Warm weather is here or on the horizon, and spring-break travelers are getting ready to fly to destinations around the world. Airlines for America is predicting a record-breaking number of passengers to fly on U.S. aircraft—nearly 158.2 million, a 4.3 percent increase over last year. Thanks in no small part to airline pilots (we’re #TrainedforLife), flying on carriers based in the United States and Canada has never been safer. But we can all do our part as passengers and shippers to keep flying safe: Did you #PackSafe and #ChecktheBox?
As you put the finishing touches on your vacation plans and pack your suitcases, ask yourself: “Did I pack safely?” Common items, including certain toiletries and electronics packed in luggage, can be considered dangerous goods (commonly referred to as “hazardous materials” or “hazmat”). Casual passengers may not be aware that most dangerous goods are prohibited in any carry-on or checked baggage. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Pack Safe list will teach you what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on or checked baggage. Also, be sure to check with your airline for specific restrictions, as airline baggage rules can vary. Do this by simply calling customer service or sending them a tweet!
When shipping gifts to friends and family, ask: “Did I check the box for hazmat?” Undeclared hazmat shipments pose a significant risk to public safety. One of the most frequent reasons for undeclared shipments is a shipper’s lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of the requirements for properly declaring and transporting hazmat. Certain items that are essential to our daily lives—such as batteries and common household items—may seem harmless, but they can be toxic, corrosive, and even explosive if handled inappropriately. Not to worry, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has all the information you need. Visit PHMSA’s Check the Box to learn what is safe to ship—and how to declare and safely ship hazmat. Meanwhile, ALPA is doing our part. Air cargo stakeholders are meeting at our offices this week for a special symposium to discuss how to ensure that cargo planes are held to the same rigorous safety standards as their passenger counterparts.
Remember: It only takes a few minutes to #PackSafe and #ChecktheBox to keep the skies safe for all of us. Enjoy your spring break, wherever your travels may take you!