When things won’t fly

TSA officer Igor Markasyan arranges boxes of prohibited items collected at Newark airport. Their contents will be sold at the State Surplus Distribution Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Illustrates TSA-BANNED (category t), by Andrea Sachs © 2015, The Washington Post. Moved Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. (MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Katherine Frey.)

TSA officer Igor Markasyan arranges boxes of prohibited items collected at Newark airport. Their contents will be sold at the State Surplus Distribution Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Illustrates TSA-BANNED (category t), by Andrea Sachs © 2015, The Washington Post. Moved Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. (MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Katherine Frey.)

Published Jan 28, 2015

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Washington – No traveller wants to lose his or her stuff, especially to airport security checkpoints. To safeguard your belongings, simply follow these tips and guidelines, then carry on.

The US’ Transportation Security Administration has an online tool and app called “When I Fly, Can I Bring …?”

The feature covers more than 3 500 items, including bleach (no), peanut butter (special instructions) and scissors (yes, if the blades are shorter than four inches long). If you have any doubts, type in the specific item and wait for the results.

Many items prohibited in carry-on bags are permitted in checked luggage. For firearms and ammunition, consult with the agency on proper packing protocol. Also be aware of state and local laws that ban certain weapons and personal protection devices. You can be arrested at the airport for possessing such illegal materials.

If the officer prohibits your item, remember that surrendering it isn’t your only option. You can mail it back home (some airports have on-site postal facilities), hand it off to a non-traveling friend, stick it in your car or send it in a checked bag.

Condense your items into one or two trays. Place all small and valuable items in your carry-on bag; avoid using multiple bowls. You can hold your cash or wallet in your hand inside the screening machine. And keep your jewelry on. If a piece sets off the alarm, the officer can wand you.

After the screening, first secure your laptop, then put on your shoes.

Tape a business card or contact info on all gadgets and computers. Attach name tags to all bags. This way, TSA can quickly track you down and return the lost item.

If you realise that you’re missing something, contact the lost-and-found office at the airport.

If you had to relinquish an item and miss it terribly, check government-auction websites or visit a state surplus store that sells the goods. You might not find your cherished object, but you could discover something similar – or even better.

 

Washington Post-Bloomberg

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