8.11.2006

You know, it only takes a few terrorists to ruin it for everyone

Please let me state here that I am very, very impressed and grateful that the UK managed to get wind of what was going on, and I hope that this weekend goes very smoothly and safely for travellers. I cannot overstate that.

That said, check out the new luggage regulations published by the Home Office:

The following items may be taken through airport security search points and into the plane's cabin, but only in a transparent, plastic carrier bag. All items not on this list must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.

  • Pocket-size wallets and pocket-size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards --handbags are not allowed.
  • Travel documents essential for the journey (passports and travel tickets)
  • Prescription medicines and medical items sufficicent and essential for the flight (diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
  • Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
  • Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
  • For people traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger).
  • Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
  • Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs.
  • Keys (but not with electrical key fobs).
People have also been told to expect massive delays and additional security screenings. Good thing I'm not flying to Prague or anything in a week, huh? In all the dissertation craziness I sort of forgot about that.

The question will be whether the rules will have relaxed any by September 14th. I've already got chick lit which I bought specifically for the flight to Atlanta, and now I might not even be allowed to take it on with me. I bet all those overpriced bookstores in the airports are loving this. What they don't know is that Savvymom will be meeting me in Atlanta and that she will bring me stuff if I ask her to. So that should show those airport bookstores. And the terrorists.

10 comments:

TOWR said... [reply]

Seriously. Terrorists suck.

Cicada said... [reply]

Ridiculous.

Which Home Office published those? Are they valid in the US, or is that just UK stuff?

Jenny said... [reply]

The US isn't that strict, Delta has published the guidelines on their website. It's still lame though. Ed flew out today and I think he carried on all his photography stuff.

FoxyJ said... [reply]

Amyjane--I was thinking the same thing about formula. Even worse--what if I want to bring a bottle of my own pumped milk??

Nemesis said... [reply]

Sorry, I should have said that these are the guidelines published by the UK for travel out of UK airports. They're going to be especially careful about planes going to the US.

And yeah, that big about having to taste baby formula and baby food is just nasty.

April said... [reply]

A flight without chick lit?? Impossible!

Anonymous said... [reply]

I second the comment: Terrorists suck!!

Apparently at the SLC airport people were having to throw away things like gels, shampoos, $30 lip glosses and other expensive make-up, etc. I'd be tempted to say--"Do I look like a terrorist?!" Let's be honest--all terrorists fall within certain demographic information....why don't they concentrate on them. (I'm sure I'm going to upset people with that comment, but so be it.)

Anyways.....good luck with your flights. I don't envy you (well, except for going to Prague).

Scully said... [reply]

I just feel sorry for the women who have to carry around their feminine hygeine products through the entire airport in transparent bag. Can you imagine being 14 and having to do that! And I read an article that said the whole drinking of baby formula/bottles was not required, but an inspection was.

Nemesis said... [reply]

Oooh, Kristen. You upset me with that comment--I don't want to be on the first plane a pretty blond lady terrorist blows up because they didn't bother checking her . . . :-)

And yeah, Scully, that would have completely mortified me at 14!

Jenny said... [reply]

If I pumped milk and someone tried to even THINK about dumping it I would go ballistic.

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