I think it is just about walking through like you (a) know what you're doing, and (b) own the joint, which is my normal attitude toward security checkpoints.
I walk the same way in all airports, and sometimes I have issues and sometimes I don't. So no, I don't think it has anything to do with attitude. I think it has to do with the security agents and whatever airport you're going through. I think these stories illustrate that there is no consistency whatsoever and what one person does one day in Airport A might be disallowed tomorrow at Airport A but just fine at Airport B and so on....
My husband has had his (appropriately sized and in a ziploc bag) travel shaving cream confiscated in Costa Rica because it has the word "explosivo" on it (signifying that the contents are under pressure - but shaving cream isn't on any banned list....except CR apparently) I really never know what to expect. Ah well. We do the best we can.
(CR also confiscated my corkscrew that was teeny and had been in my bag for more than 5 years through various international and domestic airports....)
At the very beginning of the liquids ban, the very first time I went through PHL after it was instituted, a TSA officer triumphantly fished a 3-gram tube of toothpaste out of my purse and dramatically confiscated it.
I'm trying to picture this dramatic removal of that evil doer we all know as toothpaste!
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I always have a small container of cleansing water, a moisture mask, moisturizing spray, deodorant and tooth paste. In addition and depending how much room there is, I also pack regular moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner. Again, it depends on where I'm going and how much room there is in the bag. Sometimes I'll also throw in some bb cream (samples really come in handy here!) and mascara.
Reading this thread I think I must have had an amazing string of luck. I am a Chap-stik addict and never leave home without one but have never put it into my ziplock, it stays in its usual place in my purse.
I also don't put mascara, lipstick, lip gloss or liquid eyeliner into the ziplock, they stay in the general makeup kit. The only things I ziplock are:
moisturizer
toothpaste
facial wash
sunblock
deodorant
and if I'm travelling somewhere w/ altitude (DEN or SLC) hand cream
I rarely bring shampoo or conditioner with me; what the hotel provides works fine. I used to be very careful to pack the tiny toothpaste tubes but more recently have been travelling with a 4 oz tube.
I'm a pretty frequent flyer & have yet to have an issue with confiscation. Although now that I've posted this I'm tempting the Fates to nail me on my next few trips.
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Is it just me, or do these seem like a terrible idea to anyone else? I hate digging for my stuff, and adding the inconvenience of not being able to see it does not seem worth it to me.
Last edited by lsumegan; Jul 3, 12 at 12:42 pm..
Reason: typo
On multiple trips, I've taken two ziploc bags: one prescription (incl. contact lenses items) and one non-prescription items. I have never had anyone even ask me about taking two ziploc bags.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CApreppie
On multiple trips, I've taken two ziploc bags: one prescription (incl. contact lenses items) and one non-prescription items. I have never had anyone even ask me about taking two ziploc bags.
Prescriptions and contacts are exempt from the "3-1-1" rules, so it shouldn't matter if they are in a 2nd ziploc, some other bag, or just loose.
Prescriptions and contacts are exempt from the "3-1-1" rules, so it shouldn't matter if they are in a 2nd ziploc, some other bag, or just loose.
I know that - thus the 2nd separate bag. However, I have never seen anyone take even a glance at the the prescription bag. For all they know, I could put other things in there with it.
Over the years I have tested the amounts I use while traveling to know exactly what I will need in the line of liquids for 5, 7, 10, 14 days etc. I never take any more than I need.
So depending on # of days, take the needed small tubes of toothpaste. I have been using "Wen" hair cleanser, which is THE best for your hair. It cleans, conditions and untangles your hair all in one. That saves several extra containers.
Several companies now make 3oz sunscreen, which is perfect to get me started. I'll pack extra in checked luggage. Mascara and face moisturizer is in there. I've switched to a nice body soap and solid deodorant. I now take facial wipes which remove makeup, clean and condition (many mfgs make now), but still put them in the liquids bag (they are in flat dispensers that may contain 5, 7 and up to 25 wipes). Always take the individual eye lubricant tubes (I've had lasik surgery).
I always have SP30 lip balm with me (put it in my jacket or pants pocket) so it's quick at hand for long flights.
Shameless bump of my own post! Still batting 1000 after five years of this method and so is my son Master Packer Jr.
As noted I leave all kinds of quasi-liquids in my pockets which the patdown ladies have me put on the table before they do their thing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LLM
For the last five years I have used a "decoy baggie". Just a supermarket ziploc with maybe sunscreen and a wee bottle of hotel lotion. I put this in the bin and leave everything else in my tote or carryon or pockets, including full tubes of toothpaste and any kind of liquids.
AND I ask for the patdown instead of going through the CAT scanner. Now and again I have to take the lipgloss out of my pocket for my private moment with the scanner.
TSA NEVER looks at anything else. I doubt they care in Europe, Oz, Japan and North Africa anyway but I threw my decoy baggie in the bins there, too.
Is it just me, or do these seem like a terrible idea to anyone else? I hate digging for my stuff, and adding the inconvenience of not being able to see it does not seem worth it to me.
) I really never know what to expect. Ah well. We do the best we can.
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