Monocle Editor Robert Bound's Carry-On Wishlist: From Regional Delicacies to a Parrot

In a humorous opinion piece for Monocle, contributing editor Robert Bound laments the restrictions of airport security and imagines what he should be allowed to take in his carry-on luggage. Bound describes the frustration of having to surrender regional produce and other items purchased during travels, such as Istrian honey, jam from Alentejo, olive oil from Patmos, Reblochon cheese from Haute-Savoie, Chiang Mai massage oil, and even a small-calibre ivory-handled ladies' pistol from Louisiana. He criticizes the often arbitrary and time-consuming security checks, which he feels target innocent souvenirs rather than actual threats. Bound recounts personal experiences of successfully bringing back unusual items, including a foldable bicycle from Taipei on Eva Air, artworks from Hong Kong, rugs from Morocco, and Mezcal from Oaxaca. He humorously suggests a new security lane for 'Morons' and 'non-Morons' and fantasizes about bringing a parrot from Ecuador as an emotional support animal, having taught it to swear like a football hooligan. The piece reflects on the absurdities of modern air travel and the desire to preserve holiday memories through tangible goods.