Travel Restrictions Have Been Eased! Aren't you Glad?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)Each passenger may carry one (and only one)
lifted some of the carry on restrictions on UStravel bag not bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm
flights that were imposed in August. That is(which is approximately 22inches x 17
welcome news to air travelers. Previously, with½inches x9 ¾inches). Any other bags
the exception of medications and baby formulabrought on board such as a handbag must fit
milk, no liquid or gel like substances were allowedinsideof the one allowed carry on. Any bag that is
to be carried onto the plane. They had to bebigger than the allowed dimensions will be required
placed in checked luggage.to be checked.
So just what are the new, less restrictive,The only exception to the one bag rule seems to
regulations? Here's a run down. Passengers maybe formusical instruments. They may be carried
take liquid or gel like items such astoiletries withon, but they will need to be x-rayed first.
them through security if they are placed in aThe Department for Transport still has some tight
quart-size, clearplastic zip top bag. Only one ziprestrictions on what can be placed in the carry on
top bag per passenger will be allowed. The liquid orbag. There can be no liquid cosmetics, toiletries,
gel in the containers can only be 3 ounces or lessliquids, gels, or beverages in the bag or on a
which is the common size for travel sizedperson when going through security.
shampoos, toothpastes, etc. The containers mayNecessary liquid medicines may be in the carry on
not be capable of holding more than 3 ounces,bag, but the quantity cannot exceed 50ml. Also
even if there are only 3 ounces of liquid or gel inliquid baby formula/milk may be carried on, but
them. For example, if you have an 11 ounce sizedthe contents of every bottle must be tasted by
bottle of shampoo, but only 3 ounces of shampoothe guardian of the baby at the security check
are left in the bottle, you cannot bring the bottlepoint.
on.Electronic equipment such as laptops, cell phones,
The plastic bags will need to be taken out ofPDA's and MP3 players will need to be removed
carry on luggage and x-rayed separately. Thefrom the carry on bag and screened separately.
machines can identify if a substance is unusual,Items that are purchased after going through the
but they cannot determine if the substance issecurity check point in the airport's shops may be
explosive or bomb-related. However, the TSAtaken on board.
hopes to have machines that can detect thoseThings are not back to normal yet, but they are
types of substances in the nation's checkpoints ingetting better. So, the question now is where are
the future. They are currently testing machinesyou and your 3 ounces of shampoo going to
that use magnetic resonance imaging to detecttravel this fall? Here are some ideas.
explosive substances that can be used to make aFor all of you leaf peepers out there (leaf peeping
bomb.is an actual activity - they talked about it on an
Saline solution, eye drops, medicines and infantepisode of The West Wing once) how about
formula/milk does not need to be in the zip toptreating your shampoo to a long weekend in the
bag. They should be separate, but you must letNortheast. Try Baltimore, MD where from
screeners know about them before entering theOctober 1 - November 30, 2006 you can enjoy
security checkpoint. Also, security has the right to"Free Fall Baltimore."If you plan your trip for
request a taste test of infant formula/milk, andmid-October you can catch some beautiful fall
very likely may do so. It's hard to believe it'sfoliage and take advantage of the city's
come to this, but it has.promotion.
Also, liquid and gel items that are bought at theThe promotion offers free admission to the
shops on the concourse after going throughBaltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art
security can now be brought onto the plane. ThatMuseum (where you can probably view a few
means that you can buy water and otherlandscape portraits of fall foliage, too). There are
beverages, full sized toiletries,or other previouslyalso over 175 free cultural events going on
restricted items for use on the plane.throughout the city during the promotional time.
The partial lift on the bans is good news for airIf leaf peeping isn't your cup of tea, then how
travelers, particularly those who use carry onabout making your fall excursion all about a glass
luggage only.of wine. Head to Napa Valley where it's harvest
The US is not the only country lifting some ofseason. Napa Valley is the biggest wine region in
their restrictions. Last Friday, the UK's Departmentthe United States, and when fall arrives the
for Transport came out with revised restrictions.wineries begin to have samplings of their
For flights that are originating outside of the UK,upcoming vintages. Treat yourself to food and
they will allow liquid and gel like substances towine pairings, fall festivals, cultural events at
come with passengers. For flights originating fromtheaters and opera houses and a good wine
the UK,the restrictions are still stricter than thoseeducation.
in the US. This is important information to knowHowever, if you do choose to bring some of
for those who are traveling from the US to theNapa Valley's treasures home with you, have the
UK and home again. The carry on bag and itemswinery pack them for the flight. They won't be
you left the US with may not be allowed to beallowed in your carry on luggage.
carried on when returning to the US.