The following post is brought to you by proud Educational Travel Week sponsor, SkyTeam.
Looking back through sepia tinted glasses, the only travel rules we once worried about were which side of the road to drive on in Australia, how to say hello in Greece and whether we should sport that neon orange fanny pack in Switzerland. (Okay, so maybe that hasn’t changed.) But in recent years, we’ve had to add a few more to the list, particularly when it comes to packing and figuring out what we can bring back from a trip. Whether you’re traveling Delta, Air France, KLM or Alitalia, here’s a quick guide to getting an A-plus (and maybe a smile) from the men and women at airport security and customs.
Carry-on Bags
When it comes to carry-on bags, it’ll help to remember the 311 rule. Devised by the Transportation Security Administration in 2006, the 311 rule reminds you to carry liquids in 3oz containers, to secure them in one clear plastic bag and to run it separately through security screening. Remember, you can always bring the full size shampoo or hair gel in your checked luggage. Or why not buy a local version at your destination for true cultural immersion!
At the Security Gate
We all know we shouldn’t be carrying knives, bombs and knitting needles through airport security. But did you know that if you need spare lithium batteries—the kind used in cell phones, iPods and cameras—you can only bring them in your carry-on? They are now prohibited from checked luggage. And these days, is it shoes or our hats off when going through screening? Best tip is, be aware of what people ahead of you are doing. Don’t wait until the last minute to realize you need to remove your boots only to have the zipper get stuck and the pulse rates of the travelers behind you rise. Always remove items from your pockets. Take off belts and jackets before going through the scanner. And, if you do decide to travel with your laptop, you have to remove it from your carry-on before putting it on the conveyor belt. If you’re traveling into the U.S., it is common for airport security to be ramped up, and you may be subject to more than one security check including full bag searches.
Returning Home
Most countries allow you to bring home a certain amount of goods tax-free—up to $800 worth in the U.S. That year’s supply of Eau de Fragrance from Paris is in the cards after all, as well as spices, honey, coffee and tea. If you find a ceramic stein in Germany or a fancy serving plate from Italy, U.S. Customs recommends you have it tested for lead levels if you plan to eat or drink from it (or just use it as decoration) because lead laws may not be as vigorously enforced abroad. Some items you can’t bring home at all so verify the laws wherever you travel. Typically, animal and vegetable products are prohibited due to concerns that diseases can be spread to new soil. After all, it was unauthorized transportation of foods that led to the spread of Dutch elm disease and the Mediterranean fruit fly epidemic. The delicious prosciutto from Sorrento you were going to buy for mom is out but freshly pressed olive oil is in. There are a couple of exceptions to the animal rule. Cheese that is no runnier than Brie and commercially-sealed and labeled baked goods can travel with you. Remember that delicious Stroopwafel from your Amsterdam trip? If you can find one half as delicious at the supermarket as it was at the Panneskoeken dinner then leave those snakeskin boots behind and cram plenty of them into your suitcase!