Gywneth Harold-Davidson, Gleaner writer
Planning your luggage ahead of time is important for hassle-free travel. The rules of what you can carry, and how much, will vary with your destination and airline, but here are a few guidelines that can get you smoothly through checkpoints. These tips do not cover all situations, and airlines and country guidelines can change without notice. The full hand luggage allowance for a Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737 to Barbados will not be allowed on a de Havilland Dash-8 on LIAT into Roseau, Dominica. You can have your laptop with you in the cabin from Kingston to London, but will have to check it as baggage when you leave the U.K. Ask your travel professional to guide you on your special needs and always assume that rules can change, even when you are in-flight.
Size of Hand Luggage
Your hand luggage limit depends on many things including the size of the aircraft, the airline, your class of ticket, the airport and the departing and arriving country policies. Smaller aircraft, with 40 seats, such as those used by LIAT, limit hand luggage to 7kgs, and depending on the passengers on a particular flight, may not allow for child seats and walking aids.
Even on larger airplanes seating up to 288 passengers, it is safer to plan for only one piece of hand luggage - including a handbag or purse. Many large carriers restrict economy passengers to one piece of hand luggage that is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. (approximately 22 inches x 17.5 inches x 9.85 inches) and 18kgs (40lb) in weight. Some U.S. carriers, such as American Airlines allow a personal item, such as a purse or reading material, in addition to hand luggage.
Infant carriers, collapsible strollers and child seats that are aircraft approved are also allowed on many flights - space being available. Walking aids, such as wheelchairs, crutches and walking sticks, are also allowed in many cabins. Special arrangements can be made for passengers who need to medicate themselves during flight using hypodermic needles. Musicians can make advance arrangements for permission to carry a musical instrument in addition to regular hand luggage.
Liquids Gels and Baby Food
Most countries have guidelines on the amount and type of liquids that can be carried in hand luggage, including personal care items. The maximum amount of any liquid or gel on most airlines is 100ml (3.5 fl oz) and this includes toothpaste, cosmetics, deodorants and creams. All of your containers must fit into one sealed clear plastic bag not bigger than 20m x 20cm (1litre). At the checkpoint, you will be asked to take it out for inspection. Baby milk is allowed as a separate item, but it must be tasted by the accompanying adult during security checks. Aerosol containers are not allowed nor are cigarette lighters, even in checked luggage. A pack of safety matches is allowed.
Duty Free Liquids
Buying spirits and perfume duty- free and food inside the departure lounge is allowed from Jamaica on to international flights, but passengers who are in transit may have a difficulty carrying these purchases onto their connecting flights. If you have a connecting flight through the European Union, it is best to pack the duty-free liquids in your checked luggage when in transit. The same would apply when returning with duty-free holy water from the Middle East through the U.K. into Jamaica.
Electronic Gadgets
Many gadgets, such as laptops, cellular telephones and electronic games, are not tolerated for use during take-off and landing, but are permitted by some airlines during flight. To be sure of the rules, it is important to ask your travel professional or the airline before travelling. Radios, televisions and video cameras are definitely not allowed. Electronic luggage locators are not allowed by all airlines.
Cutting Tools and Pointed Edges
Cutting tools, even cosmetic shaving razors, tweezers and pocket knives will not be allowed through Jamaican security checkpoints, so put it in your checked baggage. Other airports may allow certain kinds of sharp edges.
Checked Luggage
Check-in luggage allowance varies with the size of the aircraft, and also the airline regulations for specific routes. Some airlines limit baggage during peak travel periods and will carry only on a standby basis only. To avoid having your baggage left behind, or go through embarrassing and time-consuming repacking at the airport, always ask your travel professional for advice. It is better to have your valuables such as keys, money and expensive electronics in your hand luggage if at all possible.
What (Not To) to Wear
The airport security checks are searching for explosives, metals and narcotic drugs, among other items. Sometimes even talcum powder can raise security concerns, so dress with care. One of the biggest culprits of security check hold-ups is metal in clothes, so if you can avoid large belt buckles, shoes with metal in the heel or shanks, heavy jewellery, intimate body jewellery, brassčire with underwire and hair ornaments, do so. Put your keys, mobile telephones and loose change in your hand luggage when you are going through the metal detector, or you will be subjected to a wand wave. You can be asked to remove shoes, so select your footwear wisely.
