A baggage handler has shared the four items you should never pack in your luggage – and it’s bad news for anyone planning on bringing a certain Christmas staple
If you’re planning on jetting off abroad, there are a lot of things to remember – your passport, insurance documents, flight times, security and all the rest.
In the hustle and bustle of preparing for a trip it’s easy to just throw things into your luggage without thinking about it, but there are a few items that should never ever be packed into your luggage.
Apart from the obvious items that everyone knows can’t be packed, like aerosols and lithium batteries, something as straightforward as food can create mayhem for baggage handlers. One of these baggage handlers took to Reddit begging travellers not to pack food in their checked bags.
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He said: “They rot, break or leak, open. It smells, especially alcohol. Then I smell all day after picking up a bag that leaked.” He also mentioned that perfumes and colognes are identical – so if you’re purchasing something in the duty free ensure it’s properly wrapped to prevent any disasters.
Another thing that should never ever be packed in your checked baggage is a little less obvious. If you have medication you need to take, it may seem sensible to put it in your checked bag to keep it secure but this is a big mistake.
If you require medication, it’s best to keep it in your hand luggage to guarantee you are able to access it instantly if you need it, reports the Express. It also removes the risk of this medication being lost if the airline manages to misplace your bags.
While most airlines have similar policies when it comes to packing medication and medical equipment, some are stricter than others about what you can bring with you onboard and what supporting documentation you need to present at the gate. This is especially critical when it comes to carrying syringes and medications that contain controlled substances.
Be sure to double check the guidelines of your specific air carrier before flying. Jet2, for example, has a Medical Information Form For Air Travel document that relevant passengers are encouraged to fill out.
If you’re jetting off for a festive break, be mindful of the Christmas items you’re packing. Despite being a quintessential part of any Christmas dinner, crackers are a no-go on planes due to their tiny amount of gunpowder.
And if you’re hoping to bring some high-strength spirits to add a bit of cheer, remember that anything over 70 per cent alcohol, including grain alcohol and 151-proof rum, is banned in both checked and hand luggage – best leave the strong stuff at home.