The New Rules About Bringing Liquid on an Airplane

Just when you thought that you were getting used to the rules of traveling; such as having passports handy for review, wearing slip on shoes, the number of bags you are allowed to overstuff, and arriving way earlier than what seems necessary, along comes a ban on liquid.

Don't panic! They aren't saying you can't take liquid on your trip. What they are saying is that you cannot carry, into the passenger compartment of the airplane, any item that is liquid or liquid based. Therefore, you can't get beyond the security gate with the $4.00 bottle of water you just purchased in the lobby. Take heart, you can buy one after you have been searched and cleared to proceed to loading.

Before you get all bent out of shape about this, keep in mind that these rules have been put in place to protect us. Of course it doesn't mean you have to like it, or even understand it. What it means is that your travel will be much less annoying if you know the rules before you begin packing. Remember the old days when you carried your expensive toiletries in your carry-on so that you would have some comfort when your bag was lost? Well, as horrifying as that thought is, I assure you it is not near as horrible as watching a large man, without a smile, throw the brand new contents of your cosmetic case in the garbage. Crying doesn't help. And, of course, your bags are already checked. So you stand there looking at the better part of $200 in the garbage can and wonder if your trip is really all that necessary.

To assist you in knowing what is and is not acceptable for carry-on, I suggest that you refer to the web page of the airports that you are traveling through. Basically, you may not carry, in your carry-on or purse, any item that is liquid or gel. Simple enough, right? This includes items that you might not consider to be liquid, such as mascara, lip gloss or toothpaste. Does your skin get dry while flying? Well, moisture up before you leave, Babe, because that little bottle of hand cream is not going to see flight time.

Really the airport doesn't have a problem with your personal hygiene habits. There are bans on food items, as well. As you may know, most airlines no longer provide food during the flight, with the exception of first class of course. So when deciding what to pack in your in-flight picnic basket, leave the jello, yogurt and puddings at home. Dry snacks are allowed, as are prepared sandwiches. I am not sure if security actually touches your food, but I wouldn't be surprised.

Fortunately, there is an exception to food items meant for baby. Thank God! Imagine sitting next to a hungry infant for 6 hours. Don't be surprised if airport security makes you take a drink from that bottle before you get through, though - just in case you were trying to smuggle in explosives, disguised as milk!

There are exceptions when it comes to necessary medicines, as well. If you require a liquid cough medicine that you can't do without for the duration of the flight, you might want to have one prescribed instead of buying an over the counter. While you're at it, a note from the doc that you need it isn't a bad idea either. Again, to be on the safe side, check the web page. If you are still unsure about a specific item, make some phone calls. But mostly, if it resembles liquid, was made from liquid, or has a liquid attitude, pack it in your suitcase. Chances are you can do without it during the flight.