Taking Survival Items on an Airplane

It is a fact that flying is safer than driving. But there is something unnerving about to board a metal tube and flying at 35,000 feet.

Plane crashes do happen, and they can crash in very remote places. If you are lucky then you may experience a successful crash landing like the one in the Hudson Bay a few years ago. If not you may end up on a remote island, just like on the TV show Lost.

The thing is that if you prep at home and have enough in your stores to last 5 years for your family, your cousins, friends, and your whole extended family, it won’t do you any good on that remote island.

The trick is you have to get around and think about the damn TSA rules. It isn’t hard at all but you need to know the rules inside and out. Believe me, it doesn’t take a genius to outsmart the TSA!

 

The Main Issue…

• You can’t bring any real blades.
• No pocket knives.
• No multi-tools.
• No Leathermans.

That is okay because we have some alternatives.

What to bring on the plane to help you survive

You can bring any combination of these items as you see fit. Some of them are redundant so mix and match.

The Big Disclaimer: Do your own research. These rules and policies change all the time. Plus, an ill-informed TSA agent can throw out your grandma’s toothpaste because he or she thinks she looks a little funny.

Disclaimer: It’s important to know that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane. Also, please note that some dangerous items below are illegal in certain states and passengers will be subject to state law. It is a passenger’s responsibility to be aware that origination and destination cities may have local laws prohibiting the possession of these items.  — From the TSA

Cutting Items

• 2 Disposable Razors – You can break the plastic housing to easily get to the blades
• Scissors – But only if they are under 4 inches. The TSA says, “metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than 4 inches are allowed, but blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited.” Look for very small sets, like sewing scissors. These work well most of the time and they are all metal.

Fire Starters

• 2 Sealed BIC lighters – They need to be sealed! And, you can’t bring a zippo lighter that has fluid.
• Cotton balls, Q-Tips, Lint – You can use these for getting the flames going.
• Large Ferro Rod with Striker Plate – It is wise to separate the striker plate & store it elsewhere.
• Magnifying Lens – I like the credit card sized lens to keep in my wallet. Simple. You can leave it in there full time.
• Very Fine Steel Wool – #000 works well. You can use the battery from some of the sources below. Read more here.

Other Items

• Water Bottle – It has to be empty going through the search but you can fill up after the security checkpoint.
• Plastic Cover – It can be a trash bag, small tarp, or a poncho. It can be used for shelter, a solar still, or its intended use.
• Cell Phone – You can make calls of course! You can also use the battery
• Flash Light – Always a useful tool and gives you reason to get another light! Again, the battery is a very valuable tool when coupled with the steel wool. Best Bang for the buck? The Coast PX20 125 Lumen LED Flashlight
• Paracord – You can build a shelter with the plastic & the paracord. Need inspiration?? Here are 101 Paracord Projects to help you out.
• Emergency Whistle – These can be the difference between being rescued or not. Some high-end whistles are more expensive but can be heard underwater! Check out the WINDSTORM All-Weather Safety Whistle.
• Rescue Mirror – You can signal your rescuers at a long distance.This Camping Mirror works well for this kind of emergency signaling.
• An Emergency Blanket – These are small, light, and can keep you warm. The Original Space Brand Emergency Survival Blanket is the one to get.

Resources

Here is a video that gave me some pretty good ideas about survival items on a plane.

Here is the full article from the Organic Prepper.

Image Credit: TheeErin, “Plane crash into Hudson River (crop)” by Greg L – originally posted to Flickr as Plane crash into Hudson River. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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