The British government’s recent foiling of a terrorist plot to carry liquid and gel explosives onto passenger aircraft travelling to the United States looks set to change the regulations affecting the types of goods that can be included in carry-on luggage. In the past, travellers were permitted to include electronic devices like cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers, portable MP3 players and handheld electronic games in their carry-on baggage. But, since 10 August, the UK Department for Transport has allowed passengers travelling on flights in the UK and from the UK to the USA have had their carry-on baggage allowances severely constrained.

 

The British government’s recent foiling of a terrorist plot to carry liquid and gel explosives onto passenger aircraft travelling to the United States looks set to change the regulations affecting the types of goods that can be included in carry-on luggage. In the past, travellers were permitted to include electronic devices like cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers, portable MP3 players and handheld electronic games in their carry-on baggage. But, since 10 August, the UK Department for Transport has allowed passengers travelling on flights in the UK and from the UK to the USA have had their carry-on baggage allowances severely constrained.

Only the barest essentials will be allowed to be carried on board in transparent plastic bags, which will be x-ray screened. Permitted items include pocket size wallets and purses, travel documents, prescription medicine, spectacles and sunglasses, contact lens holders, baby food and milk, sanitary items and keys (without electronic fobs). Nothing may be carried in pockets. Passengers will also be handsearched and footwear and all items like strollers, wheelchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened. All liquids will be removed from passengers. Books and magazines are under question as carry-on items. If you wish to take any of the banned items on your trip (including cameras), they must be packed in checked-in baggage.

The reasons for these restrictions are straightforward: the terrorists planned to smuggle explosives onto aeroplanes in hand luggage and to detonate them in flight. The explosives were to have been carried in liquid or gel form, while the detonators were to have been built into electronic devices.

Following the bans in the UK, other nations are expected to follow suit. However, although airport security has been stepped up worldwide, few nations have yet imposed the same blanket restrictions as the UK. However, travellers to the US have been banned from carrying portable MP3 players, mobile phones, laptops and any form of liquids on flights heading to the United States. Interestingly, travellers within the United States are still permitted to carry laptops and electronic devices.

So what should you do if you plan to take cameras, laptops and other electronic devices to (or from) one of the countries where tight restrictions on carry-on baggage apply? The solution is to find some way that is both safe and secure to carry these items in checked-in baggage. For most travellers, this means a lockable case with tough, impact-resistant sides and a padded interior.

Manufacturers
Photo Review has surveyed the local market for details of lockable cases that are suitable for carrying cameras, laptops and other electronic equipment and found three main suppliers. Pelican is the best known and most popular manufacturer and has the widest range. Local distributor, Maxwell Optical Industries (www.maxwell.com.au) has details of all cases suitable for photographic use, along with a link to the main pelican website. Online purchases are available through Carry It Cases (www.carryitcases.com.au), which covers the entire product range.

Aerolyte Casing Solutions (www.aerolyte.com.au) is a Melbourne-based manufacturer of cases with rigid polypropylene sides and reinforced metal edges and corners. The company offers a 6-year minimum warranty on all transit cases and covers a huge range of sizes. Online quotes are available. Samuelson Cases (www.samuelsoncases.com.au) is another local manufacturer, based in Sydney and offering a wide range of custom-built cases as well as stocking some models in the Pelican range.

Case Selection
When choosing a case consider the following issues:
1. Which items will be packed in it and how will they fit in? It is better to buy a slightly larger case than you think you need and insert additional padding than to skimp on padding. You cannot tell whether your case will be the one that’s dropped on the tarmac when baggage handlers are pushed for time.
2. Allow at least 2.5 cm of padding between the items and the sides of the case to ensure all items are protected.
3. Don’t pack liquids with electronic items. If spillage occurs, your expensive electronic devices will be irreparably damaged.
4. Make sure the locks are of good quality and not easily opened. If in doubt, fit extra locks and/or lockable security straps. Anything that delays access to the contents provides additional insurance against theft.

Footnote: Since this article was posted, some airlines have relaxed their rules regarding certain types of electronic equipment. In many places, laptop computers are now allowed to be carried onto flights. We urge all travellers to check with their airlines before packign their baggage to make sure they are clear abotu what items can be included in carry-on baggage and what must be packed in checked-in bags.