{"id":132,"date":"2013-09-08T03:33:28","date_gmt":"2013-09-08T03:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/myth-buster-flying-101\/"},"modified":"2022-08-08T23:18:46","modified_gmt":"2022-08-08T23:18:46","slug":"myth-buster-flying-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/myth-buster-flying-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Myth Buster: Flying 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your bags are packed, the taxi is booked – you\u2019re ready to head to the airport to catch your flight. Waiting for the taxi, you look down at your bags with a little bit of uncertainty. Will the bag meet the luggage allowance? Did you put a lid on the aerosol can of deodorant? Is everything in zip lock bags?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ever been so wound up about baggage allowances and security checks that you wished you were taking a road trip instead? I know I certainly have.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve done hundreds of flights, international and domestic, as a flight attendant in a former life and as a passenger.<\/p>\n

And from one Expedia traveller to another, I can vouch that flight regulations and baggage allowances still put me a little outside of my comfort zone.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know for a hassle-free experience:<\/p>\n

Pre-travel<\/h2>\n

As the world changes so do travel alerts and visa requirements. The best way to avoid the hassle is to educate and organise before you go. Check out a fantastic resource called Expedia Travellers’ Tools<\/a>. There\u2019s a section solely dedicated to current travel alerts, another for visa requirements, a currency converter, options for affordable and competitive travel insurance along with clickable links to help you change your hotel or car booking. All the essential travel resources at your fingertips.<\/p>\n

Check in<\/h2>\n

Check in can be chaotic. To avoid drama, arrange to get to the airport early, no later than 45 minutes for domestic flights and two hours for international flights. If you require special assistance (wheelchairs, you\u2019re travelling with pets or infants), it\u2019s best to call the airline no later than 24 hours prior so that special arrangements can be made.<\/p>\n

The greatest check in challenge is baggage allowance. There\u2019ll be times when you\u2019re transporting skis and surfboards, oversized bags or fragile goods. And sometimes you\u2019ve packed everything except the kitchen sink and you\u2019re certain you\u2019re over the weight restrictions. Who can remember what to do for all that? It\u2019s best to clarify all these details before you even begin packing. Find out the baggage allowance and procedures for the airline you\u2019re travelling with over at Expedia Travellers’ Tools Check In<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hand luggage<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s nothing worse than going through security and having to surrender something from your hand luggage. It can be humiliating and inconvenient. What\u2019s more, airports and airlines are under no obligation to store or return surrendered items, so you can bid farewell to your confiscated item. Let\u2019s take a look at what’s allowed and what’s not.<\/p>\n

1. Sharp items or weapons<\/strong>
\nAny item that has a sharp edge with the potential to be used as a weapon is classed as a prohibited item. That includes anything that can be used to restrain someone. So leave your sharp sporting equipment, kitchen utensils, tools, scissors and cable ties at home. The rules do change: you can now take knitting and crochet needles, pointed metal nail files, nail clippers and disposable razors on board. If you\u2019re unsure, pack the item in your checked luggage. See the Government\u2019s Travel Secure<\/a> for a more detailed list.<\/p>\n

2. Aerosols<\/strong>
\nYou can take aerosols in your hand luggage as long as they\u2019re for personal or medicinal use – hair sprays, deodorants, perfumes and medical inhalers. The nozzle on the aerosol must be protected by a cap or have a release lock, otherwise it will be confiscated. For domestic travel the aerosols in hand luggage must be under a net quantity of 2kg\/2L and a single article must not exceed 0.5kg\/0.5L.<\/p>\n

For international travel each aerosol should not exceed a 100gr\/100ml bottle.<\/p>\n

3. Liquids, pastes and gels<\/strong>
\nWhile these items seem insignificant, a combination of a pressurised cabin, high altitudes and extended travel cause everyday substances to react. This regulation is in place for international travel only, to protect travellers from the threat of liquid explosives. You must not carry liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in containers greater than 100ml. You also need to ensure you pack these products in a transparent, resealable bag. You\u2019re allowed one plastic bag measuring no more than 80 centimetres (e.g. 20×20 cm or 15×25 cm). To avoid any hassles pack the bigger items in your checked luggage.<\/p>\n

Remember: If you buy additional liquids and gels (perfume!) Duty Free after security screening, by law they must be packaged in a sealed bag which you can\u2019t open until you arrive at your destination. My biggest tip is to only buy these items at the stop before your destination, otherwise if you have a connecting flight you\u2019ll have to go through pre-screening. They could be confiscated – even if they\u2019re in a sealed duty free bag.<\/p>\n

There are exceptions to these rules, especially when it comes to medicine and baby products. Check with your aircraft carrier on what to do to get cleared to carry your required items on board.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

Food<\/h2>\n

You\u2019re allowed to pack and take your own food on a flight. Just remember if you\u2019re flying international, you can\u2019t take any liquid in a container greater than 100ml. You can buy liquids to take on board once you\u2019ve passed security.<\/p>\n

Remember:
\nYou\u00a0can\u2019t take on board or check in any self-heating food such as cans of coffee or soup that are ready to eat\/drink once opened.<\/p>\n

Some airlines won\u2019t let you board the flight with hot cups of coffee – it\u2019s best to sit and savour before heading to the boarding gate.<\/p>\n

Travelling with fresh seafood (this doesn\u2019t include tins or pre-packaged seafood), like fresh fish or prawns packed on dry ice, may be prohibited or restricted. Check with your airline beforehand.<\/p>\n

Quarantine: Each state and country has its own quarantine regulations. Usually they involve fresh food and nuts, so eat these on the plane before arrival. Check the quarantine regulations before you travel at the\u00a0Australian Customs and Quarantine<\/a>\u00a0website.<\/p>\n

Dangerous Goods<\/h2>\n

Some things were never intended to fly. Everyday items (\u2018Strike anywhere\u2019 matches, moth balls, paint, mineral turpentine, methylated spirits, gas cylinders, cigarette lighters with a blue flame, bleaches, glues and aerosols) can become lethal in the air. If there\u2019s something you want to take and are unsure it will be ok, check to see whether there is a hazardous symbol on the container. If there is then ask yourself \u2018Do I really need to take it? Or, can I buy it when I get there instead?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re still determined:<\/p>\n