Wander Words

Regular flyers are by now well aware of the Transportation Security Administration’s 311 system of allowances for carry-on liquid items:

1. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
2. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
3. Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

Recently the TSA began to institute more advanced measures for carry-on and checked luggage, requesting, firstly, that all heavy items be packed on the bottom. They are asking that different types of items be packed in separate layers. Clothing is to be neatly folded atop the shoes. Electronic items are to be grouped in plastic bags and layered atop the clothing. Pack tightly, or the electronics will slip to the bottom as you carry your luggage into the airport.

As far as the zip top quart size bag goes, that’s 8 inches by 7.5 inches. It must be removed from a carry-on and placed in a bin or on the conveyor belt as you plod your way through the security check.

People with medical conditions or babies have exemptions from the 3 ounce rule for certain products like formula, saline, liquid nitrogen. See the list at the TSA website. However, these exempt products are subject to special regulations:

1. Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.
2. Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.

Georganna Hancock wrote this on November 20th, 2007 and filed it under Travel, Travel Tips |