10 Items You Shouldn’t Carry Onboard

South Korea’s air traffic recovered to over 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels on unleashed pent-up demand for travel following years of COVID-19 virus curbs. More than a million people are leaving the country every month, and sometimes traveling becomes more chaotic as people forget the restrictions on forbidden items with which they cannot fly. Thus, before you pack your bags, you should find out what items you cannot pack in your carry-on.

Liquids over 100ml

Because all beverages are liquids, they must follow the TSA’s volume rule of being contained in 100 mL containers. Even if the liquid volume is less than 100mL, it is not permitted on board if the container that contains it exceeds 100mL. It is possible to divide the liquid into several containers of less than 100ml but beware that it is impossible if the total volume of the liquid you carry exceeds 1 liter. The restriction applies equally to any items that hold liquids, such as red pepper paste, toothpaste, side dishes, wet wipes, etc.

Selfie Stick

Selfie sticks, which are long-arm tools used to take selfies, have become a popular accessory among travelers. Generally, these sticks are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For instance, if the selfie stick has a sharp and pointed edge, it may be refused. If the end is not sharp, it is possible to bring it on board, but to avoid any issues at the airport, it is a good idea to check it in as luggage.

Power Bank

Power banks in charge of cell phone battery charging while traveling have become essential in our lives. However, spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks, can be tricky when packing. They are not allowed in checked luggage but only allowed as carry-on items. Up to 5 batteries are possible if it is less than 100 wh, and the total lithium content is less than 2g. Up to 2 batteries are possible if they are between 100 and 160wh. Devices with batteries larger than 160 wh are never allowed. If you want to bring a device with a lithium battery up to 160 wh, you need to request permission.

Lighter

One lighter or one small box of safety matches per person can be carried on board. Both items are prohibited in checked baggage, regardless of the number. The lighters that can be carried on board are disposable, refillable gas lighters, oil lighters, etc. Lighters that cannot be carried on board are oil tank lighters, cigar lighters, and premixing lighters (turbo lighters, etc.). Fuel for lighters such as gas or oil are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage. 

Scissors or Knife

All knives regardless of blade length are prohibited from carrying, including folding MacGyver knives. It includes scissors because the blades are sharp enough to be used as a weapon. In addition to knives and scissors, sharp items that can be used as weapons, such as awls and climbing sticks, are also included here. Even if it is not a pointed item, items such as batons, nightsticks, wooden swords, bamboo swords, and imitation firearms are refused to carry on board.

Electronic Cigarette

E-cigarettes, chosen as a substitute for traditional cigarette smoking, may be carried in hand luggage. However, since most of them operate on batteries, they are not allowed in checked luggage. In the case of using a liquid-type electronic cigarette, it is recommended to separate the liquid regardless of the possibility of carrying it on a plane. This is because leakage can occur due to pressure differences in the airplane. Also, the battery of the electronic cigarette must have a capacity of 100wh or less.

MacBook (Recalled Battery)

Generally, you can board a plane with laptops. However, some models may be restricted. A typical example is the MacBook Pro 15-inch 2015 model, which has a risk of battery fire. Apple announced a voluntary recall policy for the 15-inch model sold from September 2015 to February 2017, saying “some models have a battery that could cause overheating and safety issues.” Some airlines operate a policy that allows laptops in carry-on bags but prohibits their use.

Inflated Ball

It may seem unlikely that anyone would bring a ball on a plane, but you never know. If you plan to go abroad with an inflated ball, you may want to rethink your plan. Certain inflated balls may not be allowed on planes. The reason is simple. It is because these balls can burst due to an abrupt change in pressure. The sound of a bursting ball, which sounds like an explosion, can be threatening and potentially cause panic among passengers on board.

Medicine

General medicine can be brought into the plane’s cabin. Solid medicines present no problem at all. However, the problem is that many medicines are not solid but liquid. In the case of ointments, regulations vary from airline to airline, some see it as a liquid and some allow it. Liquid medicines must be contained in containers of 100ml or less to be allowed on board. If you unavoidably have to carry medicine that is not allowed on a plane, you must present a doctor’s opinion or prescription.

Sports Equipment

Bringing sports equipment can be a bit tricky. This is because items related to bicycles, surfboards, skiing, snowboarding, golf, etc. are classified as special baggage by airlines and have different regulations. Generally, bats, sticks, etc. are not allowed, while tennis rackets are allowed. Scooters without batteries are possible, but billiard balls, bowling balls, and ice skates are not possible. Fencing swords, golf clubs, billiard cues, etc. are also not allowed.