizzed the Fed about what triggered the alarm and he said he had no clue or explanation for it.
Good on you for keeping your cool and letting them do their thing. I've had various items (eg: protein powder) get through lots of security check points, and then get flagged at others. It's just one of those things.
Why would you even travel with checked luggage? You’re an experienced enough traveled to not check your bag
What's wrong with checked bag , or are you to cheap or paranoid ? I travel a lot , 30plus years, always check bags, never had a issue
@@Susan-xg7qn haha. Gotta love keyboard warriors . Just wait until you lose everything
Actually I do occasionally check my luggage. In fact, more and more I'm bringing carry-on sized luggage (for ease of travel at my destination) but checking it anyway to avoid carry on hassles in the overhead bins/at the gate/around the airport. After years of lugging my carry on all over, it's actually quite refreshing to board the plane with only my personal item!
I like to travel with a Swiss army knife and sometimes pepper spray. Both have to go underneath in checked! I wish a smaller pen type Swiss Army knife didn’t, but alas, they all do!
@@NoraDunn - Even in Economy Premium, all the overhead compartments are jammed full of luggage from the mouth breathers at the back who have gigantic oversized suitcases that they squeeze into overheads of aisles 1-10, then try to access in the first twenty minutes of flight when the cabins slowly freeze and they realize that tank tops and flip-flops are not appropriate international flight attire. So one ends up sitting patiently while a large bellied person leans over one’s tray table as they access YOUR overhead compartment, searching for their personal items.
Why aren’t these bags checked? Maybe a eight/ten hour international flight freezing might be a good lesson!
FTSA
Why are you LAUGHING TO YOUR SELF???????
smart? stupid?