Us Travel - Urgent Updated

[oxfordcircus]

ABout the breast milk, some women may feel more comfortable feeding with a bottle on the plane, sometimes it is purchased breast milk (don't get me started on that one), or the baby may not feed well from larger breasts...seen it with sister in law - she pumped instead.

But my question is - Does anyone know how long this liquids ban will last or if it is permanent? We are not flying out till Sept 29.

I don't know why the ban hasn't been in place since 1994 (when Ramsey Usef (sp) blew up a Japanese business man using a liquid explosive) other than the massive inconvenience such a ban has caused in the last 2 days. Until there is a way to effectively and quickly screen liquids, I don't see any reason not to keep the ban in place. The most unnerving part of this story is that a Heathrow security agent with full security clearance was among those arrested. That kind of makes all these discussions of liquids and milk pretty much irrelevant.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Anyone know how long this will go on for?

1) The Homeland Security people said until they can inspect for it.
2) They said this could take a while.
3) My guess is at least until Christmas.
4) Can't see liquid-bomb detection any earlier than that.

 

[DisneyLover1091]

Oh ok, that's good to hear. The only reason why we don't put that stuff in our suitcases is because it always spills.

 

[JRawkSteady]

The only time I ever bring excessive carry-on is if I'm travelling somewhere for a temporary residency (at least a month) and I need more bags than just the two they allow for baggage. Otherwise, the only thing I bring is my backpack.

 

[yooperfan]

Oh no!! The Liberals vs. the Conservatives.

Anywho... The U.S. is the best !! Yay!!

Midwest Airlines policy...put the gels, lotions etc in the checked in luggage.

End of story for that.

Do you know if Midwest still allows portable dvd players on board?

 

[Sk8Leigh]

Oh ok, that's good to hear. The only reason why we don't put that stuff in our suitcases is because it always spills.

This may not be a great answer, but for anything that's liquid that I put in my checked bag, I always put it in a Ziploc. It might not hold it if there's a spill, but it wouldn't hurt to try.

 

[pbnjrockette]

Anyone who ever has had their luggage lost knows why people pack extras in their carryons. I always have a change of clothes and basic cosmetics ---ever gone on a cruise with just the clothes on your back??

But the airlines really, really need to enforce the size of carryons--all that pushing, shoving, tugging to fit oversized luggage in the overheads inconveniences everybody.

 

[Princess Sammi]

I don't understand why people would carry-on toothpaste. Do they brush their teeth on the plane?


The reason why some people, including me, bring such toiletries in their carry-on bag, is in case they lose /misplace your other luggage. At least you have some necessities with you. I've read in magazines that you should carry an extra pair of panties and a bathing suit (for the hotel pool), for that same reason. Believe me, my carry-on bag is NOT that big at all. But, of course with the new restrictions, I will not be carrying any of those things.

Hope that clears some thing up

 

[Sk8Leigh]

Anyone who ever has had their luggage lost knows why people pack extras in their carryons. I always have a change of clothes and basic cosmetics ---ever gone on a cruise with just the clothes on your back??

But the airlines really, really need to enforce the size of carryons--all that pushing, shoving, tugging to fit oversized luggage in the overheads inconveniences everybody.

I had the airline lose my luggage going to Canada once. My luggage stayed in Chicago. It was a drag not to have it, but I got it the next day, and I lived. It would be worse, of course, if you never got it or it took longer than a day (or if you were going right on to a cruise). But I still try to keep my carry-ons to a minimum. <<knock on wood that I won't have my bag lost--but doesn't everyone? >>

 

[katytrott]

I don't know why the ban hasn't been in place since 1994 (when Ramsey Usef (sp) blew up a Japanese business man using a liquid explosive) other than the massive inconvenience such a ban has caused in the last 2 days. Until there is a way to effectively and quickly screen liquids, I don't see any reason not to keep the ban in place. The most unnerving part of this story is that a Heathrow security agent with full security clearance was among those arrested. That kind of makes all these discussions of liquids and milk pretty much irrelevant.

One thing I was wondering about the liquid thing, is how all the airlines are going to cope with keeping everybody on board hydrated. Firstly how are they going to carry enough liguid to meet everyone's health requirements and secondly, how are the already run off their feet staff going to find time to supply it to everyone. Medically speaking water is very important to prevent DVT's (Deep Vein Thrombosis). I know many flights are relatively short and it is not a major problem, however, long haul this is a major problem. When in the air, you get dehydrated much quicker and to a greater extent (our flights from the UK are 9 hours). Pre having a toddler I was dreadful at being organised for a flight and frequently I didn't bring my own water. Every time I asked the staff for some water (if there was no self service area) I was either forgotten and or had to wait hours for a glass. I know this is just because they are so busy, I can completely understand that, but how are they going to cope with a whole plane load of people asking.
I am sure they will have to do something, because of the issue of suing airlines today for causing DVT's, the situation will get ten times worse if no one gets hydrated. I wonder if they will get rid of soft drinks eg tea, coffee, alcohol, and fizzy drinks (do have a dehydrating effect) and use that space for essential water instead.
Obviously this all pales into insignificance when you think how it could have been, I was just thinking practically and my mind wondered to the effects this situation will have.

 

[pugcrazy]

Do you know if Midwest still allows portable dvd players on board?

On domestic US flights there is not any ban on bringing electronics (dvd player, laptop, cellphone, pda) with you in the cabin. Not saying that it won't change in the future though.

On international flights, depending on destination there are various restrictions and banned items of electronic nature.

 

[pugcrazy]

1) The Homeland Security people said until they can inspect for it.
2) They said this could take a while.
3) My guess is at least until Christmas.
4) Can't see liquid-bomb detection any earlier than that.

I went looking after reading your post, but can't find the article I read last night... anyway, I did read that there was already an airport, here in the States, that was testing a machine that dedected the liquids.

My guess is that it would be next summer before most of the current restrictions were eased, just because of time needed to manufacture and install the newest equipment.

 

[LilyWDW]

I don't understand why people would carry-on toothpaste. Do they brush their teeth on the plane?

I do...

Mine is a side effect to OCD, it's my compulsion. I pretty much feel a need to do it and that compulsion can and will keep me from being able to focas on anything else. I will say, it is not normally an issue with short flights, but on longer ones it is. An example, when I wake up I can not fall back asleep without brushing my teeth. I carried toothpaste with me on the flight overseas.

Luckily I am planning no flights anytime soon that would be longer then 2 hours so I should be okay lol.

I am not surprised that the plot was foiled over in the UK. When I was traveling over in Europe this past Christmas, I noticed time and time again how the security was much stricter. I actually wished they would increase it over in the US as well... too bad it had to be due to an actual threat.

 

[Jobie]

You know what I am thinking. Can not these terrorists get a false prescription, done, and then slip by security? This is a loophole right there. I understand people need thier meds my mother has heart meds, but think these terrorists, can falsify anything. Now, I am getting scared to fly.
Another thing, how are we supposed to take our cell phones, hide them in our checked luggage, and hope the cell phones dont get stolen?

I was wondering the same thing today. Couldn't the terrorist just put the liquids in a medical container? I hope they are not smart enough to think that way!

 

[Mouse-n-Mini]

I hate flying, I am glad we'll be driving on our next vacation. The whole flying experience is terrifying even without adding terrorism into the equation. This is OT, but do you think the terrorists wanted an attack to coincide with the new movie out with Nicholas Cage? I saw it today and IMO flight 93 tugged at the heartstrings much more. WTC seemed more like a tv movie to me.

 

[Friendly Frog]

What keeps someone from getting a valid prescription from their doctor, pouring it out and putting their own liquid in it? ( or just a fake prescription, do you REALLY think the screening person can tell the difference?)

The news has already told them that we can't detect the substance and come on now, I can think of a hundred different ways that I could get liquids on a plane.

IMO we can't stop them from getting the bomb making properties on the plane. All we can do is to watch for people already on the plane doing things that don't seem " right".

Americans, are going to have to become much more vigilant.

 

[KimberlyC]

Well, it looks like the stores in Orlando are going to be HAPPY to see me! my husband got back on a U.S. flight yesterday and they took away his tooth paste! I am going to seriousely have to re-think what I bring on the plane with me too. United stated that things like DVD players, Cell phones and computers are still ok to bring with you as a cary on. I am just worried about my CPAP machine which is for medical reasons...it's too valuable to me to check with the baggage because if it got lost in luggage I would have problems breathing at night and I can't afford to buy a new one. Other then that, I am cool with the rules...just use some smarts and check with the airlines a couple of days before you leave. Good luck to everyone and SAFE flying!

Crap, I forgot about DH's CPAP machine. He just got it last month so we didn't have it for our June trip to WDW. Thanks for the reminder. Its one more thing we NEED to take as a carry on. I've already got the cell phones, laptop and worst of all the large carseat. I've nixed the DVD player, DS can live without it.

I'm not sure how people have gotten by without checking luggage. I have a ton of checked luggage and way too much carry on stuff. I think I'm going to need another suitcase.

 

[KimberlyC]

This may not be a great answer, but for anything that's liquid that I put in my checked bag, I always put it in a Ziploc. It might not hold it if there's a spill, but it wouldn't hurt to try.

Ditto. Things like shampoo especially have a tendency to expand during air travel and ooze. If its liquid, I put it in a ziploc and it has saved me a big mess a few time.

 

[MagicMe]

The only people I really felt sorry for were the people who traveled yesterday (packing and showing up at the airport without the knowledge of the new restrictions) and having the long delays for security. Politics - I could speak volumes but as posted previously that's another forum and has no place on this thread.

According to the news tonight, the lines at Philadelphia International were very manageable today (apparently people packed accordingly and gave themselves extra time).

I traveled shortly after 9/11 and worried about the long lines for security. I left very early and was pleasantly surprised that we breezed through with little wait (probably 'cause we were there before the birds were awake!!).

We're leaving next week for our trip and frankly, I don't see what the major deal is about toothpaste, shampoo, etc. Yes it would be nice to have it on hand just in case my luggage was lost but it can be purchased if needed. And I am lucky that I don't have any liquid medication to carry.

As far as makeup, well, I'll do my best before I leave home and y'all will just have to see me without a lipstick refresher!!

I don't have a problem with any additional restrictions/security. I just give myself extra time and focus on that fact that I am going on vacation to WDW!!!!! How lucky can one get

 

[pbnjrockette]

Just wondering...

Not that I'm a big make-up person but are they allowing any make-up? Lipstick liner pencils are NOT liquid (not the gooey ones--the pencilly ones). Also can you bring handi-wipes (out goes the little bottle of disinfectant liquid!). Avon always used to have all those little foil paper samples of things---wonder if they are acceptable.

I may be able to carry an extra novel since even my handbag is going to be so much lighter!!

Gonna miss my water though...usually sit on the tarmac in Philly for eons before taking off. Flight on Friday leaves at 8:15---be there at 5:15?? leave house at 4:15? For an hour flight? I have to get braver at turnpike driving since I could drive in less time!!!