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Viewing Oh No! More Air Travel Restrictions! What Can I Pack?Oh No! More Air Travel Restrictions! What Can I Pack?
By Kathy Steinemann
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North Americans woke up early on August 10, 2006 with deja-view memories of 9-11. Terrorists were at it again! As a result, travel restrictions were increased. What has been added to the prohibited list? North Americans woke up early on August 10, 2006 with deja-view memories of 9-11. Terrorists were at it again! As a result, travel restrictions were increased. What has been added to the prohibited list? Although individual countries and airlines have introduced varying degrees of extra security, it is almost universally accepted that liquids, gels, and pastes will no longer be permitted in carry-on bags. This includes: [li] Toothpaste and other types of paste products [li] Mouthwash [li] Hair shampoos, conditioners, gels, and mousses [li] Liquid makeup products - including mascara [li] Creams, lotions, and moisturizers [li] Ointments, first aid creams, and salves [li] After-shave lotion, skin bracers [li] Colognes, perfumes, toilet water [li] Liquid medications [li] Large capsules - like Vitamin E or Omega-3 caps [li] Pudding or fruit snacks and yogurts [li] All beverages - including bottled water, sodas, juice, and sports drinks [li] Liquid hand sanitizer [li] Sun tan lotion, sun block, zinc ointment Check your belongings and remove anything else that could be mixed with another product. Pack it in your regular baggage or find an alternative. Media reports state that several electronic devices have also been banned. There is no clear consensus on this - so check with individual air carriers before you travel. The list of *reported* taboo electronic devices includes: [li] All cell phones [li] iPods and similar music devices [li] PDAs, laptop computers, and Blueberrys [li] Portable game units When in doubt, opt for a conservative approach to your packing - and avoid delays while passing through security. Breast-feeding moms: you may skip to the next paragraph! Liquid baby formula may be permitted. However, it is recommended that you pack powdered formula instead. Flight attendants can provide boiled water in-flight so that you can mix formula as needed. Security staff in certain countries may ask passengers to taste liquid formula before they take it on the plane. Insulin and liquid prescription medications will be permitted. Take a current copy of your prescription with you. The name on the prescription, medication bottles, and travel documentation must match exactly. Ask your doctor for tablet alternatives whenever possible. Over-the-counter liquids such as Pepto-Bismol and cough syrups should be replaced with tablet and capsule versions. Breath-strips can be swapped for mouthwash, and pre-packaged wipes can be carried instead of liquid hand sanitizer. If you can't survive without snacks, try foods like apples and oranges, packs of raisins, energy bars, or small bars of dark chocolate. Phone your airline's customer service number to confirm how long before a flight they expect you in the airport. You can expect an answer of 2 (or even 3) hours. Nobody knows for sure how long the new restrictions will be in effect. Security officials hope that new scientific advances in scanning technology may reduce the need for the current stringent restrictions. Before every trip, get as many facts as possible from your airline, and check the internet for current restrictions by going to government transport websites such as: [li] U.S.A. - tsa.gov [li] Canada - tc.gc.ca [li] UK - dft.gov.uk Perform appropriate searches to find comparable websites for other countries, for example, if you plan to fly to Switzerland, you might try: government aviation security Switzerland Other types of transportations facilities such as subways, rail systems, and mass transit have also modified their security regulations. While there may be a lot of indecision and unease over recent events, many people actually feel safer right now due to the increased supervision and security. Be aware, be informed - but don't stick your head in the sand. There is a wonderful world out there to see and explore! (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included. About the Author: Searching for a bed and breakfast, hotel, or hostel? Visit 111 Travel Directory. Trying to find some great travel tips? Surf over to 1000 Tips 4 Trips. Seeking romantic getaway resources? Adult Escapes can help! Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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