getting a headache over luggage!!

[traceycooper]

been on VA to check baggage allowances - i booked before Nov 09 so am entitled to 2 cases BUT we usually only take 1, from how i've read it though if you booked before nov 09 its 2 cases with smaller dimensions BUT if its the 1 case allowance it appears your allowed a larger size case - am i right???

what about tablets in hand luggage e.g. allergy/birth control, would prefer to have them in hand luggage!! carnt really find anything about that!

1 week to go!

 

[luke]

We always take tablets etc in hand luggage, not matter what the airline or destination

 

[2Tiggies]

Medication should be in your hand luggage. They do not expect you to pack this in the hold unless you choose to do so. Obvioulsy any liquid form medication needs to comply with the liquid regulations.

Are you flying PE? There was a change to the PE sizes. It used to be 2x32kg and it is now 2x23 kg. Economy only gets 1 23kg bag where it used to be two. I have to be quite frank, the maximim dimensions for the cases are pretty large. It would be quite hard to fill a case that size without pushing the limits on your weight - unless, again, you have the old 32 kg PE allowance.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Medication should be in your hand luggage. They do not expect you to pack this in the hold unless you choose to do so. Obvioulsy any liquid form medication needs to comply with the liquid regulations.

No, they actually don't. As long as there is a medical need, medical liquids are excempt from the 3-1-1 rule. In such a case you'll have to have these meds in a seperate bag (or something alike) and simply declare it when going through security. They'll check it and that's it.

If it's over the counter meds, I would as a precaution make sure it's obvious it is a medical need. Reed; have a GP prescribe it through the pharmacy, having the label on it, keeping it in original container etc. Costs a bit more than simply buying in the store, but it will prevent any discussion about medical need to exceed the 3-1-1 rule.

Al kinds of security rules are flexible when it comes to medical needs. While I still can't set a plane on fire and still aren't allowed to carry on large knives most people would be surprised to see what I'm allowed to carry on simply because it's a medical need. If need be, things will get checked, but much more is allowed in these situations than it normally is. Every very once in a while it can result in a bit of a discussion when running into the wrong person doing the security check, but again; it's allowed.


It's the same thing as with babyformula. When travelling with a baby, that also doesn't have to fit the 3-1-1 rule. Sometimes security will make the mom/dad taste the formula on the spot as a sign it is what they claim it is and not something that can go "boom".

 

[2Tiggies]

You're right, Goofyslonglostsis. However the OP referred to non prescribed/essential medication, so I was only referring to that. I only mention this to avoid confusion (perhaps should have done in my post too ).

 

[traceycooper]

Thx everyone for your advice - i will take it in hand luggage in prescribed packaging

one more question...
i would like to take my fav cereal & teabags - will pack these in my case, are they allowed - i know fruit, dairy etc is not but not sure about my cereal & tea!!
how would i ever manage without the Disboards!!!

 

[2Tiggies]

Thx everyone for your advice - i will take it in hand luggage in prescribed packaging

one more question...
i would like to take my fav cereal & teabags - will pack these in my case, are they allowed - i know fruit, dairy etc is not but not sure about my cereal & tea!!
how would i ever manage without the Disboards!!!

You will find lots of info in this recent thread

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2510924&highlight=teabags I only remembered the name of it when you mentioned teabags.

 

[traceycooper]

hmmm now i dont know whether to pack in hand luggage or case - or declare them!! if im gonna declare are they better in hand luggage, can i put sealed teabags & cereal in handluggage???
getting that headache again!!! lol

 

[2Tiggies]

I understand teabags. What kind of cereals are you wanting to take? Maybe you can get similar over there. I actually enjoy eating the different types of food, but I agree, the tea is gross! More to do with the water to be fair, but still tastes better with proper tea bags!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

You're right, Goofyslonglostsis. However the OP referred to non prescribed/essential medication

Totally true! I'm just of the type that would never ever put any meds in checked bags. If OP is the same, there is a real chance they'll have more med. liquid than the 3-1-1 rule would normally stipulate. Which does not matter, as medical trumps that rule. This includes non prescribed meds. I'ld personally have my pharmacy put a label on it to avoid any discussions -some security folks tend to get a bit of the power-gone-crazy-behaviour -, allthough it can be done without.



Tracey; no need to worry. You'll need to have your suitcases with you when you clear CPB. At that stage you declare goods (if you have anything to declare). So if CPB would want to see the teabags; simply open the suitcase. Put them in a place where you can easily access them. For instance with a plastic bag around them so it's only one grab instead of multiple littler bags with diff. flavours. Most of the times CPB doesn't want to see the products anyway. And if they do, you can easily access them without unneedingly crowding your carry on.

Cereals; check the CPB website. Google will easily direct you there. I know there is info on their about what they group under that dairy-restriction and what not. Can't remember the details, but looked it up last year as I brought along a nice supply of European chocolates for a US DIS'er. Which by the way was allowed, no need to declare or anything.

 

[traceycooper]

i think i'm gonna ditch the cereal idea - its a oat/nut cluster one with freeze dried strawberries (from Aldi - love it!) will just have to survive without it for 3 weeks!!

 

[tashasmum]

i think i'm gonna ditch the cereal idea - its a oat/nut cluster one with freeze dried strawberries (from Aldi - love it!) will just have to survive without it for 3 weeks!!

Maybe you could get the cereal in Florida, they are advertising Aldi on the television but not sure whereabouts it is.

 

[JulieSharp]

We always take food into US but declare it on the form. Can't stand their gravy so take Bisto every trip in case. Not had any hassle.

 

[traceycooper]

we dont drive in usa, & staying onsite so will have to make do with whatever they have in CSR shop!!! lol
just thought - does CSR sell shampoo???

 

[disney_princess_85]

we dont drive in usa, & staying onsite so will have to make do with whatever they have in CSR shop!!! lol
just thought - does CSR sell shampoo???

Yes. They don't have a huge range though. You could always get a taxi/bus to a supermarket. I always go to Walmart on my first day.

 

[2Tiggies]

Yes. They don't have a huge range though. You could always get a taxi/bus to a supermarket. I always go to Walmart on my first day.

Which Walmart do you go to? I presume you take a taxi there - seem to recall you opted not to hire a car (?)