TSA Adjusting Prohibitions/Designated "Ask Bart" Thread
Aug 30, 2006 | 5:59 pm
#436
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Originally Posted by Coast2Coast
Last I read empty bottols were ok. And if they take it away or make you dispose of it, you can take the empty bottle you have from the newstand which you will buy on the otherside of security.
Additionally, you can bring a doctor's note.
Additionally, you can bring a doctor's note.
I boarded 4 planes last week, the TSA was only conducting gate checks at 2/4 (to/from DCA) and even then your chance of being searched was about 1:10, less if you timed it right. Further there was no gate rape so you could probably stuff them in your pants, skirt, etc. as they were only rummaging thru bags.
The whole idea of confiscating items like water that are so easily obtained (after the checkpoint) and easily hidden is beyond absurd.
P.S. SFO missed my neosporin, but it was confiscated at DCA, which I gather means the screeners in the Washington area are more competent, so to speak.
I do have to give props to Bart's counterpart. The screener wanted to take my flonase (minus the prescrip.) but he was overruled by the supervisor who correctly noted that it fell under the nasal spray exception, with or without prescrip. Bravo.
Last edited by Boraxo; Aug 30, 2006 at 6:05 pm
Aug 31, 2006 | 6:32 am
#437
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: IAD, DCA
Programs: UA-Plat, Marriott-Plat, AAI, AAII
Posts: 3,758
Could someone please explain why 5 tiny alcohol swabs were confiscated at IAD yesterday? Also, why was the TSA trying to look in my eyes and confirm that I was wearing contact lenses before allowing me to retain my 1 oz. trial size bottle of lense solution?
After carefully scrutinizing the TSA page regarding what is allowed onboard and what is not, I could not find a ban on alcohol swabs or a requirement that I be wearing contact lenses.
After carefully scrutinizing the TSA page regarding what is allowed onboard and what is not, I could not find a ban on alcohol swabs or a requirement that I be wearing contact lenses.
Aug 31, 2006 | 8:37 am
#438
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: WAS (mostly BWI nowadays)
Posts: 103
Contact lenses in small containers w/ liquid?
I couldn't find anything on the TSA website....
I wear disposable contacts. Am traveling today and want to take with two extra contact lenses. They are packaged in little containers with about 10 drops of liquid (saline solution, I believe). Anyone have any experience with these? I'd rather not have them taken away, as they're not that cheap. But I need them because if I tear or lose a contact (i.e. the ones in my eyes), I need replacements! I won't be traveling with any other liquids, if that makes a difference.
I wear disposable contacts. Am traveling today and want to take with two extra contact lenses. They are packaged in little containers with about 10 drops of liquid (saline solution, I believe). Anyone have any experience with these? I'd rather not have them taken away, as they're not that cheap. But I need them because if I tear or lose a contact (i.e. the ones in my eyes), I need replacements! I won't be traveling with any other liquids, if that makes a difference.
Aug 31, 2006 | 8:52 am
#439
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: BKK, MKE
Programs: DL DM,Marriott Plat
Posts: 241
Originally Posted by lidotaja
I couldn't find anything on the TSA website....
I wear disposable contacts. Am traveling today and want to take with two extra contact lenses. They are packaged in little containers with about 10 drops of liquid (saline solution, I believe). Anyone have any experience with these? I'd rather not have them taken away, as they're not that cheap. But I need them because if I tear or lose a contact (i.e. the ones in my eyes), I need replacements! I won't be traveling with any other liquids, if that makes a difference.
I wear disposable contacts. Am traveling today and want to take with two extra contact lenses. They are packaged in little containers with about 10 drops of liquid (saline solution, I believe). Anyone have any experience with these? I'd rather not have them taken away, as they're not that cheap. But I need them because if I tear or lose a contact (i.e. the ones in my eyes), I need replacements! I won't be traveling with any other liquids, if that makes a difference.
Aug 31, 2006 | 9:01 am
#440
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DTW
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Posts: 7,511
Originally Posted by studentff
On 8/25 at MHT I had a screener who, to his credit, let me keep a (75% empty) tube of generic Neosporin when I said 1) it was nonperscription medication under 4 oz, and 2) I had an infected cut on my foot.
While I think it is nosey to ask about medical conditions, I'll at least appreciate the guy for exercising some common sense ^ after I answered his prying question.
If I had a serious wound that needed dressing changes like I did when I flew in May 2005 for a job interview (5 stitches near my knee less than 18 hours old; I almost had to request a wheelchair at ORD) and they tried to confiscate the ointment, I'd call for a LEO and raise holy hell. But first I'd probaby show them the wound and ooze all over the checkpoint floor so they'd have to call out a biohazard cleanup team.
While I think it is nosey to ask about medical conditions, I'll at least appreciate the guy for exercising some common sense ^ after I answered his prying question.
If I had a serious wound that needed dressing changes like I did when I flew in May 2005 for a job interview (5 stitches near my knee less than 18 hours old; I almost had to request a wheelchair at ORD) and they tried to confiscate the ointment, I'd call for a LEO and raise holy hell. But first I'd probaby show them the wound and ooze all over the checkpoint floor so they'd have to call out a biohazard cleanup team.
Taking a same-day turn-around MR this Saturday. Really don't look foward to this mess... it's my first flight since 8/10.
Steve B.
Aug 31, 2006 | 10:16 am
#441
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: WAS (mostly BWI nowadays)
Posts: 103
Originally Posted by dw8146
Contact lenses require a Rx. I would think having the Rx that goes with your lenses should suffice. But then this is the TSA we're talking about, so all bets are off.
This is my first flight since the new rules, as well. Definitely a pain! I actually mailed stuff to my destination -- would rather do that beforehand and have it be there when arrive then having to worry about going shopping upon arrival. Either way - major pain.
Aug 31, 2006 | 10:16 am
#442
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Originally Posted by dw8146
Contact lenses require a Rx. I would think having the Rx that goes with your lenses should suffice. But then this is the TSA we're talking about, so all bets are off.
Aug 31, 2006 | 10:26 am
#443
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: WAS (mostly BWI nowadays)
Posts: 103
Originally Posted by Boraxo
TSA did not even look twice at my saline solution or my spare pair of lenses, nor did they check my eyes. I don't think a prescrip. is necessary but YMMV.
Aug 31, 2006 | 11:19 am
#444
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Originally Posted by lidotaja
YMMV is correct...from day one of TSA's existence, what Screener A at Airport ABC has done has been different than what Screener B at same airport has done, which is different than what Screener C at Airport DEF has done. And so on. Too bad the train system in the U.S. is so messed up, as I would seriously consider taking the train more often -- for short distances flying is getting to be more of a pain than it's worth.
While I would like to think that the variability reported here is a crafty approach to screening, it seem much more likely to be simply poor training and performance.
Aug 31, 2006 | 5:56 pm
#445
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Northwest Georgia
Programs: Delta, Hilton, ICH, Hertz
Posts: 302
Originally Posted by doober
Alan, copy this post and put it into letters to be sent to your congresscritters and airlines immediately. It's one of the best statements on the problems caused by DHS/TSA that I have read.
Send copies to your newspaper(s) also. With a bit of editing, it might possibly be an op ed piece.
Send copies to your newspaper(s) also. With a bit of editing, it might possibly be an op ed piece.
). I have gotten nowhere with them via email , faxes, or phone calls to unhelpful staff members.I already submitted my letter to the editor, but I have not seen anything in the paper.
- Alan
Sep 3, 2006 | 12:06 am
#447
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,333
Bart,
Can you confirm that people who declare a medical condition, prosthetic device, or disability are not required to remove their shoes and will just have an ETD check on their shoes?
From http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ty-update.shtm
and http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...eds/index.shtm
Can you confirm that people who declare a medical condition, prosthetic device, or disability are not required to remove their shoes and will just have an ETD check on their shoes?
From http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ty-update.shtm
and http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...eds/index.shtm
People with disabilities, those with prosthetic devices, and those with medical conditions DO NOT have to remove their shoes during this heightened security level. Those with disabilities who keep their shoes on will be subjected to additional screening that includes a visual, physical and explosive trace detection sampling of their footwear.