The 3-1-1 on Carry-ons

If you’ve flown in the last year or more, you’ve noticed that the regulations as to what is acceptable to bring on the plane have changed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has come up with the 3-1-1 plan. These numbers refer to the 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger. You must be able to fit all of your 3 ounce or less bottles into one quart bag per person. These regulations, they tell us, are necessary security measures, but I say they mean mostly headaches and lost time for travelers.

Have your ziplock bags filled with whatever small liquids you will be bringing with you. Most travel-sized toiletries are within the 3 ounce limit. This includes make-up, eye care solutions, lotions (even-medicated), and pretty much anything else you may want for your voyage that can at all be characterized as a liquid. Be prepared ahead of time and save yourself some time.

And as always with air travel, get there with plenty of time to spare, because even if you are prepared and ready to board, that does not mean that your fellow passengers can claim the same.

Happy flying!