September 2, 2024, 4:07 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Everyone knows that no liquids or knives are allowed on airplanes for safety reasons. But did you know that the flesh of coconuts has also been classified as dangerous goods by the International Air Transport Association and is therefore prohibited on airplanes? TRAVELBOOK explains what’s behind this.
Tomato juice, potato chips, or gummy bears? There is a large selection of snacks to pass the time on the plane. But there is one thing you should definitely not take with you on the plane. Coconut flesh has been classified as dangerous by the IATA and banned on airplanes. But why is that?
Coconut is highly flammable
The International Air Transport Association (IATA, for short) regularly updates the list of dangerous goods that are prohibited on airplanes. This list now also includes coconuts, or more precisely, their white, dried flesh, also known as copra. This is because it contains a lot of oil and has a low burning point. This is why dried coconut flesh can ignite even at relatively low temperatures. Therefore, the potential fire risk is very high, especially in enclosed spaces such as aircraft cabins.
Dried coconut is even classified as Class 4 dangerous goods by the IATA. As a highly flammable substance, it has the same categorization as matches, firelighters, metal powder, and sodium batteries. On the other hand, whole coconuts should be safe for passengers to transport in both hand luggage and hold luggage.
While dried coconuts are banned on flights, according to aerospace engineer Vishnu Ravi, retail packaged coconut products are accepted. These products, such as coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut oil, may be carried on flights. The reason for this exception lies in the packaging and processing methods used by the manufacturers. Retail packaging ensures the coconut products are sealed and less likely to pose a fire hazard.
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International Guide
The International Air Transport Association is the trade association that represents the interests of 290 airlines worldwide. Among other things, it ensures uniform standards and regulations in the aviation industry and thus facilitates efficient air transport.
The IATA manual “Dangerous Goods Regulations” (DGR) serves as a universal guide for the air transport of dangerous goods and is the only globally recognized standard for flight safety issues.