Another rookie flying question

[prestonbunch]

Okay, so I know the carry-on bag can only have a quart-sized ziploc bag with small bottles (like 3 oz.) of liquid.

But in our checked bags, we can have full-sized bottles of liquids, right? Is there any limitation on how many ounces total?

I would like to use a small wheeled travel case (carry-on size) as our "toiletries" case -- shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, sunblock, etc. I would check that bag. Is that going to be acceptable?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[DebbieB]

Okay, so I know the carry-on bag can only have a quart-sized ziploc bag with small bottles (like 3 oz.) of liquid.

But in our checked bags, we can have full-sized bottles of liquids, right? Is there any limitation on how many ounces total?

I would like to use a small wheeled travel case (carry-on size) as our "toiletries" case -- shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, sunblock, etc. I would check that bag. Is that going to be acceptable?

Thanks a bunch!

There's no restriction on liquids on checked bags (except explosives).

 

[Hannathy]

no restriction in checked.(other than the actual restrictions)

Do put your shampoo and other liquids/creams into zip locked bags so if they leak they don't get all over everything in your suitcase.

 

[prestonbunch]

There's no restriction on liquids on checked bags (except explosives).

Thank you.

I'm not planning to take anything explosive, so I should be good then.

 

[DebbieB]

no restriction in checked.(other than the actual restrictions)

Do put your shampoo and other liquids/creams into zip locked bags so if they leak they don't get all over everything in your suitcase.

Good tip. I don't know how many times hair spray has leaked.

 

[akclayton]

I agree with Hannathy to still put them in ziploc bags. I didn't do that once and I had to wash clothes when I got to my hotel because my shampoo and conditioner leaked over everything.

 

[elaine amj]

These days, if I am checking in a bag - I pack all my toiletries into my checked bag. This way I can have all my things in my toiletry bag instead of separating the liquids into a ziploc bag. I also fly enough that I stopped using a ziplock bag for liquids in my carry ons - I got a small clear plastic case that is sturdier instead. (I think it was the bag my pillowcase came in or something like that LOL!) Ziplock bags were wearing out too fast for me and I prefer my zippered case.

If you have to pay for your checked bags, it's just as easy to pack all your toiletries into your main bag instead of bringing a 2nd separate bag - depends on your bag sizes, etc of course. Saves a bit of hassle through the security lines.

That said, in my carryons - I always carry a change of clothing along with any absolute essentials in case my check in luggage doesn't make it to the other end. I've found this is only important on very long flights with plane changes. I'm not so worried anymore with short direct hops.

 

[prestonbunch]

These days, if I am checking in a bag - I pack all my toiletries into my checked bag. This way I can have all my things in my toiletry bag instead of separating the liquids into a ziploc bag. I also fly enough that I stopped using a ziplock bag for liquids in my carry ons - I got a small clear plastic case that is sturdier instead. (I think it was the bag my pillowcase came in or something like that LOL!) Ziplock bags were wearing out too fast for me and I prefer my zippered case.

If you have to pay for your checked bags, it's just as easy to pack all your toiletries into your main bag instead of bringing a 2nd separate bag - depends on your bag sizes, etc of course. Saves a bit of hassle through the security lines.

That said, in my carryons - I always carry a change of clothing along with any absolute essentials in case my check in luggage doesn't make it to the other end. I've found this is only important on very long flights with plane changes. I'm not so worried anymore with short direct hops.

Thanks. We are flying Southwest, so we get two checked bags free per person and there are five of us, so we don't have to worry about fees. We definitely don't need 10 suitcases.

We are checking three large bags and two small carry-on sized ones. The three large bags are only about half full, but we figured we'll need extra space to bring back souvenirs, etc. (And nothing ever fits in the same way on the way home anyhow.) *lol*

We are using one of the small bags for toiletries and the other for snacks (like breakfast items, granola bars, etc.) for our suite.

Each of the kids is carrying on their backpack with a change of clothes, swimsuits, snacks, some activities for the plane, etc.

Hubby is carrying on one travel bag with a change of clothes for him and me and our swimsuits, contact lenses, medications . . . anything we can't live without for the first day.

I'm carrying on my laptop case.

I think it will work out. But if anyone sees a huge flaw with my plan, please do say so. We leave Sunday!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

There's no restriction on liquids on checked bags (except explosives).

And liquor. For WN:

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html

The maximum quantity of liquor that may be transported in or as checked baggage on Southwest Airlines is five liters per Customer. Wine is not subject to the five-liter per Customer limitation.

Other airlines do limit the amount of checked liquid. For example, on Delta, you may only have up to 70 ounces total of liquid personal care items without prior permission:

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/dangerous_goods/index.jsp

You really need to check your airline's website to be sure about what is allowed in checked baggage.

 

[aubriee]

I also fly enough that I stopped using a ziplock bag for liquids in my carry ons - I got a small clear plastic case that is sturdier instead. (I think it was the bag my pillowcase came in or something like that LOL!) Ziplock bags were wearing out too fast for me and I prefer my zippered case.

Be careful. It may depend on the TSA agent you get if you are able to use that bag or not. Granted the TSA agents in Dallas are not the brightest people in the world and don't always use alot of common sense, but I got chewed out once by one. I had bought one of those heavier plastic quart zipper bags at Bed, Bath, and Beyond that has all those tiny bottles in in and it says it is airline compliant for the 3-1-1 bag. The first trip I used it I didn't have a problem. However the second time I used it just a few months later, I had a TSA agent get all over me and tell me that the only thing allowed for 3-1-1 bag was a clear zip lock bag. I was a little shocked and told him I picked it up at BB&B specifically because it was labeled as being compliant for a 3-1-1 bag and that is was just a heavier quart size bag with a heavy duty zipper on it. He still insisted it was the wrong kind of bag and had to be one of those thinner quart zip lock bag like you get at the grocery store. Thankfully, they have a stack of those right there at the secuirty line at DFW. He grabbed one, basically threw it at me, and told me to get out of line, put everything in that thinner quart bag (if I didn't want to lose it), then get back in line for security.

This is the bag I'm talking about: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14488529

 

[goofy4tink]

Be careful. It may depend on the TSA agent you get if you are able to use that bag or not. Granted the TSA agents in Dallas are not the brightest people in the world and don't always use alot of common sense, but I got chewed out once by one. I had bought one of those heavier plastic quart zipper bags at Bed, Bath, and Beyond that has all those tiny bottles in in and it says it is airline compliant for the 3-1-1 bag. The first trip I used it I didn't have a problem. However the second time I used it just a few months later, I had a TSA agent get all over me and tell me that the only thing allowed for 3-1-1 bag was a clear zip lock bag. I was a little shocked and told him I picked it up at BB&B specifically because it was labeled as being compliant for a 3-1-1 bag and that is was just a heavier quart size bag with a heavy duty zipper on it. He still insisted it was the wrong kind of bag and had to be one of those thinner quart zip lock bag like you get at the grocery store. Thankfully, they have a stack of those right there at the secuirty line at DFW. He grabbed one, basically threw it at me, and told me to get out of line, put everything in that thinner quart bag (if I didn't want to lose it), then get back in line for security.

This is the bag I'm talking about: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14488529

I almost bought one of these, but knowing the TSA as I do, I figured one of them would put up a stink at some point. The vast majority of them will let the less common bags go through as long as they are the same size as the ziploc baggies. But, you can run into one 'stickler' who will cause a commotion. And I just don't want to deal with that.
And that's what drives me nutty where the TSA is concerned. Most are very pleasant, helpful people. But you run into one or two that are on a power trip and are very exacting. There really should be some consistency here. But, perhaps some TSA folks own stock in ziploc baggie companies!!!

 

[Hannathy]

Be careful. It may depend on the TSA agent you get if you are able to use that bag or not. Granted the TSA agents in Dallas are not the brightest people in the world and don't always use alot of common sense, but I got chewed out once by one. I had bought one of those heavier plastic quart zipper bags at Bed, Bath, and Beyond that has all those tiny bottles in in and it says it is airline compliant for the 3-1-1 bag. The first trip I used it I didn't have a problem. However the second time I used it just a few months later, I had a TSA agent get all over me and tell me that the only thing allowed for 3-1-1 bag was a clear zip lock bag. I was a little shocked and told him I picked it up at BB&B specifically because it was labeled as being compliant for a 3-1-1 bag and that is was just a heavier quart size bag with a heavy duty zipper on it. He still insisted it was the wrong kind of bag and had to be one of those thinner quart zip lock bag like you get at the grocery store. Thankfully, they have a stack of those right there at the secuirty line at DFW. He grabbed one, basically threw it at me, and told me to get out of line, put everything in that thinner quart bag (if I didn't want to lose it), then get back in line for security.

This is the bag I'm talking about: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14488529

We were talking about inside your CHECKED baggage NOT your carry on.

 

[Alesia]

We were talking about inside your CHECKED baggage NOT your carry on.

The poster she quoted was talking about her carry on, NOT checked luggage,

 

[prestonbunch]

Well, I had bought one of those clear bags at WalMart, but now I think I'm going to go switch my stuff to a regular ziploc bag just in case.

Our bags are packed. I think we're pretty much ready to go!

My girls are beyond excited! We are heading to the city tomorrow afternoon, staying overnight at a park/fly hotel and flying out Sunday morning.

Thanks for all the advice and helpful tips you all have offered me here!

 

[elaine amj]

Thanks. We are flying Southwest, so we get two checked bags free per person and there are five of us, so we don't have to worry about fees. We definitely don't need 10 suitcases.

We are checking three large bags and two small carry-on sized ones. The three large bags are only about half full, but we figured we'll need extra space to bring back souvenirs, etc. (And nothing ever fits in the same way on the way home anyhow.) *lol*

We are using one of the small bags for toiletries and the other for snacks (like breakfast items, granola bars, etc.) for our suite.

Each of the kids is carrying on their backpack with a change of clothes, swimsuits, snacks, some activities for the plane, etc.

Hubby is carrying on one travel bag with a change of clothes for him and me and our swimsuits, contact lenses, medications . . . anything we can't live without for the first day.

I'm carrying on my laptop case.

I think it will work out. But if anyone sees a huge flaw with my plan, please do say so. We leave Sunday!

I would recommend checking your 2 smaller carry on sized bags then (the ones with your snacks and your toiletries). Otherwise, think about what you are lugging through the airport: each kid with 1 backpack, hubby with 1 travel bag and toiletries bag, you with your laptop bag and snack bag. It's just more stuff to take through the airport and on the plane. the beauty of Southwest is you are spared that hassle....might as well just check them in!

One year I got seduced by all the "pack light" folks and fit everything into carryons only (2 bags for each of us to carry!) even though we could have checked everything in for free. Ugh...what a pain to lug all that stuff through the airport. Would have been worth it if I was saving $$ - but all in all, so much hassle....especially at the security lines.

Another thing to keep in mind - u say your 3 large bags are only half full. That will cause everything you have in each bag to be wrinkled, etc. If you pack your bag until it is comfortably full (not overfull!), your things won't shift around and you minimize breakage and wrinkles. I had lots of wrinkles last time I underpacked a big bag - ended up stuffing in as much "other" stuff as I could so things didn't shift around. If your bags are different sizes, consider packing a bag inside a bag. e.g. pack your 2 carryons inside 2 of your big bags. less stuff for your car to the airport and on the Magical Express.

Be careful. It may depend on the TSA agent you get if you are able to use that bag or not. Granted the TSA agents in Dallas are not the brightest people in the world and don't always use alot of common sense, but I got chewed out once by one. I had bought one of those heavier plastic quart zipper bags at Bed, Bath, and Beyond that has all those tiny bottles in in and it says it is airline compliant for the 3-1-1 bag. The first trip I used it I didn't have a problem. However the second time I used it just a few months later, I had a TSA agent get all over me and tell me that the only thing allowed for 3-1-1 bag was a clear zip lock bag. I was a little shocked and told him I picked it up at BB&B specifically because it was labeled as being compliant for a 3-1-1 bag and that is was just a heavier quart size bag with a heavy duty zipper on it. He still insisted it was the wrong kind of bag and had to be one of those thinner quart zip lock bag like you get at the grocery store. Thankfully, they have a stack of those right there at the secuirty line at DFW. He grabbed one, basically threw it at me, and told me to get out of line, put everything in that thinner quart bag (if I didn't want to lose it), then get back in line for security.

This is the bag I'm talking about: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14488529

UGH - what a nasty agent you got. Things like this really motivates me to pack ALL toiletries in my checked luggage wherever possible. Still, I have never been given a problem with my clear, sturdier bag in the dozen or so flights I have taken in the last couple of years.