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10 Things You Should Never Pack in Your Checked Bag

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains a complex system of rules for transporting both carry-on items and checked bags on flights. Some objects are prohibited on planes at all times, while others may be checked and not carried, or vice versa. Confused? “When in doubt, leave it out,” says the TSA.

If only it were that simple. Packing the wrong thing in your checked bag has the potential to ruin your trip—especially if that bag gets lost, broken, or roughed up by baggage handlers. A simple rule of thumb: Pack anything of value or importance in your carry-on bag, in case your luggage gets lost by the airline. But there’s more to keep in mind. Below, in no particular order, are 10 things that you should always leave out of your checked bag.

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Jewelry and Valuables

Of course, it’s not probable that your checked bag will be lost by an airline. According to a report by SITA, a company that gathers statistics for airlines, .012 percent of passengers’ bags were reported damaged, lost, or delayed in 2010. But if you happen to fall in that .012 percent and your checked bag contains an antique watch, a family photo album, or your wedding ring, you’re in trouble.

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Most carriers require passengers to submit claims forms when bags are lost. Your airline will then tally the depreciated value of the contents of your missing suitcase—if your claim is accepted, that is. Airlines will pay no more than $3,300 per passenger for bags lost on domestic flights. All in all, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive compensation equal to the full value of your lost possessions.

We recommend leaving jewelry and other valuables at home when traveling, but if you must bring these items on the road, be sure to store them safely in your carry-on bag.

Identification, Passports, Boarding Passes, and Essential Documents

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All necessary documents, whether they’re work or insurance papers or other sensitive information, should be kept with you in your carry-on bag. But there is another solution—back it up. If you plan to put papers of importance in checked luggage, keep copies (either hard photocopies or copies on a flash drive) on your person.

Bottom line: Any important documents you’ve packed in your checked luggage should be photocopies, not originals. And any documents that include sensitive or private information should be kept out of your checked luggage altogether.

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Cash and Credit Cards

All checked bags are screened electronically, but select checked bags are opened by TSA agents and screened by hand. When packing a checked bag, be aware that a security agent—a stranger, essentially—may be rummaging through your things at some point. There have been reports of TSA workers stealing electronics, money, and other valuables from passengers’ bags; as expected, such occurrences are rare. But as a precaution, your cash, checkbook, and credit cards should be kept with you in your carry-on bag.

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There’s always a chance that your suitcase could get damaged en route, too. If a busted zipper befalls your bag, any packed cash will be easy pickins for thieves.

Laptop and Electronics

Take it from the TSA. A representative from the agency offered this advice for flyers: “Electronics … should be packed in carry-on luggage because they are typically fragile, expensive, and more prone to breaking if transported in checked baggage.” The threat to your electronics is two-fold: you need to protect your devices from burglary (see above) as well as breakage. No matter how many beach towels you’ve wrapped around your laptop, it’s still at the mercy of baggage handlers and bumpy flights while in transit.

Lighters, Matches, and Flammable Items

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The TSA has a handy checklist of prohibited items on its website. Some of the objects on the list are as obscure as they are obvious: gun powder, hand grenades, tear gas, vehicle airbags (packed to protect a checked laptop, perhaps?). But items of note include lighters, matches, and flammable objects, which anyone going on a camping trip (or travelers who smoke) might need to pack.

Lighters without fuel may be packed in checked luggage. However, lighters with fuel may only be packed in checked luggage if they’re in a Department of Transportation-approved case; an example of this is the Zippo Air Case. Matches are prohibited in checked baggage, and flammable items, such as paint or liquid fuel, should be avoided as well.

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All of Your Clothes

If your luggage disappears into the mysterious black hole of missing checked bags, you’ll thank your former self for putting a clean pair of underwear and some socks aside in your carry-on bag. An entire outfit—enough to get you through a day or two at your destination in case your airline loses your suitcase—is even better. Other daily essentials, like a toothbrush, a comb, key toiletries (though liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces), and whatever else you might need if your bag gets lost should be placed in your carry-on as well.

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Medications

There’s a theme here. If you can’t live comfortably without it, don’t pack it in your checked bag. That old cliche, “better safe than sorry,” should be lingering in the back of your mind when you’re organizing your luggage. Accordingly, prescription drugs are best kept on your person.

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Passengers are permitted to bring liquid medications onto planes, even if they exceed the 3.4-ounce limit for carry-on liquids. But you’ll need to officially declare your oversized liquid medications when going through the checkpoint. Tell a security officer stationed at the checkpoint that you’re carrying liquid medications, and hand them over for inspection. It helps to have a doctor’s note or a medical ID card, but it’s not required. The TSA also suggests that travelers label medications to facilitate the screening process.

Breakable Items

Don’t blame it all on the baggage handlers. Sure, they’ve been known to bust up a prized possession or two. But baggage handlers, under pressure to load hundreds of bags onto a plane in a short amount of time, are just trying to get your flight off the runway—with your luggage onboard. Sometimes this necessitates a good throwing arm. (Read more in Confessions of an Airline Baggage Thrower.)

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Fragile items should always be packed in your carry-on bag. If you must bring home that bottle of red you picked up in Bourdeaux, use a product like the VinniBag, which will protect the contents of your bag in case the bottle breaks.

Film

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If you ducked the digital trend and snap travel photos on a camera that takes film, steer clear of storing undeveloped rolls in your checked bag. The X-ray machines that the TSA uses to screen checked bags can damage film. Instead, put your film in your carry-on bag and ask the TSA agent at the security checkpoint to inspect your film by hand. The TSA suggests that travelers pack film in clear canisters or clear plastic bags to expedite the inspection process, but this isn’t required.

Food and Drink

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According to the TSA, flyers should avoid putting food and beverages in checked bags. Passengers aren’t prohibited from storing chow in checked bags, but it’s a wise suggestion nevertheless. Bottled drinks are likely to explode or crack in transit, thus ruining the cashmere sweater tucked in your bag. And if your flight is delayed or your luggage gets lost for a while, your packed food might spoil.

Courtesy : Airfarewatchdog

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Aviation

British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy: Your Ticket to the Cockpit

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In a groundbreaking move, British Airways has officially unveiled the eagerly anticipated Speedbird Pilot Academy 2023, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry. This exclusive program promises to propel aspiring pilots to new heights, offering an extraordinary opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to embark on a career in the skies.

The Speedbird Pilot Academy, renowned for its legacy of training top-tier aviation professionals, is set to write a new chapter in the world of aviation. With a commitment to inclusivity, British Airways invites candidates from all walks of life to take part in this extraordinary journey.

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Paving the Way for Future Captains

Enrolling in the Speedbird Pilot Academy is the first step towards achieving the esteemed rank of Captain within British Airways. As a fledgling pilot, you will commence your career on the airline’s short-haul fleet, gaining invaluable experience as you embark on your aviation odyssey.

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But that’s just the beginning. As your expertise and experience burgeon, you’ll gain access to an unrivaled array of fleet types and routes, spanning both long-haul and short-haul operations, setting you on a trajectory toward a thrilling future.

Applications Closed for 2023

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The anticipation surrounding the Speedbird Pilot Academy 2023 has been palpable, and applications for this year have already closed. Nonetheless, this elite training program has not ceased to draw the attention of aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

Stringent Criteria for Aspiring Pilots

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To be eligible for this extraordinary opportunity, candidates must meet stringent criteria:

  • Age: Applicants must be between 17 and 55 years old at the time of application and at least 18 years old to commence training.
  • Educational Qualifications: A minimum of 6 GCSEs graded A-C or 5-9, including Math, English, and a Science subject, or equivalent qualifications.
  • Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is mandatory. Non-native English speakers must present an IELTS Level 5.5 certificate overall, with no sub-score falling below 5.5.
  • Passport and Residency: Applicants must hold a valid passport allowing unrestricted global travel and the right to live and study in the UK without the need for sponsorship.
  • Height Requirements: Aspirants’ height must fall within the range of 1.57m (5’2″) to 1.90m (6’3″).
  • Medical Fitness: Applicants must obtain and maintain a UK CAA Class 1 medical certification with no restrictions, meeting British Airways’ medical criteria.
  • Background Checks: Prior to commencing training, applicants must successfully complete referencing and pre-employment checks, including UK and international Criminal Record Checks.

A Clear Path to the Skies

The British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy offers a clear path for aspiring aviators to transform their dreams of soaring above the clouds into a reality. With British Airways’ ambitious growth plans, the future holds a world of exciting opportunities for those who dare to reach for the skies.

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As this remarkable journey unfolds, British Airways reaffirms its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in aviation.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exceptional aviation initiative that promises to shape the future of the industry.

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You can Apply it here : Click

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How is Bangkok Airways now weighing passengers before boarding?

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How is Bangkok Airways now weighing passengers before boarding?

Bangkok Airways is the most recent airline that asks customers to walk on a scale before boarding. The development was announced by the airlines on their Facebook page on September 14. According to the notification, the weight check survey will occur between September 15 and October 31, 2023.

https://www.facebook.com/FlyBangkokAir/posts/687409406754053?ref=embed_post

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Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited is now a member of the Watchers Club, joining the ranks of other airlines. In order to precisely calculate the total weight of people and their accompanying carry-on luggage, the airline attempts to use standardized average weight data.

Exclusive Airbus A350 Photo Tour : Cabin, Seats and Walk around at wings India.(Opens in a new browser tab)

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The company will formally certify that the data will be kept private and will be employed solely to enhance the information on the typical average weight.

A positive response from customers is what the company is hoping for. A standard weights survey must be carried out in accordance with the international civil aviation standard regarding the use of standard passenger and baggage weights for weight and balance calculation purposes in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of a flight and to confirm that the actual weight does not exceed the maximum take-off weight limitation.

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Bangkok Airways and Vietnam Airlines. Signed an agreement to codeshare flights.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Before boarding a plane, passengers are weighed, and Bangkok Airways is not the first airline to do this. Korean Air has been performing passenger weight checks at airports from September. Air New Zealand conducted a similar study earlier this year.

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Norse Atlantic Airways Partners with WebCargo by Freightos

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Norse Atlantic Airways Partners with WebCargo by Freightos

Norse Atlantic Airways and WebCargo by Freightos, the top air cargo booking platform, today announced substantial cooperation to provide the European-based carrier’s capacity from the largest European Union cities for quick eBooking and payment on WebCargo.

Norse Atlantic Airways launches new Flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to London(Opens in a new browser tab)

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For technology, perishables, and other shipments, Norse Atlantic will soon enable real-time booking for WebCargo’s thousands of forwarders on its flights to and from Europe to seven destinations in the US, including Los Angeles International. It is important to remember that Norse Atlantic operates out of Miami International, the entryway to South America, for forwarders making reservations to Latin America.

Norse intends to establish capacity later this year between London and Barbados and Jamaica as well as between Oslo and Thailand, substantially extending WebCargo’s reach in Asia and the Caribbean.

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Norse Atlantic Airways unveils two new routes from the US to London(Opens in a new browser tab)

Norse Atlantic only flies Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which have a number of cutting-edge green features like 25% reduced CO2 emissions and 50% quieter operation than the aircraft of the previous generation still in service with several major airlines worldwide.

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Freight forwarders looking to book capacity on Norse Atlantic Airways, visit https://www.webcargo.co/book-air-cargo-with-norse-atlantic-airways/

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