ON THE MOVE
INTERNATIONAL
TRAVEL UP DATE
Airtravel today operates in an era of heightened
security. Leslie Back gives us the dos and don'ts of
what you need to know about carry-on and check-in
luggage.
Packing
has become a separate science. No longer do we have
the luxury of bulging carry on luggage!
CARRY-
ON BAGGAGE
It
is all about LAGS. Liquid, aerosols and
gels.
LAGS
is an acronym used internationally to define the
quantities of these items that you may take on board
an aircraft in your carry on luggage.
THE
RULES AND REGS OF LAGS
*
When
taking any of these in your hand luggage, you must
ensure that they are in containers of 100ml (3.5fl ozs)
each. Larger containers that are half full
and rolled up tubes of tooth paste are not permitted and
will be confiscated.
*
The
legitimate containers must be fitted into a separate
transparent plastic, zip-loc or resealable bag that does
not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches) or the
equivalent of 1 litre capacity. Quart – size bags and
not gallon bags or fold- over sandwich bags are
required.
*
Items
must fit snugly and the bag must be completely closed.
*At
the airport security search, the plastic bag must be
removed from your cabin bag and x-ray screened
separately.
ITEMS
CLASSIFIED AS LAGS
All
drinks, soups, syrups, creams, lotions, perfumes,
mascara, lip gloss, spray solutions, oils, shaving
foam, spray deodorants, pastes such as tooth paste,
gels such as bath and shower gels, and any other
liquid- solid mixture of similar consistency.
Certain
items must be presented separately for screening at
airport security checkpoints.
*
Liquid
baby food
*
Medication
that is accompanied by a prescription or medical
certificate in the name of the user.
*
Coats
*
Large
electrical appliances, laptop, large digital camera,
DVD player.
*
Duty-free
items with proof of purchase may be carried onto the
plane. These are sealed in special duty-free
bags that are provided free of charge. These
may not be opened before reaching your final
destination.
PROHIBITED
ITEMS
Sharp
items such as scissors, tweezers, pocket knives and
razors.
A
weapon, explosives, mace, hammers etc.
Bringing
prohibited items to a security check, even
accidentally, is illegal.
SIZE
AND WEIGHT OF CARRY-ON
AND CHECK-IN BAGGAGE
These
vary according to which class you have booked and the
airline concerned. It is necessary to check the
relevant airline about their requirements. This will
also apply to the number of pieces you are allowed.
CHECK
– IN BAGGAGE.
In
order to streamline security, it is recommended that
you place as many LAGS in your check-in luggage as
possible.
Remember
the rules do not affect liquids packed in checked
baggage or drinks and perfumes bought at airport shops
after passengers have cleared security.
All
sorts of innovative ways have been found to deal quite
legally with the restrictions.
*
Passengers
are using hard luggage as one of their check-in
pieces. This way they can pack things that
would have previously been in carry-on luggage and
the danger of breakages and spillages are reduced.
*
Some
actually courier their LAGS ahead – a very
expensive option.
*
Airlines
usually produce a pouch of sorts with useful and
safe toiletries for the trip. You need not
feel deprived.
*
Men
are now shaving when they reach their hotels on
arrival. Hotels sometimes provide disposable
razors – or they can be bought en route to the
hotel.
FINALLY...
NB:
YOU MUST ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT
3 HOURS BEFORE AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT.
Check
with your airline prior to your flight merely to
confirm what you already know or to find out it there
are any new regulations.
This
‘new normal’ may change at a moment’s notice.
It remains as a very dynamic process.
Be
prepared to remove your shoes, belts with large metal
buckles or anything that may trigger the alarm as you
are checking in and prompt a check by hand.
Remember
these regulations are the result of extensive research
and are for your safety.
As
you head for the security area, take a deep breath and
remain calm because you know that you have done your
homework and are well prepared.
BON
VOYAGE!
SEE
ON THE MOVE WITH LESLIE BACK
©
Leslie Back 2007