I noticed in the new description that the following items are permitted: "Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids;"

There is no apparent limit on the amount. Although it's nice to get a clarification that women with implants don't need to put their breasts in their checked luggage, this also appear to permit just about any liquid cosmetics in any amount as long as you declare it? You would think that someone at the TSA would actually read this stuff before they post it on the internet.

Yes, you would need to declare the container in that very narrow range separately to avoid jettisoning. My point was the reg size (12 oz?) container is prohibited, but you can take a "larger than 3 oz" container via loophole.

At IAD they are "allowing" you to go back and put 4 oz contact solution in your checked luggage, or disposing of it; they are saying 3oz is the limit in the 1 qt bag.

That's clearly inconsistent with the TSA's prohibited items list; the baggie may contain up to 3 oz; larger containers must "be declared" and are allowable. I've flown twice since Tue. with the same 4 oz bottle that was A-OK during the 6 week+ "no liquid" regime. And it's still OK.

Someone needs to call for the screening manager to review the SOP.

Wasn't the whole point of having a single agency overseeing all of this to standardize the rules nationwide?

I think that you have actually stated the rule: You cannot put a 4 oz contact lens solution in your quart bag but you can take it in your carryon if you declare that you have it as an essential medicine as an exception to the no liquids rule. Remember that it is all about form and not about substance and that should help.

But why would you "declare" it at all when you can probably easily hide it in your carryon?

Condition: Retarded continues
This post is after two glasses of red wine to calm down.
Enter Logan E checkpoint. Podium dude barks, "anything to declare?" I zip open my bag and display 4 oz of contact lens sol'n and a quart ziploc (not generic brand) bag of toiletries. He waves me through.

Proceed to WTMD. Have my baggie out, everything else back in bag. The guy who processes the bags smiles and says, "you listen!" I'm feelin good.

"Bag check!"

Back he comes, opens my bag and out comes the contact lens sol'n.
Him: "This can't go."
Me: "But I declared it and it's allowed on the form."
Him: "No, under 3 ozs only."
Me: "Supervisor."
Supervisor 1 (no badge visible) comes over: Sir that sol'n must be checked or discarded.
Me: You're not following the rules. Here the are.
<I produce the TSA guidelines printed today, highlighted>
Him: I'm not reading them.
Me: Supervisor!
Supervisor 2. Thomas: These can't go.
Me: Show me where it says that.
<he reads document. Asks about date they were printed, then says>: This is contact solution, not eye drops
Me: It's saline, for God sakes.
Sup 2: Calm down sir.
Me: You're wrong and you know it.
Sup 2: Maybe you're wrong <sees me glance at his badge> That's right, write it down, but this doesn't fly with you today.

I'm on hold right now with TSA. 14 minutes hold time

why do we have to put up with this crap about 3 oz vs 4 oz? ugh. what morons. I thought this was supposed to "lift" some restrictions.

BOS today at the United side of Terminal C. A TSO was out in the lines before the ID checkers showing the correct size bag and telling people to declare other liquids - "Medicines, Cough Syrup". I asked him "that still includes 4 ounces of Contact Lens solution, right?"

He adamantly said "No - contact lens solution has to be under 3 oz and in the baggie". I told him that wasn't what the TSA website says and he said "the only liquids you can declare are essential medications". I said "contact lens solution is essential for contact lens wearers" and he replied, "It's not a medication, it's just a liquid, so you can't take it."

I had the whole updated "what can you take list" in my bag, but seeing that I didn't bring my contacts on this trip I didn't bother to pull it out for him. I did firmly suggest that he check the actual TSA website.

It's the arbitrary actions and "entitlement" these morons on the front line feel to make up their own rules that really ticks me off.


It reminds me of when I cleared bringing my SLR to a college game with both their web site (which I printed a copy of the camera policy to have with me, just in case) and by calling to verify. Of course, the gate goon refused to let it past, claiming, "Well, they need to change the website, then," when I showed him the printout and told him about the phone call.