Extra fees and restrictions on checked luggage have created a surge in carry-on luggage. With concerns about the attempted bombing of an international flight to Detroit, T.S.A. has tightened security in Domestic airports. Several of our long-time customers have purchased travel accessories that make checkpoints hassle free. Here are a few tips to prevent a secondary screening and having your carry-on luggage rummaged through.
No Carry-On when returning from Canada
Canada Bans Carry-On Bags during Holiday 2009-2010
Many of our customers are skiing in Canada this time of year. Because of extra security, Canadian officials have placed severe restriction on Carry-On luggage on flights returning to the U.S. The only items allowed are for medical reasons. There are extreme lines in security requiring passengers to arrive three hours early. For more details-Click here.
Have your State or Federally Issued ID Ready and Secure
I was being singled out for further inspection on several flights a couple of years ago. Turns out my ID was old and worn, and this was a trigger for further inspection. Get a fresh Driver’s License before your next flight. I also find that having plane ticket and ID in a neck pouch makes security much easier. Nothing is more frustating than fumbling through your wallet in security. Showing everyone my wallet contents is not my idea of security!
The 3-1-1 Policy for Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols
T.S.A.limits liquids that are in your carry on luggage. They must be presented separately from the luggage in a 1 quart see through bag-no exceptions! However larger amounts of liquid are still permitted in checked baggage! Place your 3-1-1 bag in a readily accessible pocket in your luggage!
Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. But, you must declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
Here are the carry-on liquid rules:
• 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols; placed in a
• 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag to hold all small bottles;
• 1 bag per passenger placed in a screening bin
I recently had a half empty bottle of sunscreen confiscated. It was 3.8 oz when full! Avoid the hassle and check anything questionable. Eagle Creek makes a great solution to this hassle-Click Here.
3-1-1 Kit
Items that are inspected by X-Ray at Security:
If you attempt to pass through security with any of these items, it will trigger a thorough, secondary screening. These items are required to go on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening.
• Carry On Luggage
• 3-1-1 Bag
• Coat
• Shoes
• Electronics
• Large pieces of Metal jewelry
• Clothing with large pieces of Metal.
Plan clothing for security checks.
I will choose slip-on shoes (flip-flop sandals don’t look good with my sport coat.) I also put my heavy metal watch into a coat pocket ahead of time. This jacket goes into a plastic bin on the conveyor. Be careful about your belt and large hoop earrings. They will set off the extra sensitive metal detectors. (T.M.I. large hidden body piercings can set off metal detectors and require a secondary screening.) Also, I’ve had my pants zipper set off the buzzer so take a look at your fly when picking clothes for travel.
I ask the guard where they want my cell phone; some want to inspect it, others want it set in a bin. In the recent past, my lap-top computer had to be in a separate bin-removed from my luggage, but this has changed. There are new computers bags. Open them on the conveyor and then the computer does not have to be removed.
Carry-On Bag plus Personal Bag
Because women typically carry a handbag, men are also allowed a “personal bag.” I use a backpack or soft briefcase for this second bag. Women should use a backpack too, just put their purse inside! The Carry-On size restriction is typically 45 inches. This is the measure of length plus width plus height. However; individual airline and aircraft may have further restrictions. Typically, this results in paying extra fees for a checked bag. Check with your airline ahead of time to prevent these fees. To our Fly Fishers: typically a 4-piece rod in a non-metal tube is allowed as a carry on, but it may qualify as your personal bag. Strap it to your luggage to prevent this!
Snacks and Water on the Plane
I vowed to never be without water or snacks on an airplane after being stuck on a tarmac for 2 hours. First remove food from foil wrappers! The foil sets off metal detectors! Put your goodies in a Zip-Lock type of bag. I like Mentos, but they are wrapped in foil. Security never hassles me if they are in a baggie! Also, an empty water bottle can go through security. Fill it at a fountain on the other side. I have taken frozen sandwiches through security which were delightfully thawed on the airplane. You should see the jealous stares during a long flight. Saran wrapped cookies are also nice on the plane!
T.S.A. Information
The Transportation Safety Administration (T.S.A.) provides detailed information to inform travelers of current restrictions and limitations – For more details-Click here.
Please Share your Security Travel Tips with us in the Blog Below!
Great information. Carrying an empty bottle and filling at the gate area is brilliant. Recently I was not permitted to carry on ANY liquids in generic bottles – restricted to labeled packaging only. EX : Scope poured into a generic bottle wasn’t permitted – had to be in the original travelers size Scope container. Just an FYI…
Wow, great tips, will definitely have to have a 3-1-1 bag and a frozen sandwich next time I travel!
I do not think I’ve seen this depicted that way before. You actually have made this so much clearer for me. Thank you!
Wonderful journey and experience!