Skyscanner checks out the list of stuff you are not supposed to carry in your hand baggage from airports across India.

1. No ice axes or meat cleavers

Knives and box cutters are one story, but you have got to be in another league to be carrying an ice axe or a meat cleaver in your hand baggage. Surprise – neither of the two are allowed, and nor are swords or sabers; though we are not too clear about Jedi-style lightsabers!

2. No bows and arrows

We can easily imagine how one may carry a cricket or a baseball bat on a flight – even a golf club for that matter – but a bow and arrow? A little far-fetched, but given that our flights originate from a land that is proud of its roots (read: Mahabharata),it is only fair that a bow and arrow be mentioned in a list that also specifies a range of firearms!

3. No cattle prods

For those of you hoping that your herd will follow you to your destination, here is some bad news. Cattle prods – electric ones or even the plain old pokey kind – are a strict no-no in your hand luggage. Yes, we know that the electric ones only have a small amount of current running through them, but still!

4. No screwdrivers

Understandably, screwdrivers can cause mayhem on a flight, but if it’s one of those screwdrivers that are a part of an eyeglass repair kit, then fret not! It shall have pride of place in your hand luggage, presumably because it’s just a miniature version of its more offensive relative.

5. No tools

Why you would feel the need to carry any of the following is anybody’s guess, unless you are a very hands on type of plumber or carpenter. Airlines get jittery in the presence of saws, hammers, drills, wrenches and pliers. Yes, pliers too.

Photo credit: Christine und Hagen Graf

6. No weapons

All you black belts out there – keep those nunchucks and ninja stars out of your hand baggage. Airlines presume that your innate abilities are weapon enough! And the self defence aware among us will be required to check in their knuckle dusters and pepper sprays.

Photo credit: Ben Cane

7. No liquid chemicals

With the millions of liquid chemicals that could be termed ‘disabling’, airports in India feel the need to make a special mention when it comes to chlorine for swimming pools and liquid bleach. We are not partial to the peroxide blonde look either, but chlorine?

8. No fire extinguishers

Taking paranoia to another level is assuming that there are passengers who would like to carry fire extinguishers in their hand baggage. We figure it would be dangerous and thus banned, but why, oh why?

9. No scissors

A pair of scissors seems to be quite the favourite with the banning brigade. It finds mention not on one, but on two lists – once under sharp objects and again under personal items. So those of you who wish to sneak in that tiny one for some quick nose hair grooming in the lavatory, be ready to have your hand baggage investigated!

10. No spray paint

All graffiti artists out there – sadly airlines don’t get your talent, lest you decide to spruce up those plane interiors with a dash of colour. So keep your graffiti and repainting urges under control before you board, and save it for the street!

If this doesn’t clear things up, see the official guidelines here.

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Read more:

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Ready for your next travel, now that all your hand baggage doubts have been cleared? Book your flights, hotel or rent a car with Skyscanner today. You can do all of these on our mobile app too.

Adapted from an original article by James Teideman