Packing can be a big problem if you don’t have the right accessories. This problem endures whether you are packing books for school or clothes for a long trip. It would help if you had a good backpack and the right skills to use the bag correctly.
At times the carry-on might not be enough to put all your luggage. The most realistic option in such a situation would be a backpack. But can you take a backpack and a carry-on? Let us take a closer look into this and more interesting topics;
Can You Take A Backpack And A Carry On?
Most airlines will allow passengers to have backpacks and carry-ons when they get on the plane. You could also have personal items like small bags, suitcases, shopping bags, purses, or briefcases.
The general rule is the backpack should be smaller than your carry-on. It should fit under the seat in front of you.
Basic TSA Rules for Carry-on Bags
You might have problems with airport security when taking a flight. There are strict rules, and missing out on them could bring serious repercussions. The TSA has rules for liquids, carry-on bags, and luggage.
The rules could differ for airports and airlines, but the basics are similar. You need to know all these rules to pack correctly and make it past security. Let us get into the details and see what you need to know;
1. Liquids rule
When packing your carry-on, you must keep the 3-1-1 liquid rule. This rule applies to liquids, aerosols, gels, and pastes.
All liquids must not be more than 100 ml or 3.4 ounces. These include toothpaste, shampoos, and other personal care items.
Consumables also conform to this rule; they include water, soda, and other liquids. Peanut butter is spreadable; therefore, it is a liquid under TSA guidelines. The size you carry in the bag must comply with the 3-1-1 rule.
All compliant liquids must go inside a transparent quart-sized plastic bag. The bag must have a secure zip tie system to keep the liquids from spilling. Each passenger can only carry one of these bags in their luggage.
The TSA determines the amount of liquid using the writing in the bottle. This system means the content doesn’t matter; it’s the size. So a big bottle with a small amount of liquid will go into check baggage.
2. Food
Sometimes you might travel to a state, and you want to carry some food back home for your family.
You need to know the rules governing food movement on airplanes to stay out of trouble. The TSA rules on food are almost similar to liquids.
You can pack and carry solid foods, cakes, and pies in your carry one. Please make sure they are in a clear container for inspection.
They should also conform to the weight guidelines. So you can move fries, pizzas, cakes, and other solid foods without a problem.
For liquids, you will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule. Sauce, peanut butter, jelly, or any other liquid will have to go in a plastic bag. The TSA is trying to make it easier for everyone to know what they can bring.
You can visit their website, whatcanibring.com, and type in the food you want to carry. It will search the database and let you know what you can carry.
Packing Tips To Save Space In Carry-ons
You need the right packing tips to ensure you carry manageable luggage. You should be able to fit all your luggage in a carry-on if you are going for a short trip. Here are some tips that could help you fit luggage in a carry-on.
- Choose a durable bag. Most carry-ons will end up with a tight squeeze. You need to get a bag to take the pressure without it tearing open. This quality will allow you to squeeze more clothes into the bag.
- Mix and match. When choosing outfits, select simple and easy-to-match pieces. Mix in some bright colors but emphasize plain outfits that can go with anything. Get about 17 pieces that you could mix and match to produce unlimited outfits.
- Wear the bulkiest items on the flight. If you want to carry a thick coat, wear it on the flight. This tip will save a lot of space in the carry-on. You can use the same space to fit four or five smaller outfits. This space will eliminate the need for an extra bag.
- Roll the clothes instead of folding them. You can fold shirts and trousers across then roll them. This will save space for more luggage as you can roll several shirts simultaneously. Additionally, they will prevent wrinkles on your clothes, and you will look neat.
- Keep the bag organized. The organization makes it easier to pack, and you can save space. You could use cubes to arrange your clothes in the suitcase. Use the outer pockets for smaller items and electronics.
- Use a flat toiletry kit. You can attach a flat toiletry kit to the upper part of your bag cover. This will save space for more luggage in the interior of the bag.
How To Prepare Carry-On Bags For Screening
TSA screenings can get complicated if you aren’t ready to deal with them. You need to know the rules pack appropriately before a screening. You must know the best way to pack for screenings though the officers will help.
You will need to remove some objects from your carry-on before the screening. Here is what you need to do when you go for a screening;
You will get instructions from a TSA officer once you get to the checkpoint. They will guide how you arrange your items before screening in the x-ray machine. The officer will ask you to remove electronic devices from the carry-on bag.
You will need to put such electronics in a separate bin. Some of these include tablets, laptops, iPads, and eReaders.
Keep these items in an accessible pocket when packing so you can take them out without unpacking.
All items in your carry-on need to adhere to the 3-1-1 liquid rule. If you have food or vegetables, you should consider getting them out. This is not a requirement, but it will make the process move along quicker.
You should remove all footwear and put it in the bin or conveyer belt. If your bag triggers the x-ray machine, an officer will open and inspect it. You can observe the process and ask about the process.
The TSA changes rather quickly in an attempt to improve security. This situation creates a slight difference in process between airports. It is a generally simple process, and you should go through it in a couple of minutes.
How To Travel With Medication
You can travel with medication if you follow the TSA rules. You can have medication in solid or liquid form in your carry-on. They don’t have to comply with the 3-1-1 rule, so you can have them over 3 ounces.
The same goes for medical accessories such as IV backs and syringes. Please put them in a clear bag and ensure each prescription has a clear label to simplify the screening. Inform the screening officer of your medical condition before the search.
You could present the prescription or disability notification card before the screening. Let the officer know if you don’t want the X-ray to screen your medication. They will use other methods to screen the medication.
You should let the officer know if you have any electronic medical devices in your carry-on. Some devices are not safe to screen with an X-ray, so you should take them out of the bag. You may request private screening if you aren’t comfortable with your condition.
The steps for screening are longer if you have medication. You, therefore, need to get to the airport early enough to allow time for the officers to screen you. Airports have advanced imaging technologies and metal detectors.
Some medical conditions or equipment don’t agree with such tools. If you can’t use these technologies, you will have a pat-down. Pat downs can happen if the metal detector sets off the alarm.
If you have a medical device on your body, you need to tell the officer. If possible, you can disconnect the device and go through the scanner. If you can’t disconnect the device, you might need additional screening.
You can request to speak with a supervisor during your screening. This could happen if you need clarification or you have a special case. You could contact the TSA and confirm the details before going to an airport.
Conclusion
Can you take a backpack and a carry-on? This article must have helped you learn about TSA rules on carry-ons. You can carry a backpack if it is smaller than the carry-on. Most airlines will allow it if it fits under the seat in front of you.
Packing your carry-on correctly will save you a lot of trouble at the screening point. Airports often have tight security to keep passengers safe. Look at the TSA guidelines and follow them. You should go through screening in a couple of minutes and get on the plane.
