Flying to China-Carryon

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

I've searched the forum to research my questions. Want to make sure I'm clear on what is allowable. Please review and comment... I really appreciate it. I don't want any problems since I'm going overseas!!!!

Can I use the quart size, ziptop, expandable bottom Ziplock quart size bag?

In my 3-1-1 bag I need to include the following:
All liquid makeup
Mascara ??
Eyeliner pencil??
Toothpaste
Deoderant
Hand sanitizer
Lipstick??
Sunscreen
Hairspray
Lysol


In another bag that is not considered a 3-1-1 bag I can put:
All powder makeup
Bar soap
Wipes
toothbrush
Liquid pepto bismol if unopened or should I just take tablets to be sure.

I can take wrapped snacks. Water bought after security point.
I can take all other medicine, prescription or otherwise as long as it's in the original package.
I can pack extra shoes in my carryon
I can pack my laptop in one of the approved sleeve bags and not have to take it out. Then I can slip back into my "personal item".
I can take digital camera, chargers etc.

Also, if anyone has been to China I have a question.

I always carry a pocket size Bible in my purse. Will that be taken from me or allowed when I enter China?

Any other suggestions/comments will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

 

[uva185]

An expandable bottom bag should be fine. The TSA really doesn't pay too much attention to that. Your deodorant does not need to go in the bag unless its a gel (solid stick deodorant is fine). Your eyeliner pencil does not need to go in the 311 bag.

You will not be permitted to bring aerosol Lysol in neither your carry-on or checked luggage. Aerosol hair spray will be ok in limited quantities.

Personally I would take Pepto Bismol tablets as they will be easier to carry around while you are in China.

I have not been to China but I think you should be fine with having a Bible in your purse.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew to India last year (via Frankfurt), it wasn't much different than US security. I didn't have liquids in my carry-on so I'm not sure about the 3-1-1 bag. I know they did not make me take off my shoes in either Germany or India. We flew into a small airport in India (Pune), they didn't even have metal detectors! They wanded everyone manually. I had my prescriptions in their regular bottles in my carry-on, they were not checked anywhere. I expected my luggage to be hand searched at customs, they did not do that on either end, they just scanned them.

 

[hematite153]

Airline security regulations vary widely depending upon where you are boarding the plane. So, check everything carefully (i.e. look up restrictions and regulations for every airport you will travel through) and be prepared that ANYTHING you bring could end up getting confiscated.

I'm reasonably certain that carrying a bible didn't used to be allowed in China, but, I think it has changed (it's been awhile since I was there). I doubt anyone will notice unless you take it out and show it to people. This is probably something I would look up carefully though before travelling.

Have a terrific trip!

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

Thank you everyone for the info. I'm continuing to research.... I've read different things about keeping your passport on you at all times. It seems like it is smarter to keep it with you always, especially with the heightened security in China surrounding the World Expo.

 

[DebbieB]

Thank you everyone for the info. I'm continuing to research.... I've read different things about keeping your passport on you at all times. It seems like it is smarter to keep it with you always, especially with the heightened security in China surrounding the World Expo.

When I went to India last year, my company told us to keep our original passport in the hotel room safe and carry a photo-copy at all times.

 

[uva185]

Thank you everyone for the info. I'm continuing to research.... I've read different things about keeping your passport on you at all times. It seems like it is smarter to keep it with you always, especially with the heightened security in China surrounding the World Expo.

I would keep the passport itself in your hotel safe and keep a copy of the passport with you. You do not want to go through the hassle of getting a replacement passport if you get pick pocketed.

If by chance the authorities ask to to see your passport and the copy is not acceptable it would be easier to have them escort you to your hotel than deal with getting a replacement if you get robbed.

I had a friend that had his passport pick pocketed out of his front jeans pocket on the Madrid subway. He didn't feel a thing and didn't even notice it was gone until someone else pointed out that he had been robbed. My friend was no amateur traveler either, he flys 100,000+ miles per year and has been traveling internationally for over 20 years

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

Wow.. thanks for the suggestions. In the safe it goes... I'm assuming the safes are "safe".

 

[Lewisc]

Many international flights allow one free checked bag. Double check your allowance.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

Bumping for more good advice..

I think I get to check two bags free. I'm going to check one on the way over but will probably check two on the way back so I can carryon a bag of souveniers.

any more advice..... I need all you can toss out to me.

Thanks!

 

[1rocky]

We went to China December last year. We had a small bottle each of hand sanitizer in our carry on luggage and this was taken off us as we went through security. They also questioned but then allowed through some snow globes i was carrying in hand luggage. Even though i did not take a bible with me i think the bible should be fine. You will find China wonderful and the people are lovely. We had a wonderful time and meet many wonderful locals. Also check your luggage allowance to see what your airline allows. In Hong Kong we were double checked before being allowed on the plane. this was for all passengers. I also kept my passport with me at all times. In the markets near the great wall and the silk market prepare to bargain. It is great fun. If you can visit the Beijing Museum
do it. It is very interesting. Also if you are on a tour you can always ask where the western style toilets are. as the hole in the ground ones are everywhere. We never had to worry and where always accommodated. Meals are huge and very tasty. Be prepared if people ask to take your photo it is only so they can show their family back home. We were constantly asked and willingly allowed photos to be taken. We considered this part of the experience. I know the above was not asked off but hopeful it is helpful.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

This is very helpful.. thank you. Were they strict when you were flying within China or actually coming into the country initially? Did they take your hand sanitizer because it was not in a 3-1-1- bag? I'm worried about them taking and throwing out all my makeup.... China is not ready for me to walk around without makeup (I know that sounds shallow LOL). I'm going to be in Shanghai the entire trip and I'm really excited. I know it will be very different!

 

[hematite153]

This is very helpful.. thank you. Were they strict when you were flying within China or actually coming into the country initially? Did they take your hand sanitizer because it was not in a 3-1-1- bag? I'm worried about them taking and throwing out all my makeup....

When the "no liquids/gels" rule first came out people flying through Europe lost everything liquid-like, gel-like or electronic that was in their carryon luggage. (They had some options available for shipping expensive stuff and they had signs up telling people to repack things into their checked luggage, but, I heard that a lot of ipods landed in the trash because repacking/shipping could mean missing your flight.)

Essentially, anything that you take with you on travel should be something you are prepared to lose--checked luggage gets lost and carry-on can be confiscated.

 

[skoi]

We went to China twice (2006 and 2008). No trouble through immigration and customs at all. We were worried about in-country weight limits on baggage, because we traveled in country a bit, but had no problems.

We took a lot of medication and again, no problems in China.

One strange thing, they DID NOT let us take any drinks- even those purchased after security, onto the plane. We had to throw them out before boarding when they did a final check. This was our experience on both trips when flying both in country and back to the US. They did the same thing in Morocco recently, but haven't seen it elsewhere.

As to the Bible, as long as you don't have several Bibles or religious literature in Chinese dialects, they don't care. We took a Bible, Orthodox prayer book, and a religious icon with no issue.

Have a good trip. We haven't been to Shanghai, but I'd like to go.

 

[1rocky]

We had the hand sanitizer in our bag and as we went through check in security they took it even though it was very small. But the thing was we had three and the first flight they took one. the next flight another. and finally our third flight the last one went. there were three of us each going through security separately. We travelled by air throughout china sometimes we were the only westerns aboard. They will check through your carry ons if they see something like the hand sanitizer. As said before luggage can be lost or confiscated. But we had no problems. Can you put the make up in your checked in luggage. Shanghai is great. Will you be going to the world Expo. the tower, shopping the people all wonderful. Have a great time