Our Travel Security Alert Packing Guide

Keep On Traveling... But Travel Smart
Travel Informed

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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.

Security alerts can be put in place immediately when a serious threat is discovered. In that case... nobody knew... but even now, YEARS after the latest requirements have been plastered all over the news, people arrive at the airport with those same old refrains... "I can't take that?"

Our travel security alert packing guide will help you travel prepared. (And you won't end up having to throw expensive lotions away!)

The first lesson in our security alert packing guide is...

Today's Alerts Can Change

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!

Our travel security alert packing guide is a starting point, but it is by no means the definitive answer to "Can I take it or not?"

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

Quietly, through, the TSA has further adjusted this volume to 3.4 ounces which equals the metric measurement of 100 ml that most of the rest of the world uses.

Another rule in the Security Alert Packing Guide... those BOTTLES must be a 3.4 ounce size (100 ml) or less.

You can NOT carry-on larger bottles that are nearly empty...

Even if you only have 3.4 ounces left in the bottom... the bottle is too big. Period.

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.

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 3.4 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.

Take a look at Magellans Travel Supplies for locks and travel supplies of all kinds to make life easier on the road.

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

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. 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...

Before and After You Pack

An absolutely essential travel security alert packing guide rule is GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY.

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 information beyond our travel security alert packing guide about how to pack? Go ahead and search...

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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