Carryon bag - what's allowed? It's so confusing.?

Question

The obvious things that are not allowed... knives, liquids, gels, lotions etc.

What about things like cell phone, blackberry, ipod, camera, laptop? Can we even bring a brief case or a small hand bag? Is it just for those flying from the UK to the US are not allowed to bring these things? (TV showing people coming from the UK carrying clear plastic bags with only passport and wallet). What about flying from the US to international places? Do the rules differ by airport / destination / airline? Maybe it's clear to people, but it seems confusing to us. We're not even sure what to pack anymore.

Has anyone flown over the past few days with experience to share?

Answer 1

It depends whether you're flying internationally or internally and if international which destination are you going to.

Your best bet is to check with the airline (go to their website) but in general you won't be allowed any liquids or gels of any kind. In most cases you can't take anything electrical including cell phones.

Once you're cleared through customs you can buy things from the 'airside' shop. It's not that you can't take drinks, books etc on board just that you have to buy them from the airport.

The UK still has very strict rules in place and nothing but the absolute essentials can be taken (although again you can buy things once 'airside'). If you're flying to or from the UK you'll be searched twice - once at check in as usual and again when boarding the plane.

Your best bet is to pack everything in the hold luggage where the restrictions as to what you can and can't carry haven't changed.

Answer 2

the rules are not hard like you said the obvious things are not allowed liquids and gels include makeup and gel deodorant sunscreen, shaving cream, things like that. you can still bring your cell phone camera laptop... you don't need to use a clear plastic bag you can use a regular carry on. You can still bring food items.you will have to take all foot wear off including flip flops so you are better off wearing something with socks so you don't have to walk bear foot through the check point. as long as you are leaving from the states you do not need a plastic bag. only if you are flying form the UK to the US you have to put it in a plastic bag, but that will be changing in a day or so. you will be able to carry on a bag no bigger then a computer bag instead of a clear bag. You can look at the TSA web sight to get all the latest updates to the info on what can be put in your carry on, do not watch the news for this info they are wrong a lot of the time and like to make up stories.

Answer 3

FOUND THIS FOR YA .. HOPE IT HELPS !!!

Guidance For Airline Passengers
Press Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

August 10, 2006
[phone]

Raised Threat Levels:

The U.S. threat level is raised to Severe, or Red, for all commercial flights flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.

The U.S. threat level is raised to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in the United States, including international flights. Flights from the United States to the United Kingdom are also Orange.

Increased Aviation Screening Procedures:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing a series of security measures, some visible and some not visible, to ensure the security of the traveling public and the nation's transportation system.

NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY-ON BAGGAGE. SUCH ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE.
This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency

Exceptions: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling and medicines, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint.

Beverages purchased in the boarding area, beyond the checkpoint, must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.

Passengers traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States will be subject to a more extensive screening process.

These measures will be constantly evaluated and updated as circumstances warrant.

How every passenger can assist in security:

Pack lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening
Arrive earlier than usual at the airport
Cooperate with TSA personnel at checkpoints and with airline personnel at all gates
Be attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity and report it to authorities
Increased Border Protection Procedures:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will increase enforcement efforts in international arrival areas including the use of advanced targeting tools, special response teams including baggage and aircraft search teams, baggage x-ray equipment, specially-trained canine units, and explosive detection technology.

DHS has also mandated that all flights from the United Kingdom transmit passenger manifest information for intensive screening prior to departure from the gate. In addition, passengers on these flights and all other international flights will be subject to heightened inspection upon arrival in the United States.

Answer 4

I flew from heathrow the day after the arrests. if you're flying to or from the US, be prepared to wait a lot, and make sure you're aware of the restrictions before you fly, that way, getting through security will be a lot easier.

bring a clear plastic bag as your only carry on.
you can bring your wallet, etc, tissues (unboxed), sanitary supplies (also unboxed), and, well that's it. If you're traveling with an infant, be prepared to have to taste the formula or breastmilk.

as you won't be able to bring a book or newspaper through security, make sure you buy one once you are past the security checkpoint, especially if you're going to be on a long haul flight.

check your cell phones, iPods, etc. because they will take those away if you try to bring them through security.

Airlines will not have differing standards, as security is for the whole airport, not just certain airlines.

Answer 5

Basically you can't carry anything that could be predetermined as possibly being part of an explosive device.

I'll Let you know I'm going to Chicago on Monday.

my guess is that soon we will all be travelling nude and having to lie down on the X-ray conveyor to make sure we have nothing to hide internally.

Answer 6

Everything except liquid or liquid like stuff.
Oh yeah, and except the previous restrictions like no sharp objects or explosives and what not (DUH).

I don't know what a "blackberry" is but if it's food, they don't allow food now (they think it's a liquid, STUPID rulez, what if I HAVE the munchies!!!)

Yes you are still allowed 2 carry on items as long as they FIT on the plane as a carry on.

No the restrictions are for everyone, but international flights (both going and comming) will have more restrictions enforced more strictly (and a longer line).

When comming from say the UK or wher eever else you will have to follow their country's flying rules, and keep in mind the US's too.

Answer 7

go to tsa.gov - they just came out with updated restrictions - traveling within the u.s. is less restrictive - you can carry on all electronic devices, cell phones and lap tops. EVERYONE must now remove their shoes even if you are wearing flip-flops.

you do not need a plastic bag for domestic travel - you can carry on brief case, purse, etc. All liqiids are still a no-no...but ladies, you are allowed a solid lipstick but not lip gloss.

traveling out of the u.s. and from the uk is a different story - many more restrictions ..

do check the tsa website - good luck!

Answer 8

1) Yes you can still bring on laptops blackberries etc. but the items must be turned on in front of a security officer and must be scanned through the xray machine.
2)Any type of bag that fits the size criteria may be brought on but expect it to be searched.
3) It's for all flights now. International & Domestic)
4) No there are no differencials as they all follow the TSA rules & regs, however airlines may subject you to a "search" prior to getting on the plane.
5)You can pack everything you used to but its best to put everything in your checked bags and ONLY bring the neccessities with you on the plane.
6) you should contact or visit your airlines website for restriction and or check out the TSA'a website for complete "restriction details.)
Good luck.

Answer 9

I am flying this week and I just got this e-mail, read below, I copied it for you....prayers =)



You've heard about the new airport security measures and we want you to know that we are operating our full flight schedule to over 290 worldwide destinations. To ensure a smoother travel experience, we'd like to update you on the latest developments.

Please remember to pack lightly, travel with little or no carry-on baggage and arrive early for your scheduled flight. You also will be required to take off your shoes as you pass through security.

Most liquids, gels and aerosols will not be permitted through airport screening checkpoints and cannot be carried onboard but can be packed in your checked baggage. Examples include:

Beverages (including those purchased at the airport)
Shampoo
Suntan lotion
Hairspray
Creams
Toothpaste
Hair gel
And other items of similar consistency
However, you will be able to carry on the following substances:

Baby formula and breast milk for a traveling infant
Prescription medication with a name that matches the passenger's ticket (including up to four ounces of liquid medication)
Insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines (including glucose gel)
In addition, please review the current guidelines for packing checked baggage. And remember to label your luggage — inside and out — with your current contact information.

Please check delta.com/travelupdates for the latest information on Delta flights and airport wait times. Thank you for your patience.

Answer 10

from what i've been reading, no electronics can be brought onto flights. this is because ANYTHING can be used as a remote device. the best place to check for the latest updates of prohibited items is TSA's website. it's very useful, and also, by following these guidelines, it makes my job as a federal officer that much easier.