Travel Bag

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Bottles on Board

INFREQUENT FLYERS can be excused their confusion. On August 15—due to discovery of a plot to blow up airplanes with liquid explosives— the Transportation Security Administration clamped down on carrying liquid and gel items onboard. Baby formula and some medicines were exempted.

Along with a general misunderstanding, some air travelers were ticked off. A Web site called Carefair.com, for example, created an e-petition calling on the TSA to modify its new rules. “Although security measures are essential in today’s fight against terrorism, certain allowance should be implemented to answer the need for personal hygiene,” the petition read.

On September 25, the TSA did amend its regulations. Travelers may now carry travel-size (3 ounces or less) toiletries that fit into a 1-quart, clear-plastic zip-top bag. International Travel Management president John Clifford says airport security officials are being strict about not allowing items of more than 3 ounces.

The TSA also relaxed its rule on bringing bottled liquids onto a plane. Currently, you still cannot bring bottled liquids through security. You may, however, purchase drinks—including those 16-ounce bottles of water that go for $3—inside the terminal, and carry them onto the plane.

What are the ramifications of the slightly relaxed regs? “For some people not used to having to check bags—the frequent flyers—this is a sigh of relief,” says Kleon Howe, president of San Diego travel agency The Art of Travel. “For less frequent travelers, there is still confusion. It’s hard to keep up with all this.”

For female travelers used to packing myriad beauty aids into a carry-on bag—thus avoiding the hassle of checking any bags—the new quart-bag rules really don’t help. The rules do help dutyfree sales. It’s okay to shop duty-free and bring that bottle of Johnny Walker Red onboard.

Essentially, the latest rules—the TSA says it has no plans to change them again in the near future—present air travelers with a mandate to organize their packed goods. “I tell people to travel as light as possible,” says Howe. “And get to the airport three hours early for an international flight—because if something has changed, you can use that time to reorganize.”

Howe also advises checking the TSA’s Web site (tsa.gov) 24 hours before you fly —in case the organization has once again amended procedures.

—RON DONOHO