Solid Lipstick and Chap Stick Yes or No?

[bavaria]

My sister had a prescription for Ombrelle sunscreen when it first came out; they also make a lip balm so maybe you can get a prescription for it....

Ombrelle lip balm

 

[DebbieB]

I flew today from Orange Co (CA) to Phoenix to Pittsburgh. Lines were only about 5 min at SNA. They did random bag checks at the gate in SNA. I didn't see any gate checks in PHX. In the PHX airport, a stand was selling lotions and liquid hand cleaners. Everything seemed pretty normal to me, other than the no liquid speaker announcements and signs. I was reaching through my purse on the PHX-PIT flight to find a stick of gum and I pulled out a chapstick. Oops! I had checked my purse before leaving the hotel, put my lipstick in my checked luggage but I guess I missed the chapstick.

 

[kidsicet]

Maybe you could try rubbing a Qtip in a bit of Vaseline or Chapstick, and putting it in a little ziplock bag to apply on the plane as needed? I'm not sure if that would work or not, but it might be worth a try.

 

[pouncingpluto]

After reading this thread, did anyone else feel the need to go apply Chapstick? My lips feel parched just reading these posts!

 

[audipolo]

After reading this thread, did anyone else feel the need to go apply Chapstick? My lips feel parched just reading these posts!

My wife is going mad not being able to bring on her chapstick... She is obsessed with it! Oh well, two and a half hours on a plane to orlando next week shouldn't be so bad without it (I do hope so)!

 

[jsp2000]

Not lecturing, but I would really caution anyone trying to circumvent the rules by trying to sneak on a banned item, in your pocket, or applied to a tissue, or otherwise. It is just asking for trouble.

As for the "less than friendly" TSA agents, remember, they are the people at the front lines of this thing. They don't make the rules...they just enforce them. Think of all the unhappy people that go through security everyday...no one could be in a good mood doing that job. That doesn't excuse outlandish behaviour, but we all have our breaking points, and they aren't paid to be nice.

Then, when you add in all the people that want to be the exception to the rule...like people that MUST HAVE chapstick or lip balm on the plane...I think you get my point.

At best this sneaky behaviour is only going to lead to longer lines, and at worse, you could get in serious trouble if caught with a banned item on the plane. I'm not trying to lecture, but I don't know ANYONE who couldn't go 4 or 5 hours without lip balm. It's not a big deal.

 

[lizardqueen]

Lots of people CAN'T go 4 or 5 hours, or even 1 hour without lipbalm of some sort. And no, you probably haven't heard of every condition possible, so how could you possibly judge if someone else could go without something for any length of time? A ban on chapstick is NOT going to make me safer. If someone or a group of someone's really wants to bring down a plane. They are going to find a way to do it. The only way to totally stop them would be to ban EVERYTHING under the sun. Or to stop air traffic all together, but then, the terrorists would just target something else. Terrorism in this world is never going to stop. You are naive if you think it will. So all of the banned items in the world are not going to make it an safer to fly.

 

[jsp2000]

Lots of people CAN'T go 4 or 5 hours, or even 1 hour without lipbalm of some sort. And no, you probably haven't heard of every condition possible, so how could you possibly judge if someone else could go without something for any length of time? A ban on chapstick is NOT going to make me safer. If someone or a group of someone's really wants to bring down a plane. They are going to find a way to do it. The only way to totally stop them would be to ban EVERYTHING under the sun. Or to stop air traffic all together, but then, the terrorists would just target something else. Terrorism in this world is never going to stop. You are naive if you think it will. So all of the banned items in the world are not going to make it an safer to fly.

Read my post again. I am not arguing for or against bans of any type. I am saying that it would be very unwise to attempt to sneak a banned item onto a plane. That has been discussed and suggested in this thread.

I am not judging anyone. I am saying that I do not think it is unreasonable to be expected to go an afternoon without lipbalm or chapstick. I'm sorry if that sounds callous. That is just my opinion, something I am entitled to. I don't judge anyone for feeling otherwise.

I agree with you that terrorism is not going to stop. And I agree with you that a chapstick or lip balm is not going to bring down an airplane. I think it is a silly thing to ban. But, as long as chapstick/lip balm is a banned item, if you decide you are going to get on that airplane, you are implicitly agreeing to subject yourself to the rules of the TSA. Thus, no lip balm. If you can't take it, you shouldn't be flying. It is not a life or death medical condition, so you are going to have a hard time convincing the TSA otherwise.

 

[maxiesmom]

I can't believe all these posts about how to get around the new rules! They may seem silly, but they are meant to keep us safe. You may not "get" how, but come on! If you simply have to have water, chapstick, whatever, get a doctor's note. Don't try to sneak it on. Most people can survive for a few hours without a bottle of water or lip-balm. And as far as the items that are sold after the main security check-point, some airports are making extra security points right at the gates. Would you really want to risk missing your flight, or worse, because you thought the new rules dumb and that they didn't apply to you?

 

[TravelinGal]

I don't think bouncing around ideas like putting vaseline on q-tips or a tissue is trying to break rules. It's wondering 'out loud' if it would be ALLOWED. I didn't take these thoughts to mean they would try to sneak it past TSA. (granted the original comment about having a tube of chapstick in pocket and not declaring it could be construed that way, but I don't think they had any malicious intent.)

The official standing of TSA is that lipbalm/lipstick IS allowed. The concern is if you get an over zealous TSA agent who takes everything away. We even saw SOLID deodorant in the trash bag on the news last night. That's not a cream/liquid/lotion in any way shape or form. Solid items are still allowed. I think the confusion comes from TSA agents being told to confiscate 'toiletries'. Maybe they are not given exact lists. Maybe they are and they're power hungry. Maybe they have a complete list but are terrified themselves. We don't know.

ANY TSA AGENTS OUT THERE THAN CAN CLARIFY THIS FOR US?

I have not heard of this medical condition that causes your lips to dry out that fast, but that doesn't mean much! There are lots of things that I don't know about! LOL I agree that if it's a medical necessity, then just ask your Dr for a RX. And maybe just use a mainstream product like chapstick etc instead of the "Chicken Poop" brand for the flight. Since that sounds like it is harder to find, it might be hard to get it dispensed from a pharmacy. Pack the Chicken Poop in the checked bags so your DS has the stuff that works best for the majority of the trip.
Good luck!

 

[maxaroni]

I, for one, am getting so confused with all of this. I am all for safety and not wanting to sneak in anything. However, some are saying NO to chapstick, yet another post said it is ok. Do we know for sure what the ruling is? Also, what about lip-liner pencils? It may due for some of us who needs lip gloss, vaseline or chapstick. I realize it may not be the most important item but it may help some of us be more comfortable. I'm not here to argue the rules, or say that anyone doesn't need a product....I want things clarified. Also, if we need to be at security 2 - 3 hrs, prior to flight time, we can't have a chapstick with us. Some may buy one and then ditch it for the second screening at boarding but if not, the whole thing could be a lot longer than a 2 hr flight - it's a 2 hr flight plus being there 2-3 hrs prior and then time to get the luggage - a simple 2 hr flight, can turn into 6 hrs. Again, not trying to make a debate of this...simply wanting a ruling...is chapstick a yay, or nay? what about lip liner pencils?

 

[bavaria]

Again, not trying to make a debate of this...simply wanting a ruling...is chapstick a yay, or nay? what about lip liner pencils?

If you are flying in the next week or so, dont' expect a 'ruling'. The ruling will come when you personally appear at security, dependent on the individual TSA or CATSA agent.

A great example of inconsistency is knitting needles. They were allowed back on flights after 9/11 in the US; CATSA in Canada still banned them until May 2005. Yet even today when CATSA has approved them, Air Canada won't allow them. United allowed them before CATSA even approved them, so if you got them past security you could use them.

So even if you hear one thing in the media or in a press release, be prepared for something different to actually occur. Just plan ahead, and be aware that things may change at any time. That's all we can do.

 

[bab31]

I guess I didn't realize that I am NOT the only one that has to have Vaseline/Chapstick at all times. I have discussed it with my Dr. years ago and he said that I have some condition (don't remember the name--it didn't seem important) that causes my lips to not make whatever it is that naturally moisturizes them. His suggestion--just keep using Vaseline as needed--and for me it is needed constantly. My dd seems to have it also, her lips are always chapped and bleeding if she doesn't remember to carry Vaseline.

I am flying out Sept 20. I am hoping this will have been loosened up by then, but I am also considering seeing if I can get a Dr. note of some sort. I will be absolutely miserable if I can't have ChapStick. I usually use Vaseline, but can substitute a stick (non gel--it would seem it should be allowed!???) if I have to.

I have actually been trying to figure out how I could "sneak" a bit of Vaseline on, but haven't figured it out yet. I did think of the fact that it is plastic and wouldn't set of the metal detector in my pocket, but really don't feel like getting body searched and arrested on my way to WDW!

How long is your flight?

 

[Newfie2000]

As for the "less than friendly" TSA agents, remember, they are the people at the front lines of this thing. They don't make the rules...they just enforce them. Think of all the unhappy people that go through security everyday...no one could be in a good mood doing that job. That doesn't excuse outlandish behaviour, but we all have our breaking points, and they aren't paid to be nicel.

I am sorry but I have a very hard time with this statement! A lot of people in this world CHOOSE to have what others consider less than favorable jobs! Think about the firemen, policemen, military,teachers, coroners...the list goes on and on. Does this mean that because they "are at the front of the line" they should be rude, ignorant, arrogant, disrespectful (this list too can go on and on!)? I would hope not! If that were to be the case we would daily deal with people with the wort attitudes and dispositions we could possibly imagine. Because there are a whole lot of people in this world that have "less than favorable jobs"! I prefer to live with the ideas that what goes around eventually comes around and treat people the way you would like to be treated! I feel sorry for you if you are ever stopped by a policeman who has read this thought of yours, he might think that because of his job title and the fact that he is on the front line he has a right to scream and yell at you, throw insulting comments your way and maybe even strip search you (or at the the very least threaten to)! It just seems to me that your reasoning is slightly backwards. I personally would be much more likely to be polite and positive towards a person who has treated me fairly no matter what the circumstances even under the absolute worst of situations! That being said I do agree that we need to give people a break and walk in their shoes (as far as our own personal responses and actions)...but that is most certainly not an excuse for improper behavior on ANYONE'S part! Okay...I too am guilty of having stood "on the box" and will get off of it.

 

[justplaingoofy]

After reading this thread, did anyone else feel the need to go apply Chapstick? My lips feel parched just reading these posts!

me!!!

 

[pbnjrockette]

"Smart Money" has an excellent article about The New Rules of Flying. I don't have enough posts to add a link but if you go to their site and scroll down you will see the topic.

New items banned today:
mascara
gel shoe inserts
gel candles (who has those in their carry on???)
gel toys (teethers?)

 

[bavaria]

Smart Money article - new rules of flying

 

[pbnjrockette]

I found the following information (and more) at mercurynews. com

Q I'm confused about items like lipstick, lip gloss and lip balm. Are they allowed in carry-ons?

A The U.S. Transportation Security Administration on Friday clarified its position on these products. Lipsticks and solid lip balms are permitted, said Nico Melendez, a TSA official. But lip glosses and Vaseline-style balms that come in small tubes are prohibited, as are items such as mascara, eyeliner, hair spray and nail polish.

Does anyone know if this is valid or confirmed anywhere else?

 

[bavaria]

I read the same earlier today (as I was actually searching out Clinique chubby stick for some of the worried posters - it's been discontinued, but is still sold in the Company Store, at Premium Outlet malls and elsewhere. Also Benefit makes a similar product)

As I stated elsewhere, I think that the 'rule' will be enforced depending on how the TSA/CATSA agent interprets the rule. That means that if someone wants you to toss it, you'll need to toss it, no what what is in print.

I used the knitting needle analogy - as of May 5, 2005 CATSA (Canadian version of TSA) started to allow knitting needles in carry on luggage again, yet many CATSA agents don't know this and don't allow needles through. Then many airlines still don't permit knitting in flight.....

So, YMMV.

 

[Dannielle_1]

My 2 cents:

If I had to have a lip mosturizer, I'd try to get a prescription from the doctor. I'd pack my usual mosturizer in my checked bag.

If it was something that I'd prefer having with me, I'd take it, not hide it and see what happens. (As it currently depends on who you get - though it sounds like officially the solid form is permitted, but the gelly/vaseline type are not). I'd pack a spare in my checked luggage.

If I used a specialty brand, I'd just pack that in my checked luggage and take a cheap brand to hold me over. Then if for some reason you don't get through the checkpoint, you haven't lost your "good stuff." Which I would assume is more expensive/harder to replace - especially on vacation.

I'm actually flying in 5 weeks. With the current issues I'm going to cut way back on my carry on items - less to be inspected. I'll actually be traveling with a 9 month old, but will only take what I think will be absolutely necessary for those 5 hours or so in the airport/airplane. (For me that doesn't include chapstick - should include baby food, but am only planning on taking dry cereal and asking for water on the plane to mix it with.)

I figure, why take a chance on anything. I'd rather go without and not have any extra hassle.