You’re not getting that on the plane, regardless of how much you scream at check-in—if the airline says you’re done, you’re done. These regulations aren’t here to ruin your holiday; they exist because some items can create disastrous air travel experiences.
Surprise: Fresh Seafood is on the list
Taking home that crab you just caught, or that bag of raw shrimp? Forget it. Airlines like Garuda Indonesia state that fresh seafood is permitted only in checked baggage (so, not allowed in cabin baggage). The same applies to raw meat—no matter how supple the cut has been, it could leak, smell to high heaven or spoil during air transport.
Some things are dangerous by nature
Fireworks and flares, as well as those cute little sparkling candles that are sometimes used for birthday celebrations, are all flammable solids that are not permitted, nor are any liquid fuel compounds (i.e., methanol, lighter fluid and some adhesives), all classed as fire hazards.
For the ones you probably expected
Explosives, detonators and grenades are definitely out. Also prohibited: containers of pressurized gases (i.e., propane or butane) whether toxic or not. And yes that does include aerosol sprays that are irritants.
Potential Dangers Within Science Classes
For example, oxidizers (bleaching powder and peroxides) can catch fire when mixed with the wrong thing. Corrosive (sulfuric acid or the mercury in a thermometer) can be corrosive to both the item and even the transport material itself. And please don’t bring radioactive elements (, uranium as a souvenir)!
Items That Seem Innocuous but Are Not
Hoverboards, balance wheels, and other types of mini personal transports are also not allowed, due to their lithium batteries and possibly their built-in pyrotechnics as well. Other types of non-removable lithium batteries in a suitcase might also be banned.
Self-Defense = Grounded
Pepper spray, tasers, electric shock batons – these may make you feel safer on the street but you won’t find your self-defense tools on a pressurized metal tube with a couple hundred strangers. The airline personnel will take your self-defense item before you could even get on the plane.
The Official “Prohibited Items” Catch-All
If it is a weapon, has a sharp edge, can emit dangerous gas, or looks like it belongs in an action film, it’s on the do-not-fly list. Garuda Indonesia—and seriously all airlines—are expecting you to comply.
What’s the big deal?
Aviation safety is a TEAM effort, not just the pilots and crew. Once piece of careless person with the wrong item mixed with everyone else on board who may have done something wrong is dangerous and could mean something to everyone which is why these restrictions exist—and why your luggage might receive an extra run-through at security.
