Weird Items that go Through Airport Security

When it comes to travelling the world most of us think about packing clothes, toiletries and essential items and documents. But many people take their journeys one step further and bring with them truly unusual items that would be tricky or expensive to carry on a plane. Whether you’re planning a long term overseas move, heading to university, or off on a gap year adventure, knowing what you can travel with and how to get there matters.

Flying with extra bags can quickly become expensive and complicated. Whether you are relocating, studying abroad or travelling long term, airline baggage limits rarely suit real life needs. That is why many people choose to send belongings ahead instead of squeezing everything into a suitcase.

Musical Instruments and Performance Equipment

Musicians are among the most frequent travellers with unusual items. Guitars, keyboards, violins and even small drum kits are not easy to manage through security or into overhead lockers. Airline policies vary and instruments are often treated as oversized or fragile items, meaning higher fees and added stress.

We regularly help customers ship instruments safely so they can travel with just their essentials. When packed properly and collected from home, instruments can be delivered directly to accommodation, rehearsal spaces or venues abroad. This removes the worry of handling delicate equipment at busy airports and avoids unpredictable airline charges.

Oversized Sports Equipment

Sports gear is another category that does not fit neatly into standard baggage allowances. Surfboards, skis, snowboards, golf clubs and diving equipment are exciting to travel with but difficult to transport. Airline excess fees for sporting equipment can sometimes cost more than expected, particularly on long haul routes. Many travellers heading to ski seasons in Canada, surf trips in Australia or golf holidays in Spain prefer to ship their equipment in advance.

For those planning a golf break, arranging to ship golf clubs separately can be a convenient way to avoid airline surcharges and ensure everything arrives ready for the first round. It allows them to move freely through the airport and begin their journey without dragging large cases behind them.

Costumes, Props and Event Supplies

Travelling for a festival, wedding or themed event often means packing more than everyday clothing. We have seen everything from theatrical costumes and performance outfits to elaborate decorations and props. These items are often bulky rather than heavy, making them awkward to fit within airline size restrictions. Shipping them separately ensures they arrive ready to use and avoids stressful check in conversations about dimensions and weight limits.

Hobby Equipment and Specialist Collections

Unusual hobbies often lead to unusual packing lists. Model railway sets, telescopes, photography equipment, gaming setups and collections of vinyl records are all items that travellers want to take abroad but may struggle to fit within standard airline allowances. These belongings can be fragile, valuable or simply too heavy for a single suitcase. Careful packaging and forward planning make transporting them far more straightforward. We also support customers who need to send a parcel containing carefully packed specialist or high value items, ensuring everything arrives safely at its intended destination.

Students and Long Term Relocations

Students travelling overseas often underestimate how much they will need. Bedding, kitchenware, sports kit and textbooks quickly exceed airline limits, especially when preparing for a full academic year abroad. The same applies to professionals relocating for work who want familiar comforts waiting for them.

For many, arranging unaccompanied excess baggage in advance is far more practical than attempting to check multiple heavy suitcases at the airport. We collect from home and deliver directly to universities, apartments and workplaces across a wide range of international routes, allowing travellers to fly with just cabin essentials while the rest arrives safely afterwards.

Sentimental and Personal Items

Relocating permanently or for an extended period usually means bringing treasured possessions. Framed photographs, keepsakes, artwork and small household items often carry more emotional value than financial worth. Trying to protect fragile belongings inside a standard suitcase can be risky. Shipping these items securely in well packed boxes provides peace of mind, particularly during an already busy move.

Why Travellers Choose to Ship Instead of Check In

Airline baggage policies continue to tighten while fees rise. Paying for additional weight at the airport can be unpredictable, and navigating terminals with oversized luggage is rarely enjoyable. Shipping belongings separately offers a door to door solution.

We operate across a broad range of international routes, allowing customers to send luggage and parcels to popular student cities, business hubs and holiday hotspots. From Europe and North America to Asia and Australia, we provide services designed to make travelling lighter and simpler.

Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference

If you are travelling with unusual items, preparation is essential. Check customs regulations carefully, especially when sending high value or specialist equipment. Pack items securely using sturdy boxes and protective materials. Allow enough time for collection and delivery before your departure date. Planning ahead ensures that everything arrives safely and reduces last minute stress.

Travelling with something out of the ordinary often reflects a bigger life moment. It might be a surfboard for a working holiday, a guitar for a tour, specialist equipment for a new job or personal keepsakes for a fresh start abroad. Whatever the reason, there are smarter ways to move more than a single suitcase. By arranging shipping in advance and understanding your options, you can focus on the journey itself rather than worrying about baggage limits and airport fees.

Unusual items do not need to make air travel complicated. With the right preparation and reliable international delivery, even the most unconventional packing list can be managed smoothly.