Hand luggage rules: Never pack this unlikely item in carry on luggage – or risk trouble

Hand luggage for flights requires careful packing, particularly if Britons are heading on holiday to a destination with specific rules. Certain countries do not allow items in hand luggage or have restrictions on quantities. One such location is the USA – a holiday destination hugely popular with British travellers. The USA has specific hand luggage rules when it comes to flyers entering the country.

New rules were introduced in America by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) last year regarding the amount of powder that can be brought on board.

Passengers are now not allowed more than 12 ounces of powder with them on board a plane.

This quantity equates roughly to the volume of a can of fizzy drink.

Powders include such substances as coffee, sugar, spices, powdered milk and cosmetics.

To avoid any problems with security it is recommended you put such powers in hold luggage if possible.

The TSA states on their website: “If you are travelling from an international last-point-of-departure to the US, powder-based substances in carry-on baggage greater than 350ml or 12 ounces may require additional screening at the central checkpoint.

“Powder-like substances over 12 oz. or 350ml in carry-on that cannot be resolved at the central checkpoint will not be allowed onto the cabin of the aircraft and will be disposed of.

“For your convenience, place powders in your checked bag.

“The measures have already been implemented at US airports nationwide to identify and prevent potentially dangerous items from being brought aboard the aircraft.

“There are no changes to what is allowed in carry-on baggage at US airport checkpoints.”

Even if you are not travelling to the USA, powders can still pose a problem at UK airport security.

This is because they can prove an obstruction in x-ray machines when hand luggage is checked.

According to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office: “Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines.

“Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.”

The security tightening is yet another change for air travel in the fight against terrorism following 9/11.

A Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member has revealed the many changes flight attendant faces following the tragedy in New York. 

source: express.co.uk