As far as air travel is concerned many people are much more concerned about the luggage they will be actually carrying onto the aircraft than the bags they hand in to staff at the check-in desks. Nonetheless, such checked-in baggage is just as important, if not more so than the ones you are keeping by your side and it is for this reason that there are many factors to consider when packing your bags before setting off on your journey.



The packing of prohibited or illegal items is a commonly made mistake and you are not likely to get away with it due to today's much improved security measures within airports.

In days gone by the majority of airlines only carried out random searches of checked-in luggage and even these were only conducted on occasions when airport or airline staff had reason to suspect a breach of security. Today, each and every bag is checked, including the luggage you hand over at the desk

On the whole checks are done quickly which may involve a rummaging around in your bags on the look out for anything out of the ordinary. However, every now and again an extensive search may take place where the compartments within your bags are checked out, and they may go as far as looking in the pockets of your packed clothing.

Numerous items are prohibited from being transported in your hand luggage, such as sharp objects, but they are allowed in your checked baggage. As the airport staff may be going through your checked luggage, you are advised to pack any sharp edged items which could be considered dangerous carefully and securely.

This is to not only ensure that no harm is incurred to the searching staff but also to protect you when you arrive at your destination and unpack your bags.

It's a good idea not to bother locking your bags until the searches have been carried out as you will only have to unlock them for the screening to take place. Once screened, some airlines, although not all of them, will allow you to replace the locks on your bags.

Because of this you may decide to store your more expensive belongings such as electronic equipment in your hand baggage. You will have this with you at all times which means there is less chance of anything being stolen and the risk of your things being damaged in your hand luggage is less than that of your checked-in items.

When you pack your bags incorrectly the consequences may be quite serious, so make sure you familiarize yourself with the rules of travel and the process in which your bags are screened before preparing for your next trip.