TSA Regulations and Travel Precautions

The subject of travel brings so much to mind: planning for the place, booking tickets, booking hotel rooms, exotic getaways, safaris, cruises, backpacking, sight-seeing and so on. When all the planning and packing is done, we’re almost set to go. Expect, there is always the tension of passing through airport security; that always brings mixed feelings of frustration, fear and worries for most of us. One of the things that bring on these mixed feelings is the tiresome TSA
(Transportation Security Administration) regulations. Some of us don’t even know what a TSA regulation is, yet we go through the process every time we travel on an airplane! Below are some pre-travel arrangements to save time and relieve you from some frustrations of travel.

TSA and its regulations:

TSA – Transportation Security Administration handles activities connected with Travel and
Commerce. The TSA uses an easy 3-1-1 formula for passengers to remember.
3 – Passenger may only carry 3 oz. or smaller containers of liquid or gel.
1 – Their containers should be in a one-quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
1 – Only one bag per traveler can be placed in the security bin.

People don’t like to travel as much these days for some specific reasons.  Here are some funny tweets as to the reason why:

“New TSA regulation requires passengers must hold breath for the final hour of flight while
humming ‘Kumbaya.’”

” I sure hope these travel regulations don’t hold up my wire transfer from Nigeria.”

Some of the frequent concerns people have about security screening before reaching their gate:

  • I have to practically undress to go through security: strip my socks, shoes and belt
  • I need to go for a week but I’m only packing tiny vials of shampoo, lotion to last a day!
  • I always have to unzip my bag, lug out my laptop and turn it on for security.
  • I hate going through security with my kids; they’re confused, hungry, tired and running all over the place and then I forget to take of my shoes!

So there’s obviously frustration out there. However, we have to realize that the TSA was formed after September 11, 2001 to make sure that travelers have a secure and comfortable travel. Today TSA employs about 50,000 people! So really, there is a benefit to the temporary discomfort we have to endure.

Plan and Prepare:

  • Arrive at the airport well in advance of scheduled flight departure times.
  • Pack in easily inspected modules that can be lifted out individually.
  • Have your ID and boarding pass ready as you approach the checkpoint.
  • Place coins, keys and other metal objects in your carry-on bag.
  • Remove shoes during screening and pass them through the scanners.

TSA Prohibited Items:

  • Sharp Objects (Box Cutters, Knives, Ice Axes/Ice Picks, Meat Cleavers)
  • Sporting Goods (Baseball Bats, Bows and Arrows, Cricket Bats)
  • Guns and Firearms (Flares, Gun Lighters, Gun Powder, Pellet Guns)
  • Tools (Hammers, Crowbars, Axes and Hatchets)
  • Martial Arts and Self Defense Items (Billy Clubs, Black Jacks, Brass Knuckles, Kubatons)
  • Explosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items

Carry-on-Luggage:

  • Travelers may carry liquids in carry-on luggage, but must comply with “3-1-1″ TSA rules.
  • At the checkpoint, travelers are usually asked to take the zip-top bag of liquids out for X-ray.
  • Exceptions: Mothers may carry more than 3 oz of breast milk when unaccompanied by their child; small amounts of required medicines and after clearing security, beverages and other items purchased are permitted on-board the aircraft.
  • Organize carry-on bags with see-through plastic or mesh organizers for TSA inspectors to speed the security process.

Checked Luggage:

  • Loose lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage.
  • Lighters and matches are not permitted in checked luggage.
  • Liquids must be in leak-proof containers.
  • Luggage locks must be TSA accepted so baggage screeners can unlock them for inspection.

Please feel free to share one line of your frustration or excitement about your recent travel and opinion about the TSA regulations.

BottleWise is committed to manufacturing high-quality bags that make life easier for the discriminating culinary traveler and is founded by Amy Dias (adias@bottlewise.com)

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