A few weeks ago in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, there was no checked luggage. The Amsterdam Airport had a mechanical glitch. Schiphol, one of the most important airports in the world, announced that luggage in transit was stuck there. This announcement put a lot of people into hysteria. Those people included me, as I am flying and connecting in Amsterdam soon. Assuming the mechanical disaster continues (as of now, all is working again), I will be traveling carry-on for a 13 day trip. There is a lot of laundry in the future.
Following on the Amsterdam announcement, The New York Times did an excellent article on what you can carry on and what is forbidden. Unfortunately there are grey areas and inconsistent practices so be aware.
It should be obvious to women from The Women’s Travel Group, that exploding things cannot be carried; Christmas crackers for instance. And sharp items, like sharp toys, and they mention antlers. Well, The Times did not mention jewelry with a pin behind it. I had a Star pin in carry on which fortunately was allowed after some deliberation from TSA. I had also mistakenly packed a Swiss-card that has tiny scissors. The card made it through TSA.
Guns, naturally, are not allowed. But there is more than a bang bang gun that will be confiscated. As a child, my son carried on what was called ‘a Transformer’; a plastic toy robot that could transform into a water gun. Unfortunately at TSA, the toy was in its water gun mode. It was confiscated even though he proudly showed the TSA officer how to make the robot format.
Liquids are even iffy. The general rule is if you can spill it, spread it, spray it or pump it, leave it out. The rule for liquids is the 3-1-1 rule. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-3-1-1-liquids-rule Passengers may travel with liquids, gels and aerosols as long as they’re in 3.4-ounce containers in one quart-size resealable bag. Melted food like softened guacamole or peanut butter might be confiscated. Things with liquid or gel inside like a squishy ball you squeeze for nerves, take a valium or have a Scotch instead. Fish in water is allowed.
So here is the next grey area; not all bottles are marked with the ounce volume. I save the hotel ones with labels and refill them with my own products. Guard the little bottles with your life, hotels are gradually eliminating little plastic bottles.
The summary is if no doubt check it in. In my Amsterdam case, I have 4 hours transfer time. Am sure I can locate a pharmacy in the airport, then will buy what liquids and creams I need to keep my face and hair in line. Once in transfer, you are good to go, well I hope so.
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