I myself get confused about what I can/can’t bring on the plane with me. A few years ago, I was completely disheartened when I forgot that my Swiss Army Knife (and it was a tiny one too), was still on my keychain and I had to leave it behind. A friend living in Switzerland had sent it to me, so I was sad to part with it. But really… I should have known better. That being said, it’s hard to know when even the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wavers on the protocol.
So now, I’m uber aware of what will make it with me to my destination. Hopefully, you don’t encounter an emergency, but it’s always better to be prepared than sorry, right? Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way.
- “When I fly, can I bring my…?” search—this is a great site to reference when you’re packing. Depending on the size, you can bring scissors (but be aware, the TSA is very specific as to the type and size) and tweezers, so check what you have at home.
- 100 is the magic number… at least when it comes to liquids, aerosols and gels. Remember you can bring them in 100 ml containers or 100 g in a clear plastic bag.
- Pack polysporin, antibacterial hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, unscented baby wipes (they won’t help disinfect, but if nothing else, you can at least clean the surface of a wound. They will also save you from using your water to clean dirty hands, scrapes and scratches, etc.), Band-Aids, gauze, a tensor bandage, and moleskin—it has been a lifesaver for me on many occasions!
- Pack a few packages of “Emergen-C”. It helps me when I’m feeling a bit “blah” or fighting a cold; it also gives me an energy boost when I need it.
- If you have medications or rely on syringes to administer these meds, Travel.gc.ca has a very useful list that you should check out.
- Bring a water bottle—empty of course. I love my Nalgene water bottle! It’s lasted for years. I take it on every trip I take, near or far. I bring it through security empty and fill it up when I’m waiting to board. When I’m taking an extra-long flight, I also buy another bottle of water or a Gatorade, just to make sure I’m hydrated.
I hope these tips help! Feel free to share your own below.
Happy (and safe) travels,
Melissa
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