ShareThisBy GLEN WARCHOL
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Every flight for Dawn Gonzales is a worst-case scenario _ three children under 7 and enough luggage, including child seats and a collapsible crib, to overwhelm any baggage cart.
But despite the holiday travel season , Gonzales, daughters Elena and Isabel, son Mark and husband Mark arrived in Salt Lake City this weekend still smiling. Even an unexpected additional security screening in Chicago _ the kids' identification was scrutinized _ failed to ruin their day.
"No problems at all. Everything went smooth," Gonzales said as she distributed celebratory cookies at the baggage carousel.
Gonzales' secret to sailing through airports under tight restrictions is simple: "If you have any doubts about something getting through security _ don't bring it," she advises. "I left anything liquid at home, no creams or shampoos. I brought powdered baby formula. But be prepared to spend a lot of money on water and drinks."
Airport officials, however, fear savvy travelers like Gonzales will be in short supply this holiday season. Too many of the 25 million Thanksgiving travelers, they predict, will be infrequent flyers unfamiliar with the bewildering rules on carry-on liquids. Confusion over the regulations already has caused longer waits at checkpoints around the country.
And because more travelers will check bags because they contain shampoo, toothpaste and other items prohibited from carry on, check-in lines will be long.
The Transportation Security Administration has launched a "3-1-1" campaign to help travelers understand the liquid regulations. Travelers are limited to 3-ounce or smaller bottles that will fit into one quart-sized zip-top bag, one bag per passenger.
Obviously, when it comes to travel tips, the Gonzales family's "when-in-doubt-leave-it-home" advice is simpler to remember than TSA's "3-1-1." It also would make life easier for TSA screeners who continue to confiscate gallons of liquids and gels every day.
But some items remain a tough call. What about Turkey Day leftovers? A TSA screener at Salt Lake City International, thinking in terms of a carry-on drumstick, at first said, "Sure, no problem."
But he wasn't so sure about, say, cranberry sauce or giblet gravy. Liquid, gel or solid?
After some thought, the expert answered: "I would have to say liquid and not let it past."
The need for speed
Getting yourself (and everyone else) through the airport faster:
1. De-clutter your carry-on bags to give screeners a good view of your stuff.
2. Put liquids in a checked bag.
3. Pack carefully at home so you aren't transferring items at check-in.
4. Give yourself plenty of time to get through security.
5. Say your good-byes at home _ not at the skycap station.
6. Check your airline's baggage rules online. Generally speaking: One carry-on bag and one personal bag, such as a briefcase, that will fit in an overhead bin. Two checked bags.
The current rules:
1. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3-ounce or smaller plastic bottles. (Prescription medications, baby formula, breast milk and other essential liquids may be excepted.)
2. Limit the quantities to what will be needed for the duration of the flight _ 3 ounces or less.
3. The little bottles must be placed in a single, quart-sized zip-top clear plastic bag.
4. For more information: www.tsa.gov/311
Source: Airlines, The Transportation Security Administration
