Getting ready to go on holiday can be a stressful time, with shopping, packing and prepping everything you need for an enjoyable break.
Amid a last-minute packing frenzy, it can be easy to accidentally throw items in your luggage, even ones that could cause you problems along the way.
While there are obvious no-nos that you must leave at home such as aerosols, lithium batteries and sharp objects, there are other less conspicuous items that passengers should think about before they fly.
According to a subthread on Reddit, baggage handlers regularly come across items in cases that just really shouldn’t be there.
Experts in their field, the baggage handlers say that a selection of everyday items can cause them some serious upset whilst dealing with your luggage.
Packing your own food and drink may seem like a money-saving option, but it may be better to buy when you get there.
With this in mind, one of these baggage handlers posted to Reddit, pleading with passengers not to pack food in their checked bags.
He said: “They rot, break or leak, open. It smells, especially alcohol. Then I smell all day after picking up a bag that leaked.”
While passengers are allowed to carry food items in their checked luggage, according to the Gov.uk website, most countries have strict rules on entry.
If you feel the need to take meat, dairy, fish and animal products and fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds to other countries, expect to face restrictions on entry.
Anyone hoping to kick off their holiday with some high-strength spirits should be aware that anything over 70 percent alcohol, including grain alcohol and 151-proof rum, is prohibited in both checked and hand luggage. So, it’s best to leave the strong stuff at home.
The baggage handlers also added that perfumes and cologne can cause similar problems, as badly wrapped bottles can easily break and leak in transit.
The thread wasn’t only about complaints though. Helpful baggage handlers also reminded travellers about the importance of keeping medication close at hand in transit.
Having medication in your cabin baggage guarantees immediate access when needed and also safeguards against loss should your checked bags take an unexpected detour.