Remote work has dramatically enriched the lifestyle choices available to everyday workers. Now, you can spend your time with your loved ones while working from home.
Some use their extra hours to build their passion projects and businesses alongside their online job. While others satisfy their wanderlust by becoming digital nomads.
Who wouldn’t want to travel the world with just a trusty laptop and a stable internet connection while earning a decent income. Some can even work productively in airports.
But before you fly out and work, check out some of these airport rules.
TSA Rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates specific regulations when you fly. And it’s followed by most of the airports worldwide for everyone’s safety.
But before we discuss them, you must distinguish between carry-on baggage and checked-in baggage. The item restrictions are different for both.
Checked-in baggage are luggage or bags that are dropped off at the counter, which will then be transported to the plane as cargo.
Depending on the airline and ticket type (economy, business class, etc.), there’s a size and weight limit for each bag.
Take note that these items are not accessible to the passenger once you drop them off.
On the other hand, carry-on baggage are bags that you can bring with you onboard.
Some digital nomads only bring a backpack for their whole trip. So it’s crucial to take note of these restrictions.
The typical size restriction for most carry-on baggage measures 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches (or 56 cm by 36 cm by 23 cm).
Most airlines allow you to carry one (1) carry-on baggage plus one (1) baggage for personal equipment (e.g. laptop bag, camera bag, etc.).
Usually, you can only bring a combined weight of 7 KG in your carry-on baggage. But some airlines allow you to upgrade the weight limit for a fee.
Prohibited Item List
Now, let’s discuss the prohibited item list — things that aren’t allowed for both your carry-on and checked-in baggage.
- Guns, firearms, and other devices that discharge projectiles
- Stunning device
- Workers’ tools (e.g. crowbar, driller, hammers, etc.)
- Explosives and incendiary substances and devices
- Objects with sharp points or edges
- Chemicals and other toxic substances
Check this link for updates regarding the TSA prohibited item list.
Liquids Rule
You can bring liquids like body wash and perfume in your checked-in baggage, regardless of the quantity.
But if you decide to put it in your carry-on bag, there are some restrictions.
You can only bring 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per bottle that can all fit in a quart-size resealable bag.
So if you have 1L of shampoo with you, better transfer some to a smaller bottle or it’ll be thrown into the garbage during the security check.
Power Banks
Power banks are not allowed in checked-in baggage. But you can bring it with you in your carry-on as long as it doesn’t exceed 12V and 100Wh.
Usually, a power storage capacity of 27000 mAH is within the limits.
Food and Snacks
You might get hungry before your flight. So are you allowed to bring additional food and snacks in your carry-on baggage?
There is no hard and fast rule about it. based on experience, a take-away burger or packed lunch is allowed. But I don’t suggest you bring a bucket meal or a whole pizza.
Just make sure to leave the beverages behind because of the liquid restrictions above.
Separate Your Laptop and Metal Objects When Running Them Through Airport Scanners
When you go through the security checks, you’ll need to put your laptops and other electronic devices in another bin.
Additionally, metal objects like watches, belts, and coins need to be segregated as well.
This ensures that the scanner captures clear images of your items without obstruction.
Bonus: Bringing in Agricultural Products
These are not included in the TSA rules, but some countries have strict quarantine measures for agricultural products.
For example, Japan doesn’t allow you to bring meat products and any form of raw agricultural produce into their country.
So think twice about bringing fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, meat, etc.
Ready to fly to your next destination as a digital nomad? Mind the TSA rules above so that you’ll have a smooth security check process.
And if you’re looking for remote working jobs, you can sign up through Remote Staff for the best online listing for Filipinos! Cheers!
