Passenger safety and national security are paramount to airline companies, a concern that has resulted in numerous restrictions on what can and cannot be transported in your checked and carry-on baggage.
With the exception of baby formula and certain medications, liquids in carry-on luggage cannot exceed 3.4 ounces, and all such liquids must fit in a single, 1-quart clear Ziploc bag.
Knives, box-cutters, swords/sabers, full-size scissors, spears and razor blades (excluding safety razors) are prohibited in carry-on bags. These can, however, go into luggage that is checked through to your destination.
Because many sports items could potentially be used as a weapon--golf clubs, bats, ski poles, scuba spears, martial arts equipment and archery gear--these cannot be brought into the main cabin and must be checked.
Every airline has its own policies and fees regarding the transport of firearms in checked baggage. Where allowable, firearms (unloaded) must be declared upon check-in and safely packaged in hard-sided cases. Flares, gunpowder and percussion caps are prohibited in all circumstances.
Any items that are capable of starting a fire, exploding or creating a chemical hazard are prohibited across the board. Aerosols are only permitted in checked bags if they're in small quantities and constitute personal toiletries such as hairspray, mousse and deodorant.
Like sporting goods, tools such as hammers, axes, crowbars, drills and full size-screwdrivers can become lethal weapons in the wrong hands and, accordingly, need to go into checked luggage.
