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On our home page I mentioned that Mark works for an airline...
He still comes home with stories... people saying, "I didn't know," or "Nobody told me."
Read on.... We'll tell you what you need to know about what sizes of liquids, creams and gels are allowed in your carry-on luggage in the U.S. and Europe and how to carry them for fewer hassles when you travel.
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Well, if you're reading this... you will know, and hopefully our travel security alert packing guide will help you travel prepared.
Today's Alerts Can Change
The restrictions on what you can take in your luggage on the plane may be loosened or tightened as any given threat is evaluated.
This could even happen when you're on your trip. If the rules change while you're traveling, repack your suitcases if you have to....
Even if it's in the hotel lobby...
We know.... we've done it... right after 9/11 coming home from Africa!
Each airport and airline may impose its own rules. These rules can be confusing, so even individual agents or officers may interpret the rules differently.
Contact your air carrier and/or the airport you are flying from.
For the latest information, a good place to check is with the Transportation Security Administration. They have lists of permitted and prohibited items and information on what to expect at screening.
Travel Security Alert Packing Guide for Most International and Domestic Flights in the US
Check your Liquids or Not? As of September 26, 2006, the TSA is adjusting the regulations for liquids, creams, gels, and aerosols. The TSA website says, "Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART SIZE (8" x 7.5"), clear plastic, zip-top bag." You will have to place the plastic bag in a bin or on the conveyor belt for separate x-ray. These adjusted regulations are probably what we're going to have to live with for the foreseeable future, so for larger sizes of your shampoo, toothpaste and lotions, the choices are to pack them in checked in luggage, or go shopping on arrival. See our security alert cosmetics packing guide for tips for you ladies and what we put in that plastic bag.
Beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area may now be carried onboard the aircraft. Keep in mind that regulations on flights to or from the UK will be different.
Exceptions are made for larger quantities of essential medications and prescriptions. When
packing medications
in carry-ons you are not limited in the amount anymore. If your medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces, or if you carry them outside of the one-quart, zip-top bag, you must
declare medications to the TSA at the security checkpoint.
For travel in and out of the UK, the rules for medications are slightly different. They allow liquid medicine or baby milk/food, in a "quantity essential for your trip." These must be declared at the security checkpoint for additional screening. Pack the rest in your checked luggage.
Locks for checked bags. If you lock your checked luggage, security inspectors may break or cut off locks. There are special TSA authorized locks available at travel stores and online. The screeners have special codes for these locks and can open them if necessary.
Rules for the travel security alert packing guide may vary from country to country. We repeat: each airline or airport may impose its own rules. Airlines and government agencies are working to adopt uniform standards, but for now they may vary.
Travel Security Alert Packing Guide for the UK, Europe and Australia
Restriction for flights out of the UK are a bit different, though they have eased yet again. They now say if your airline allows it, you may take more than one item of hand baggage. Cabin baggage must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (approximately 22" x 17.75" x 10"). You may pack small quantities of liquids... individual containers not greater than 100 ml (3.4 oz.) capacity. They must comfortably fit in a 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") clear plastic, zip top bag which must be fastened closed. Check with the British Airways website for up to the minute information.
Australia has instituted similar restriction for departing international flights beginning March 31, 2007. There are subtle differences... lipstick and chap stick are included in restrictions. See the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services website for more details.
While we try to keep this Travel Security Alert Packing Guide up to date, we always recommend you check with the website for the specific countries of your departure and arrival. The rules are changing all the time.
If Security Alerts become Stricter...
If carry-ons are banned again in the future, valuables become more of a problem. Our travel security alert packing guide is a work in progress... it has to be with the rules changing frequently. We've always said don't check what you can't afford to lose... Laptops, cell phones, and cameras are allowed again, but if that changes, plan ahead... do you need your laptop and cell phone? Can you lock them to the inside of your luggage with a security cable? Remember anything in an unlocked, checked bag could be at risk.
Before and After You Pack
When you're ready to travel, remember to get to the airport EARLY. Mark is always telling me about people who get to the airport 28 minutes to flight time saying.
"I can make it." No, you can't.
Be patient at security. You will almost certainly be required to take off your shoes, and your jacket, and empty your pockets, and take off watches. When you're regrouping after security, don't be in a rush because it took so long... check to make sure you picked up all of your belongings.
If you got there plenty early (good for you!) and you sit around drinking lots of liquids waiting for your boarding call... remember to "go before you go." For arrivals and departures from some airports, you may not be able to use the lavatories on the plane within 30 minutes of takeoff or landing.
We're no happier about this than anyone else. Even with carry-on restrictions, we will continue to pack light, but where things are packed and what we take will change as the situation does. So I've tried to come up with a travel security alert packing guide for our own use, and you may find some helpful suggestions for your trip.... because you're still going to take that trip... right?!
Need a little more info about how to pack? Go ahead and search... our site or the Web, but we'd love to have you back, so us... make us a favorite! Then... what could be more convenient than to search from here!
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
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