Many of you will be happy to know that the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has loosened up with some of their stringent rules as far as airport security with regard to liquids and gels in carry-on airplane transit. Now, instead of carrying no liquids (which was bad news for the people traveling with babies and small kids, as well as anyone who has to travel with liquid medication of any kind) a traveler is now able to carry
3 ounces or less of travel-sized toiletries in one clear
quart-sized
zip-locked baggie. The TSA doesn't see that rule changing any time soon, according to their website.
This is bad news for all those travelers who don't like travel-sized toiletries, or those who are staying longer than a few days. Those who don't like travel-sized toiletries, or the brands available for those toiletries are either going to have to buy those small travel bottles and fill them with their own products, or, put the larger bottles (if they have them/need them) into checked luggage. For a list of items you can and cannot bring onto a plane refer to the TSA's
Permitted and Prohibited List.
People with medications and those who are traveling with babies are also able to travel with their respective liquid needs, like insulin for diabetics, or baby formula for moms. These items are also prone to inspection, but instead of being inspected through the X-ray machine, they are to be taken out of their bags, pouches, etc. and handed to a TSA agent so that it could be inspected and marked.
The TSA offers ideas for a smoother security experience on their website, and even have some videos to show what to expect when going through the screening process to make it go by a little bit faster. The best plan is to declutter your carry-on making it easy for the machine to go through X-ray and for the TSA agents to do their job.
On another more upbeat note, now items you buy after the security checkpoint, such as water or juice in those little kiosk things, just before you head to your gate, are allowed on the flight as well. This means that you or your kids don't have to go thirsty on that two hour flight anymore!
Labels: Flights, Security, Travel, TSA
