Travel: Why is it strictly prohibited to carry coconuts on a flight? What other foods are not allowed in cabin baggage?

Did you know that if you're traveling by plane, you can't carry a coconut with you? Yes, if you have a coconut in your bag, whether whole or grated, it will be confiscated during security checks.

But do you know the reason behind this? Let's find out why you can't carry coconuts on a flight and what other food items are prohibited in your cabin baggage.

Why are coconuts banned on flights?
Airplanes have very strict safety regulations. Even a small oversight can lead to a major accident. Therefore, airports conduct very thorough security checks.

You cannot carry any flammable items, i.e., items that can easily catch fire, with you. A coconut is one such item. Dry coconuts contain a very high amount of oil. Therefore, there is a higher risk of them catching fire.

If the temperature inside the aircraft's cargo or cabin increases or if a spark occurs for any reason, a dry coconut can catch fire very quickly, posing a threat to the entire aircraft. That's why you cannot carry coconuts on an airplane.

This rule is not only applicable in India but worldwide. Coconuts are not allowed in either checked baggage or cabin baggage.

What happens if you are caught carrying a coconut?
If a dry coconut is found in your possession during airport security checks, the security personnel will immediately confiscate it. During international travel, attempting to carry flammable items can result in a warning or a fine for violating customs regulations.

What other foods can't you carry in your cabin bag?
The rules for carry-on bags are quite strict. Besides liquids, there are several food items that you cannot carry in the cabin:

Fish and raw meat - Fish or raw meat are not allowed in cabin bags because they can emit strong odors and leakage could compromise the cleanliness of the aircraft. Pickles (such as chili or mango pickles) - Pickles contain a high amount of oil and vinegar (liquid). Since more than 100ml of liquid is not allowed in cabin baggage, pickles are considered a restricted item. Also, their strong odor can be inconvenient for other passengers.

Raw rice and lentils - Some airlines and security protocols prohibit carrying raw grains and lentils in the cabin, as they can be used to conceal suspicious items.

Powdered or whole spices - Carrying large quantities of powdered chili or whole spices may be restricted. Powdered spices can cause issues during security checks or may be subject to scrutiny as suspected chemical powders.

Advice for Passengers
Before traveling, always check the list of 'restricted items' on your airline's website. If you must carry any food items, pack them securely in leak-proof containers and place them in your checked baggage.

PC Social Media