This article was last updated and fact checked on January 28, 2023 by Mani Karthik.
A study conducted in 2017 suggested that an American adult spends at least 2 hours and 51 minutes on their mobile phones each day, says an article on Hackernoon. With an explosion of social media, it is hard to stay away from your smartphone. However, it is important to follow the guidelines while you are at the airport or on a flight. These guidelines are crucial safety measures that must be strictly followed.
In this article...
Use of Electronic Devices at the Airport
You can use electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, iPods, etc., inside the airport building and enclosed airbridges. Most airports have charging ports and Wi-Fi connections to facilitate the use of such devices. In areas like customs and immigration, which are security controlled, you need to resist from using electronic devices, such as mobiles, laptops and cameras. Usually, you require to remove laptops and put them through separately for X-ray screening.
How Many Laptops Can You Carry on a Flight
You can use lightweight electronic devices, such as smartphones, iPods, tablets, electronic books, headsets, portable recorders, etc., on a flight. However, these devices should be on flight mode, since cellular and Wi-Fi transmitting can disturb the air traffic controllers, says an article on Forbes. Using electronic devices can put you and your fellow passengers in grave danger.
Things You Should Probably Leave at Home
Flammable items, such as fuel, gasoline, matches, paint thinners, aerosol cans, turpentine, etc., are not allowed on airplanes, says an article on Real Simple. Explosives, such as fire crackers, replicas of explosive items, flares, dynamite, etc., come under the list of restricted items in an airport. Other than these, certain chemicals, such as chlorine, bleach, tear gas, spray paint, etc., are considered dangerous and are better left at home.
Self-defence items, such as pepper sprays, Swiss knives, small blades, billy clubs, mace, brass knuckles, martial-art weapons, etc., must not be carried past security. You can certainly be in trouble if you are caught carrying these. However, you can carry certain tools, such as pliers, screw drivers and wrenches, if they are 7 inches or less in length. It is better to wrap them and pack in your carry-on baggage.
Generally, if you are taking packed or sealed mobile phones and laptops, the officers at the airport might think that you are going to sell them. And, you may be charged custom duties and taxes. However, the trick is to remain calm and play it cool. Unpack all the mobiles from their cases and keep them separately in your handbag and other bulky luggage. You can do the same, if you have two or more laptops. Put one in your cabin luggage and the other in your checked-in luggage. Don’t get nervous, put one of your phones in the tray and the other in your handbag and the officers will not suspect anything because people usually carry two phones. Just make sure you are not sending the tray and your hand bag together into the X-ray machine.
While there are no restrictions on how many electronic devices you can carry in your luggage, it is best not to carry too many, since it raises suspicious of illegal activities.
