What To Pack In Your Carry-On (and Not To!) When Leaving Guyana

We all know some of the general tips for travelers leaving Guyana. You know the “arrive early, no liquids, declare local items, and bring a jacket cuz the plane, airport and America will be cold” tips. However the best and biggest tip for any traveler I can give is know how to pack your carry-on.

Whether you're flying for the first time or you're a seasoned traveler heading out of Guyana, knowing what to pack in your carry-on can make or break your airport and flight experience. The airports and countries you are traveling to have specific rules, and each airline may enforce them differently — but understanding the basics will help you breeze through security, stay comfortable during your flight, and avoid unexpected delays.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to pack in your carry-on (and what to avoid) when leaving Guyana’s airports — whether it’s from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) or Eugene F. Correia International (Ogle). Let’s start with the do not include category.

What NOT to Pack in Your Carry-On

Liquids Over 100ml

All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers no larger than 100ml (3.4 oz), and they must fit into a single quart-sized (or 1-litre) clear, resealable bag. This includes your perfumes, creams, skin treatments, toothpaste, and beverages.

This also includes your sauces and alcohol (unless purchased at duty free). So no pepper sauce, no sour, no tamarind sauce, no banks beer in those carry-ons.

Prohibited Food Items

This is a big one for Guyanese. While you can bring packaged and cooked foods to snack on in the plane and departure lounge, some items you cannot bring in your carry-on and even a no-no for checked luggage.

Fresh fruits or vegetables (especially native ones) are usually off limits. The predominate reason is because some may carry insects or pesticides that may carry diseases. While Guyana has great local fruits organically produced (like when you pick your aunt mango from the backyard tree), the risk is that there is no standardized purification process that says “this is safe”. Some known fruits that are more likely to make it on the plane are apples, oranges and bananas.

Raw meats and fish are also a red flag for the same reasons fresh fruits are. However the best way to get those to your family who are begging you to bring some is to have it cooked, frozen and placed in your checked luggage. Note that many countries have strict biosecurity laws and may confiscate food items at customs.

Sharp Objects & Flammable Items (your common sense items)

I feel like at this stage this one is common sense to most folks, but you are not allowed to bring any sharp or flammable objects that can be seen as a weapon. No knives, screwdrivers, scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, nail clippers (in some cases), razor blades (disposable razors are usually fine), pocket knives, cigarette lighters, flares, etc.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

Your carry-on is the bag that stays with you during your flight. It usually goes in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Here’s what you should include:

Travel Documents (These are the first things you check off)

Keep all your essential documents easily accessible. This includes a valid passport (must have at least 6 months of validity to travel), boarding pass or itinerary (either digital or print), visa or entry requirements for your destination (make sure you have the required visas before even booking the flight), travel insurance and medical papers (if needed). Use a travel wallet, organizer, or folder to keep these items secure and in one place.

Core Valuables

Always carry important and valuable items in your carry-on, not in your checked luggage! Items in this category includes your electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras) and their chargers, real jewelry, cash, medication, and any other form of personal identification (other than your passport) you are walking with.

Note that your electronics will need to be removed from your bag during security screening. Don’t bury them deep inside your carry-on. Make them easy to access and pack them last.

Comfort Items

Even short flights can feel long if you are not comfortable or tend to get irritated while flying. Consider packing dry snacks (nuts, granola bars, etc), neck pillow, a travel blanket or shawl, sleep masks, earplugs, chapstick and lotion (airplanes can dry out your skin), and toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, sanitary products).

Change of Clothes (A must!)

Now isn’t this the main reason we are bringing a carry-on! I always say yes but opinions vary, so let me correct you. No matter how short, quick or easy your flight can be, there is always a chance that your checked luggage may not arrive at your final destination on time. While now inventions like air tags help us to easier find these items, you still need to be prepared should any unforeseen events take place. Pack a clean change of clothes, undergarments, pjs/activewear set and socks — just in case your checked luggage is delayed or you spill something mid-flight.

My Final Tip!

Packing smartly can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a frustrating one. When leaving Guyana, knowing both local airport regulations and the entry rules for your destination country can help you to manage your expectations and what you need to pack. Use your carry-on wisely by keeping essential items close, staying within limits, and planning for any unforeseen events.