I placed my Styrofoam cup of coffee in the plastic bin because the man in
line behind me said it had to be screened. I earned a very hostile look from the
woman at the end of the conveyor belt. Apparently my beverage, if spilled on
security equipment, could have caused some extensive damage. Next time I flew I
carried my Styrofoam coffee cup through the metal detector. If the liquid is
in a glass, aluminum, or plastic container then it has to go through the x- ray
machine. All other food you wish to bring aboard needs to be wrapped or in a
container.
Cameras/Film
Some airlines allow a camera bag to be carried on in addition to the allowed
carry-on bag and the one personal item (like a purse) – Check with your airline
as to their regulations.
Undeveloped film put in any checked bags will be damaged by the screening
equipment. Pack undeveloped film in your carry-on. They will inspect high-speed
and specialty film by hand, but you need to request the service beforehand.
Crematory Containers
A crematory container may be considered carry-on, but it does need to pass
through the x-ray machine, so the container must be made out of a material (like
wood or plastic) that will permit the x-ray machine to see inside. Purchase a
temporary urn for the flight if you want to use another material for the
permanent container.
Some airlines allow cremated remains to be checked in, some do not. If so,
the remains are going to be checked for explosives. Security personnel are not
allowed to open the container out of respect for the dead.
Check with your airline regarding their policy for transporting the deceased
in a coffin.
Crafts
This may be up to the individual TSA screener. They have the authority to
determine if any item could be used as a weapon. Knitting needles, for
example, are allowed on the plane, but your particular screener could disallow
you to take them.