Have you heard that talcum powder, a common household item, is no longer allowed in carry-on luggage? Well, it’s not. It was added to the list of banned items in hand luggage earlier this year. However, it looks like most people have remained unaware of the update. This lack of awareness has led to quite a few incidents at the airport. While some ended with disputes among travellers and airport staff, others led to missed flights. The recent incident that came to light occurred in Bengaluru.
Talcum Powders Are No Longer Allowed In Carry-On Bags
According to a report published on Saturday (July 15) in The Times of India, passengers who are instructed to remove talcum powder from their cabin baggage often engage in lengthy arguments with security personnel or airline ground staff. Some of these disputes have resulted in passengers missing their flights. At the security checkpoint with the ladder, some passengers have even been apprehended by airline ground staff. According to reports, a similar incident occurred to an elderly couple recently at Bengaluru airport.
The elderly woman’s small container of talc was missing during the CISF’s pre-departure security screening. However, the ground personnel found it during the ladder-point security check. The high drama reportedly ensued at Kempegowda International Airport as the woman allegedly threatened legal action against the airline and the ground staff over the talc. But in the end, she reportedly followed the rules and left for Muscat without the container.
Avoid Packing These Banned Items In Your Hand Luggage
Containers with liquids and gels over a certain limit are typically not allowed in cabin luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage or purchased after passing security in travel-sized containers. Items such as knives, scissors, and razor blades are also generally not allowed in cabin luggage. Certain sporting goods like baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks are generally not allowed in cabin luggage.
Avoid taking flammable substances like lighters and matches as well. Some airlines or countries may have restrictions on large electronic devices, such as laptops or tablets, in cabin luggage. The newest additions to this list are talcum powder and spices. It is always advisable to pack such items in the checked-in bags if necessary.
So, the next time you fly, do remember to pack your precious talc and spices in the check-in baggage.