Questions about flying in 2009??

[Naisy68]

Hey All - We are getting ready to fly again this summer and I have a few questions --
#1 - are security still putting limits on liquids etc. like shampoos etc that we can have in our carry on? Last summer we had to fit it all in a ziploc - is this still the case??
#2 - We are bringing my parents which means - lots of medicines (insulin included. Should these all go into our carry-ons or can we pack a day or two worth of meds in our carry-ons and put the rest in our checked baggage?
#3 - We are flying United and Frontier -- I believe we pay for even one checked bag now -- Grrr!! as if the ticket prices aren't enough (sorry, I needed to vent a little)-- Anyway, I need some good tips for packing lighter for 6 people -- Help??! We are staying DVC so I will have easy access to a washer/dryer, thank goodness. However, I don't want to have to do a LOT of laundry while on vacation.

Any other tips you can give me would be much appreciated --
Have a Very Happy 4th of July!! -- Renee

 

[kaytieeldr]

1: Yes, liquids/gels/pastes and similarly-textured items are still restricted. See www.tsa.gov for specific information.
2: ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS pack ALL medications in carry-on luggage.
3: Actually, ticket prices aren't enough [generally, to cover the cost of transporting the passenger, never mind make a profit - hey, you asked! ] but packing light: lightweight clothing, lightweight luggage, tops and bottoms that 'go' with each other, and, yeah, somebody's going to have to do laundry. Surely you're not the only person on the trip old enough to handle it?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Kaytieelder:
I assume the advice to pack all meds in carry-on is just in case they "lose" your checked in bags and you thereby lose your medicine??

 

[Jestocost]

Kaytieelder:
I assume the advice to pack all meds in carry-on is just in case they "lose" your checked in bags and you thereby lose your medicine??

That's correct. You should NEVER pack necessary medications in your checked luggage because the consequences of losing them could be significant. Prescription medications in checked bags also are among the most frequently stolen items.

What hasn't be clarified is that liquid medications (OTC and prescription) are exempt from the 3-1-1 requirements and can be packed in carry-on bags in quantities exceeding 3 oz. If you pack larger containers of liquid medications in your carry-ons, they should NOT go in the zip-lock bag with your other liquids/gels. You should pack them in a bag in case of leakage, however, and you also need to tell the TSA screener that you are carrying them. They likely will ask you to remove the medications for screening, so have them in a place where they are easily accessible.

 

[LovinRafiki]

Just so you know, liquid medications can be separate from your other ziplock baggie of liquids. Put them in a separate baggie and make sure they ALL have a proper perscription sticker on them.