Packing for Belize - Part 1

To plan for our trip, Team Belize 2010, here are the luggage and carry-on regulations from Continental Airlines:


Checked Luggage
Continental currently allows each person to check 1 bag free of charge (maximum 50 pounds and 62 inches) plus 1 free carryon. A second checked bag runs $27.00. NOTE: The baggage policies are subject change.

Carry-on Bag
Continental will permit one bag plus one personal item (see below), per customer to be carried on the aircraft.
The maximum combined linear measurement (L + W + H) of the carry-on bag is 45 inches (115 cm)up to 14 in x 9 in x 22 in. The maximum weight of the carry-on bag is 40 pounds (18 kg).

Personal items
In addition to the one carry-on item, you may bring free-of-charge the below items:

• one small personal article such as a briefcase, purse, day planner, small laptop computer, camera case, compact disk player or similar sized personal entertainment item
• personal aid devices such as wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices and walking sticks, provided passenger is dependent on them
• one infant article such as a small collapsible stroller, a diaper bag or a government approved child seat (larger strollers can be checked in the jetway prior to boarding the aircraft)
• full-size video game consoles (for example Playstation®, X-box®, or Nintendo®), full-size DVD players, and video cameras that use video cassettes (must be removed from carrying cases and submitted separately for x-ray screening)
• CPAP breathing machines (must be removed from carrying case and submitted separately for x-ray screening)

Small and portable electronic items do not need to be removed from their carrying cases.

The following items may be carried on in addition to the one carry-on item:
Purse, coat, rug or blanket, camera or binoculars, reading material (reasonable amount), umbrella or walking stick, infant food and bag, collapsible wheelchair or assistive devices and Duty Free items

Note: Most knives are not allowed past the security checkpoint (including, but not limited to, pocket knives, folding or retractable blades regardless of blade length or composition, box cutters, X-Acto knives, scissors with a pointed tip, straight razors, Leatherman or Swiss Army Knives). Plastic and round-bladed butter knives are permitted in carry-on baggage.

Battery operated personal air-purifying devices are prohibited onboard all Continental flights.

If you are traveling with any liquid, gel or aerosol items, here's a few things you should remember:
Customers departing from U.S. airports on any domestic or international flight may bring carry-on bags through security and aboard the aircraft with trial-size toiletries (3.4 ounces or less) which can be purchased at any drug store.

Toiletries must fit comfortably in one, quart-size (7.5" x 8"), clear plastic zip-top bag. The zip-top bag may need to be presented separately at airport security so make sure it is easily accessible when you approach the screening area.

Additionally, beverages or toiletries purchased inside the airport beyond the security checkpoints will be allowed onboard the aircraft.

Items greater than 3.4 ounces and/or not contained in a zip-top bag may be allowed on board but must be declared to the TSA at the security checkpoint for screening. These items include baby formula, milk (to include breast milk), baby food, juice, medications and liquids/gels that are needed for diabetic or other medical conditions.

Remember everyone, packing light is the goal - you don't want to be lugging a ton of luggage around Belize! Look for a follow-up post soon on things you will and will not want to pack for the trip.