At the airport
1. Bring a boarding pass, ticket, or ticket confirmation, such as a printed itinerary and a government-issued photo ID. Children under the age of 18 do not require an ID.
2. At the security checkpoint you will have to put your clear plastic bag, jackets, jewelry, cell phones, keys and metal items into a bin for screening before you step through the metal detector. (Your shoes go directly onto the X-ray belt rather than into a bin.) Laptops and video cameras must be removed from their cases and screened individually.
3. Do not pack wrapped gifts in either your carry-on or checked baggage, as the TSA may have to unwrap them for inspection. Your best bet is to wrap your gifts once you arrive at your destination, or ship them ahead of time.
4. Laptops, video cameras, iPods, Gameboys and most other standard electronic devices are permitted in both checked and carry-on luggage. As noted above, you should be prepared to remove laptops or video cameras from their cases at the security checkpoint for additional screening. Because electronic items tend to be frequent targets for security screening, you may want to pack these near the top of your bag so that inspectors don't need to unpack your whole suitcase to get to them. Keep in mind that certain electronic devices - such as radios, cordless computer mice or portable GPS systems - may not be used in flight even if you do pack them in your carry-on, as they may interfere with the plane's navigational or communications systems.
5. Liquids and gels must be in individual containers of three ounces or less and placed inside one clear, quart-size, plastic, zip-top bag. The TSA emphasizes that containers should fit comfortably into your bag, and that only one bag is permitted per passenger. If you need to bring more than three ounces of any liquid or gel substance, it should go into your checked luggage.
6. Prescription medications, baby formula or milk are exempt from the rules above. As long as you declare them at the security checkpoint, you may carry more than three ounces, and they do not need to be placed in a plastic bag. The TSA recommends but does not require that prescription medications be in their original labeled containers to expedite the screening process. The TSA may also makes exceptions for other medical necessities such as insulin, eye drops or syringes.
7. The TSA does not require that liquids and gels be kept in their original labeled containers, though doing so may help expedite the screening process.
8. If you purchase beverages or other liquids/gels beyond the security checkpoint at the airport, you may bring them on the plane.
9. While the TSA encourages travelers to keep their medications and vitamins in their original labeled containers to expedite the screening process, you may transfer them into more convenient smaller containers such as daily pill minders.
10. Makeup is subject to the same liquid and gel rules as all other substances - so if you're bringing liquid mascara, lip gels (such as Blistex) or other liquid or gel-like items, they will need to be placed in your quart-size plastic bag in three-ounce or smaller containers. Lipstick, powders, solid lip balms (such as Chapstick) and other solid beauty products are not subject to the rules, and may be carried in your hand luggage without restriction.
11. As of January 1, 2008, loose lithium batteries are no longer permitted in checked bags. If your batteries are installed in a device (such as a camera), you may pack the device in either a checked bag or a carry-on, but loose lithium batteries may only be transported in your carry-on luggage. Certain quantity limits apply to both loose and installed batteries.
12. The Department of Transportation has strict regulations about the transportation of dry ice on airplanes. As long as you comply with those regulations, you may pack dry ice in your checked bag. A DOT spokesperson suggests that travelers avoid packing dry ice in carry-on luggage, as individual TSA agents unfamiliar with DOT regulations may confiscate the substance.
13. Common lighters are permitted in carry-on baggage, while torch lighters (which are typically used to light pipes and cigars) are not. Neither type of lighter is permitted in checked bags.
14. In most cases,you bring needlepoint or knitting needles on the plane, but TSA officers may confiscate your needles at their discretion if they think the needles could be used as weapons. Your best bet is to pack knitting needles that are no longer than 31 inches and that are made of bamboo or plastic (rather than metal).
15. Double check your carry-on baggage to make sure you have removed prohibited items such as pocketknives, scissors, and tools.
16. The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids and/or assistive devices by a person with a disability.
17. Place identification tags with your name, address and your phone number on all your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well
18. Pack your outer coat or jacket in your baggage when possible.
For more information, see the TSA Web site.
2009-10-12
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