Avoid These 5 Airport Mistakes to Prevent Potential Travel Disasters
Are you an unsuspecting traveler who wants to ensure your trip away doesn’t turn into a holiday horror story? Although travel excites us, being detained at the airport is the last thing we want on our minds. To help you navigate through potential airport pitfalls, here are five ways you could get detained at the airport and tips on how to avoid them.
Prohibited Items in Luggage
Are you aware of the prohibited items in your luggage? It’s not just about illegal substances; there are various restrictions in different countries. For example, pornography is a restricted item in many countries in Asia and the Middle East. India prohibits “maps and literature where India’s external boundaries are shown incorrectly.” Japan prohibits “books, drawings, carvings, and any other article which may harm public safety or morals.” Dubai bans cooked and homemade foods, as well as three-layer fishing nets, crude ivory, and rhino horns. Make sure to check the rules of your destination to avoid any trouble at the airport.
Excessive Amounts of Cash or Undeclared Valuables
If you’re traveling with a large amount of cash or valuables that exceed the limit set by the country, you must declare or notify government officials upon entering or leaving the country. This can include jewelry, luxury clothing, and electronics. Completing the declaration forms before traveling in countries like South Africa and Canada can spare you fines and delays at the airport. Make sure to check the rules on declaring valuables to avoid unexpected delays and penalties.
Prescription Medication
Traveling with prescription medication containing controlled substances requires extra caution. The list of travel regulations around medicines containing controlled substances is not complete. It’s crucial to confirm if the ingredients in your medication are permitted in the country you’re traveling to. Violating the laws of your destination country can have serious consequences, so it’s essential to check with the embassies of every country along your travel route to ensure all your medicines are allowed.
Undeclared Plants, Pets, or Exotic Animals
Bringing any living creature, including plants, into another country is subject to restrictions. There’s an extensive list of generally prohibited items, including live birds, medicine from Asiatic black bears, rhinos and tigers, all sea turtle products, and fur from sea otters, polar bears, and tigers. Additionally, the rules and regulations for domesticated animals vary by airline, country, and even time of year. Make sure to check the specific regulations for the country you’re visiting to avoid any issues with your plants, pets, or exotic animals.
Flying Under the Influence
Having a few drinks before your flight might seem harmless, but that’s not the case. If the ground or cabin crew believes you’ve had too much to drink and poses a danger to yourself and others, it could lead to a delay. The FAA has a zero-tolerance policy on unruly behavior from flight passengers, so it’s important to be mindful of your alcohol consumption before and during your flight.
As you plan your next trip, make sure to steer clear of these potential airport mistakes to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Remember to check the country regulations and declarations to avoid unnecessary delays or issues during your time at the airport. Safe travels!