Earlier this week I stood in the security checkpoint line at my local airport and thought how nice it was that there hadn’t been a notable terrorist threat in some time, leading to heightened airport security. The next day that had changed.
I have never been one to think flying is a hassle. I don’t insist on an aisle seat, but still enjoy a window so I can see out, even after a million plus flight miles. I don’t drag through airports with an anguished look on my face as if I have been sentenced to a labor camp. I gladly take my shoes and jacket off on my way through security (of course it helps that our local airport is small enough that everyone knows me so I don’t have to be patted down). Now the inconvenience factor has been raised. Here is the list of things that can no longer be carried through security according to the U.S. Transportation Security Agency:
Body creams and lotions
Bubble baths
Bubble bath balls (gels)
Eye drops / gels
Gel caps
Gel deodorants
Hair detangler
Hair sprays / aerosol bottles
Hair styling gels
Hand sanitizers
Lip gels (Carmex in tubes, etc)
Lip glosses/liquids (solid lip glosses and blushes are allowed)
Liquid foundations
Liquid medications (non-essential)
Liquid Soaps
Make up removers / facial cleansers
Mascaras
Mosquito sprays
Mouthwashes
Nail polishes, such as those shown here, are now prohibited from the security checkpoint and in your carry-on baggage. Nail polish and removers
Neosporin like cremes
Ointments
Perfumes / colognes
Saline Solutions
Shampoos and conditioners
Shaving creams and gels
Toothpastes
Topical creams
All beverages (excluding formula/breast milk)
Camelbaks and similar backpacks must be empty
Gel based sports supplements
Jellos
Puddings
Yogurts (or gel like substances)
Baby teethers (with gel or liquid inside)
Children’s toys with gel inside
Gel candles
Gel shoe inserts
A less seasoned traveler would resign themselves to checking their rollerbag. I, of course, will continue to carry on all my luggage. I’ll either buy my toiletries when I arrive at my destination or I’ll learn to groom with baby formula.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Every time I hear or read about how some people think it is so awful that they can’t take these things on the plane, I think of the first Batman movie where no one could use toiletries because the Joker had poisoned everything. Newscasters seemed to fare the worst. I don’t think we’re that desperate yet.
Agreed. I’d rather put up with the inconvenience, knowing it reduces the chance that some crackpot on the plane has a liquid explosive.
I think it is hugely overhyped JD. just the next scam of Chimpzilla and his poodle..
I’ve heard baby formula is really good for the skin.
Well DA, Europeans do seem to have it more rough. No laptops, cell phone or carryons. I suspect given how much you travel that has to be a bit inconvient?
Powder or pre-made liquid, Popeye?
Not being able to take bottled water is the worst.
Otherwise, I check all of the rest of that stuff, anyway. Given my 6’5″ frame, I need all the underseat and overhead room I can get!
You bring up an interesting point Simmons. I initially thought you would still be able to buy bottled water and take it on the flight, but here is TSA’s quote from their website, “Liquids, gels and lotions can be purchased beyond the checkpoint but must be disposed of before boarding the aircraft.”
Apparently there’s some serious discussion on not allowing water, as it can be a real problem for diabetics, folks with kidney problems, and the like. I say allow it, but make the passenger take a drink to prove it’s water, after a sniff test, just like at a concert.