question about TSA/3-1-1 rule

[maxiesmom]

This is unnecessary. The TSA employees can see that you are traveling together. They aren't going to quiz you if you put your family's 311 bags in one bin. I would like to add that the majority of TSA employees are professional and friendly. Some are even chatty!

Saying TSA agents are short and to the point does not mean they are unprofessional nor unfriendly. I have however found very few of them to be chatty. Their job is to give you the once over and get you thru the line as quickly as possible. And that is doubly true going thru screening at MCO. They will divide families up without a second though.


It is unnecessary for one person to handle all of the baggies, plus try and help 2 small children with the screening process. It will make it easier on mom if her 2 older kids can help her out.

 

[Sandi]

error post; sorry

 

[NotUrsula]

From long experience, it's easier to have one person handle the baggies while another deals with making sure that everything else is accounted for.

I *have* on occasion been asked about having multiple baggies in one bin, but the simple solution is to mark the baggies with passenger names.
I just mark the baggies: A. Smith - toiletries, B. Smith - toiletries, C. Smith - toiletries, A. Smith - medications, etc. That way the TSO can see at a glance that you are carrying the allowance for others in your party.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Thank you for all the input. I will prepare the kids for the possibility of taking off shoes; they will no doubt think that's hilarious and probably make stinky feet jokes all day. I'll pack all the toiletry bags together, go through the family line and pray for a kind and patient TSA agent who's having a great day.

Those are few and far between. Just hope for professional and knowledgable . . . you have a somewhat better chance.

Family of 6, but probably only 4 zip bags -- three for liquids and one for meds.

Meds don't need to come out of carry-on.

This is unnecessary. The TSA employees can see that you are traveling together. They aren't going to quiz you if you put your family's 311 bags in one bin. I would like to add that the majority of TSA employees are professional and friendly. Some are even chatty!

The chatty ones are usually BDOs.

 

[njmom47]

http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtma.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm

Maybe these links will help, although it seems your questions may have been answered already.

 

[kwdw]

Okay - so this is not intended to be snarky - so - please read as a trying to be helpful idea.

A family of 6 with little ones. Even with shoes on for those under twelve - that's tough through airport security. Sweaters to take off, pockets to empty, shoes off for adults, carry on items on the belt, watching your kids if you get separated, etc - it all adds up.

Do you really NEED four separate bags with liquids in your carry-ons? Airports sell stuff, hotels sell stuff, and you are checking bags. Yes - I understand if there are liquid meds that you need some of in case luggage gets lost, but really, what else are you taking?

For travelers not checking a bag or in need of liquid meds, I get why those folks put their 3-1-1 quart bag of liquids in their carry-ons.

Can you shrink that to one bag with just the stuff you need in case of emergency during the flight? You'll have a much smoother start to the trip with less to deal with at security.

And also - if you have to check ANY bags at all - how many carry-ons do you need? You already have to deal with collecting a bag at baggage claim - so that time is lost regardless. I realize checked bags might cost you money - but there is also the benefit of less stuff to keep track of through security, waiting at the gate, and trying to find room in the overhead bins. Sure, an older kid can be completely responsible for their backpack, maybe. Are yours? Or would it be easier for you to have fewer carry-ons that might be communal?

Only you can know what is best for you and your family, but really - I've seen families struggle with WAY too much stuff in the airport and I've seen clearly seasoned traveling families who breeze through with nothing but a single backpack (usually carried by dad). Just figure out who you are.

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

Inexperienced at flying as a large family, and no clear answer on the TSA regs page...regarding the 3-1-1 rule, I know it is one qt -size zip bag per traveler, but can I put all the zip bags for the family in one carry on bag? I have a great vintage Samsonite train case I would like to use for everyone's toiletry items. Then I can pull all the zip bags out at once at the security checkpoint, put them all in one bin and put them right back in the train case once they're screened. Or does each individual need to carry her own zip bag separately in her own carry on bag?

Thanks!

I throw all 6 of our bags in one bag and have never had an issue as long as we are all walking through TSA together.


Sarah

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I have been traveling a lot the last year..never had a problem with a TSA agent..they have been to the point but always friendly........and yes even chatty.

The only time I have seen them get very professional is when a traveler has not followed the rules and then started to debate it with them!

AKK