When preparing your carry-on or hand luggage for air travel, it is crucial to ensure that you only pack items that are permitted and safe for the flight. Yes, there are the obvious ones like flammable items, knives, scissors, etc, but there are others that you may not know of. Airlines and airport security enforce strict regulations regarding what can be taken onboard, as many items are considered hazardous due to their potential threat to the safety of passengers, crew members, and the aircraft itself. We have compiled a guide outlining some items that are classified as unsafe or prohibited from being included in your hand luggage during a flight in India. By familiarising yourself with these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother and more secure travel experience.
You probably do no know this but your child's toy gun may not be allowed in your hand luggage due to security concerns. These items could be mistaken for real weapons, leading to unnecessary delays and potential confiscation at security checkpoints. Even toy replicas could be used in a threatening manner. Airlines like IndiGo list toy replicas of firearms as prohibited items in cabin baggage.
Coconuts are generally prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage on flights due to safety concerns, particularly regarding their flammability. The high oil content in coconut meat poses potential fire hazards, making them unsuitable for transportation on airplanes. While there may be some exceptions, such as for Sabarimala pilgrims, coconuts are typically not allowed on flights.
Ghee is generally not allowed in hand luggage due to its liquid consistency. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and airport regulations limit liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in carry-on baggage to a maximum of 100ml per container. Although ghee is semi-solid at room temperature, it is still classified as a liquid and falls under these restrictions.
Talcum powder is generally prohibited in hand luggage on flights in India due to its flammable nature and potential fire hazard. The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India specifically bans carrying powdery substances, including talcum powder, in cabin baggage. Talcum powder, like other powders, is highly flammable and poses a significant fire risk on board an aircraft. Furthermore, powdered substances, especially in larger quantities, can be mistaken for other potentially dangerous materials during security screening.
Both adhesive tape and measuring tapes are generally not allowed in hand luggage in India. This restriction is due to the potential use of these items in a threatening manner, which poses a security risk. If you need these items for a craft project or another purpose, it is advisable to pack them in your checked luggage.
Nail cutters are generally allowed in hand luggage in India. However, multi-use nail cutters that include bottle openers or blades are prohibited. Regular nail clippers and cuticle clippers are permitted. The key is to avoid sharp objects with multiple functions that could pose a security risk.
