Aviation
10 Things You Should Never Pack in Your Checked Bag
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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
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
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
Aviation
FAA rolling out new technology at four US airports
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to debut cutting-edge airfield surveillance systems at four prominent airports across the United States.
Austin-Bergstrom, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Dallas Love Field will spearhead the implementation of the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) by July 2024, marking a significant stride in runway safety enhancement efforts.
SAI revolutionizes air traffic controllers’ situational awareness by leveraging Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data. Through this innovative technology, controllers gain real-time and precise depictions of aircraft and vehicles navigating the entire airfield, irrespective of weather conditions.
Icons representing aircraft and ADS-B-equipped vehicles will populate an airport map, offering comprehensive coverage of runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other critical areas.
This initiative is a pivotal component of the FAA’s accelerated surface safety portfolio, complementing other vital tools like Approach Runway Verification (ARV) and the Runway Incursion Device (RID). The proactive deployment of these technologies underscores the FAA’s unwavering commitment to fortifying runway safety and averting potentially hazardous incidents.
Beyond technological advancements, the FAA is taking multifaceted measures to bolster safety across the national airspace system. Initiatives include aggressive air traffic controller recruitment drives, enhancements to the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, and the deployment of upgraded tower simulator systems in numerous facilities nationwide by the end of 2025.
Additionally, the FAA is fostering collaborative efforts through regular runway safety action team meetings and investing substantially in runway lighting and surface improvements at airports of varying sizes.
Aviation
Boeing says 787 Dreamliner aircraft is safe
Boeing is standing firm on the safety and durability of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft despite mounting criticism and whistleblower allegations.
In response to concerns raised by whistleblowers and ahead of a congressional hearing, the aviation giant emphasized its rigorous testing protocols and asserted confidence in the integrity of its planes.
During a media briefing accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, boeing aircraft
reiterated its confidence in the safety of both the 787 and 777 aircraft models. Senior engineers showcased extensive testing procedures aimed at refuting claims that approximately 1,400 Boeing planes may be afflicted by significant safety issues. The company addressed specific allegations, including concerns about gaps in manufacturing processes that could lead to premature fatigue failure over time.
The upcoming Senate hearing is expected to feature testimony from Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who has publicly criticized boeing airplanes safety practices and alleged retaliation for speaking out. Salehpour’s claims, currently under investigation by the FAA, include allegations of workers resorting to extreme measures during assembly, such as “jumping on pieces of the airplane” to align them.
Boeing officials stressed that thorough inspections of nearly 700 in-service Dreamliner jets revealed zero airframe fatigue findings, even after six and twelve years of heavy maintenance inspections. These results have been shared with the FAA, according to Boeing’s chief engineer, Steve Chisholm. He emphasized that the materials used in the construction of the 787 were specifically chosen for their resistance to fatigue and corrosion.
In response to Salehpour’s accusations of shortcuts in assembly processes, boeing planes
acknowledged instances where shims were not of the proper size and where areas did not meet skin-flatness specifications. However, the company dismissed claims of excessive force during assembly, stating that such practices were not part of their standard procedures.
Aviation
How to Utilize American AAdvantage Miles for Etihad Flights
Are you eager to make the most of your American AAdvantage miles by exploring exotic destinations served by Etihad Airways? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the process of redeeming your AAdvantage miles for Etihad flights, ensuring you unlock the full potential of your rewards.
Etihad Airways’ partnership with American Airlines opens up a world of possibilities, allowing travelers to access a wider range of destinations and flight choices. jetnet american airlines What’s more, passengers can earn AAdvantage miles for their Etihad flights, enhancing the value of their travel experiences.
To start earning Etihad Guest miles, one convenient option is through credit card rewards. While Etihad doesn’t offer a U.S.-based cobranded credit card, you can seamlessly transfer rewards from renowned programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Once you’ve accumulated your miles, it’s time to embark on your Etihad journey. But how do you ensure your flights are credited to your American AAdvantage account? concierge key american airlines Fear not, for the process is simple. After your Etihad flights, wait at least three days before requesting to add them to your AAdvantage account. Utilize the provided form, entering your AAdvantage number and the 13-digit ticket number. Additional information may be required, readily available on your boarding pass stub or ticket receipt.
Etihad Airways boasts an extensive network, particularly in North America, with flights to major cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Washington. Whether your wanderlust leads you to the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, or South Africa, Etihad can serve as your gateway to these captivating destinations.
Now, let’s talk redemption. If you’re eyeing the dream of using your AAdvantage miles for etihad airport, rest assured, the process aligns with the standard AAdvantage partner award chart. To provide clarity, consider these examples of one-way business aa pricing:
- From the United States to the Middle East and India for 70,000 miles
- Venture from the United States to Africa for 75,000 miles
For those seeking the epitome of luxury in first class
- Luxuriate in a flight from Abu Dhabi to London for 62,500 miles
- Indulge in a journey from Abu Dhabi to New York for 115,000 miles
With these redemption options, your AAdvantage miles can transform into unforgettable travel experiences aboard Etihad Airways.