The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has some specifications which laptop bags must meet in order to be allowed through the checkpoint. In order to help the TSA officers have an unobstructed view of a laptop as it goes through an X-ray machine, laptop bags should give a clear view of the laptop they contain. In order to meet this requirement, the laptop bag must have a section that is strictly for the laptop which can be laid flat on the X-ray belt. This section should be free of distractions in the form of metal snaps and zippers on or under the laptop. There are three styles of laptop bags which the TSA approves of, the butterfly style, the trifold style and the sleeve style. Do not pack anything other than the laptop inside the laptop section and make sure that there are no pockets under or on top of the laptop section. If you have a different style of laptop bag, you will have to remove your computer and have it scanned separately.
Some airlines permit passengers to carry small arms ammunition and firearms in checked baggage. It is up to the passenger to call the airline or travel agent to find out if their airline will allow this. All ammunition and firearms must be declared to the airline at the check-in. Such firearms must be unloaded and the ammunition must be securely packed in wooden, metal or fiber boxes which have been manufactured for such a purpose. Flares and gun powder are not allowed onto an aircraft in checked baggage or carry-on.
TSA regulations restrict each passenger to just one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) when boarding an aircraft. The items in these bags will be searched for any prohibited items. This is especially true for liquids. To make things easier for passengers, TSA has a method known as 3-1-1. The 3-1-1 rule simply means that all liquids, gels and aerosols have to be in 3.4 oz. or smaller containers, one clear plastic zip-top bag not more than 1 quart and one bag per passenger. Any liquid exceeding the stated amount has to be put into the checked baggage. There are exceptions for certain medication, breast milk and baby formula which must be in reasonable quantities and have to be declared for inspection.
The weight of luggage which a passenger is allowed to carry is determined by the policies of the particular airline. It is best to call the airline or travel agent to find out how much they allow their passengers to carry. Most airlines require bags to weigh under 50 lbs. or they will charge you an overweight baggage fee.
