How Prepared Are You For Security?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
November 2006
There are new security rules at the nation's airports, which of course you probably know. Maybe. It turns out that, despite all the recent talk about the changes in security procedures, there is still plenty of confusion over what you can and can't pack on a plane. So I set out to talk to my frequent flier friends and get the lowdown, not just on what the Transportation Security Administration says, but, more importantly, firsthand accounts of what they do. You might be surprised to learn about the regulations in your traveling future.
If you haven't flown in a while you need to know that airport security will no longer permit most liquid items from home onboard the airplane. These strict rules mark major changes in airport screening. With exceptions made for infants and medical use, the TSA only allows 3 oz. containers of liquids packed in a single, quart-size, clear plastic bag. Although this is an improvement over the more severe rules enacted immediately following the failed bombing attempt in August when you weren't allowed any kind of liquid on board a plane, the new policies are still tough on many travels, especially uninformed ones! Tell your friends and think twice before packing your products from home. You may be better off buying your toiletries after you land.
Don't panic. You may pack all the liquids you want in your checked baggage. Just be sure to pack smart. I always put my toiletries in a waterproof bag, and if they're brand new, I spill a little out to avoid pressure bursting the container. For a complete list of prohibited items, visit the TSA website.
Learn from your trusty travel-trade friends. Here are some real life examples of what has passed and failed security for boarding planes:
- That Starbucks cup you're holding and the Ethos water, there's no way it will pass security. But now you can buy it and even carry it on board with it once you've gone through the security line. I do recommend that you buy water for the plane, as many passengers report a shortage of bottled water on board. (And never drink tap water on board an aircraft!)
- Lets talk about your "zip-top" baggy that the TSA allows for carry-on liquids. The bag must be clear plastic with a zipper top and no bigger than a quart-size. If it's not, they'll seize your stuff. Though I've heard reports from travels that TSA workers have let a few wrong-sized bags slip by with a stern warning, don't count on being that lucky. Buying the right bag and going prepared is still your best bet.
- What liquids can go in your zip-top bag? Nearly anything can go provided it is in a container of 3 oz or less. That means hand sanitizer, contact lens solution, mouthwash, and even Neosporin as long as it's the right size. I will note that many a man has had to toss his shaving cream because the canister was too large. Others have parted with extras because the TSA didn't let them bring two tubes of toothpaste, even if they were both within the size limitation. So we've learned the hard way: no duplicates.
- Double-check your make-up bag for liquids. Mascara, lip-gloss, liquid make-up, hairspray, hair gel and cold cream are all ok, but it has to be in the baggy and in the right quantity. Look at your labels. If the cream size container is too big, it will get the boot. I say leave the Cr? de La Mer and anything precious at home. (I think it's also worth noting that hard deodorants do not need to be in the plastic bag. If you're anything like me, you want all the room you can get in there.)
- Despite whatever rumor you may have heard to the contrary, you may still carry-on any and all electronic devices, just as you have previously.
Some travels prefer to FedEx their toiletries ahead of time while others have found leaving a spare toiletry bag at an oft visited office is wise. Remember, whatever and however you pack, these rules are here for our own safety and allow travels taking short trips to get through security without checking their baggage. On your next vacation, check the toiletries and leave your valuables at home. That way you can have a headache free travel experience.
For more travel tips and advice, check out Amy Ziff's monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z, at www.travelocity.com/atoz. To suggest a topic for a future column or to tell about a travel experience of your own, please email Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com.
Related Links
Getting Through Security With Ease
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