Cultural items

Yes, but some items are subject to restrictions. Some passengers would like to take culturally significant items into the cabin of the aircraft with them. This is not always possible, as some items are restricted from entering the cabin of aircraft due to security concerns.

What are cultural items?

Culturally significant items are those things you attribute a higher personal value to, including for:

• Cultural reasons e.g. Tokotoko [ceremonial walking stick];
• Religious reasons e.g. Sikh’s Kirpan; and
• Family reasons e.g. heirloom, knife from the Great War.

The Aviation Security Service is required to prevent passengers from taking items capable of causing serious injury on board an aircraft.  This includes firearms, disabling weapons and explosives, but also includes:

• Blunt instruments capable of being used to bludgeon; and
• Blades and metal shafts capable of being used to stab or slice.

If the item you are taking is not listed below, but has similar characteristics to an item that cannot go as carry-on, please pack in your checked luggage

How do I safely pack and protect a cultural item?

If you have concerns that your property could be damaged, here are four packing tips that will help protect it:

1. If the item is fragile, wrap it in bubble wrap. Bubble wrap provides significantly more protection than clothing or towels
2. For added protection place in a suitable [quality] box
3. Pad the box with additional bubble wrap to provide additional cushioning and prevent the item moving around.
4. Use quality adhesive tape to seal your box

If the item cannot fit in the overhead storage, the item will need to go as checked luggage.  If you are concerned that the item could be damaged during carriage by air, you must consult with your airline to discuss appropriate carriage.

There is a risk that the airline may refuse carriage of valuable items if you have not advised them before you travel.

What are the restrictions in other countries?

Other countries may have less or more strict rules around these items, so you should always check with your airline if you are flying internationally.