Did you know that airlines use commercial flights to transport various cargo items along with passengers’ luggage? This is not very shocking considering the fact that the hold of an Airbus A380 can take about two big semi trucks worth of cargo. Even if the passengers’ luggage takes up half of the hold, the other part can be used to transport various types of cargo for some extra cash.
In fact, it is estimated that 5% to 10% of airlines revenue comes from shipping cargo around the world. But do you have any idea what things can be found in the hold of your average passenger jet?
- Firearms
With today’s security measures there are huge limitations when it comes to people’s hand luggage and what they are allowed to carry on board. Even items that seem to be harmless if they are kept away from people are sometimes forbidden.
You would think that this goes for firearms and ammunition as well but it doesn’t. If you have firearms that you use for hunting or sports and you can prove it, you will most likely be allowed to transport them in the hold. If you are transporting such items, make sure you get familiar with the rules of the airline you are going to fly with, show up early at the airport and bring your documents.
- Wild animals
If you have ever wanted to travel with your pet, you were probably told that it will travel in the hold. Therefore it is no secret that cats and dogs travel on commercial flights. However, pets are not the only animals down there.
Airlines will carry anything for a few extra bucks, including poisonous snakes, alligators, lions, tigers and other wild animals. This is a very convenient service for zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Automobiles
While it is true that luxury cars are usually transported with big cargo planes such as the Airbus Beluga (a very interesting looking plane) they can also be found in the hold of commercial flights. Who uses this service? Usually rich people who cannot wait to get their hands on their new Ferrari or another very expensive sports car.
The reason why some people use commercial jets for the transportation of their vehicles is that it’s a very quick process. You can have your car delivered in less than 24 hours with the amount of planes that are landing in an airport near you every day. You should keep in mind that shipping an automobile this way can cost you around $10,000.
- Human remains
As shocking as it might seem, shipping human remains on passenger jets is really not that uncommon. As a matter of fact the American Airlines has a special name for that service. They call it the Jim Wilson Service.
It might give you the creeps at first but when you think about it, the Jim Wilson Service is actually a very convenient way to send loved ones to their final resting place.
- Radioactive material
The last thing you are probably worried about when you get in an airplane is being exposed to radiation. The good news is that you’re not. But it is not unheard of (and in fact it happens often) for passenger jets to transport small amounts of various radioactive material in the hold. This material is generally used for medical purposes and is sealed properly to prevent leakage.
We are very lucky to have advanced so much in terms of airport security. All of these items might seem a little strange at first but they are not harmful to the passengers, most of which don’t even know that this cargo is being transported along with their own luggage. To learn even more interesting facts about the airline cargo industry, check out the “Crazy Secret Cargo: Guess What’s Flying Under You?” infographic.
