How to Pack Smartly and Spill-Free

Pack wisely before you leave home by knowing what you can and cannot carry onboard. One tip: Store liquids in tightly capped bottles (below) in checked luggage. (By Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

Given the new security restrictions stemming from the recent terrorism scare, packing has taken on a new dimension. Many items that were once allowed to be carried aboard are now relegated to checked luggage. What are travelers to do?

Even the experts are a little thrown off. San Francisco packing guru Doug Dyment, creator of the Web site One Bag.com ( http://www.onebag.com/ ), usually skimps on toiletries in his effort to travel light and only brings the essentials in a single carry-on bag. But what about his two must-haves -- Woolite (hard to find in his preferred packet size) and the shaving oil not sold in the United States?

"The situation is worse for those with the more pressing need for on-board products," Dyment writes in an e-mail. "I'm hoping that the rules will be relaxed slightly to allow very small containers of some things."

If or until regulations loosen up or cease altogether, leave the imported shaving oil at home or pack it properly in checked luggage -- and follow the advice of packing experts and frequent fliers.

Carry-On Tips

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· Buy solid versions of products usually sold in liquid form. The company Lush (888-733-5874, http://www.lush.com/ ), which has a Georgetown store, sells bar forms of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and moisturizing body butter. Some perfumemakers also sell bar-soap versions of their scents. Shaving soap works up a good lather, and fans of crystal deodorants swear by their effectiveness. Powdered shampoo and toothpaste could be options.

Keep in mind, though, that the Transportation Security Administration does not guarantee that solid or powdered items will clear security. Those items will be left up to officers' discretion, according to the TSA Web site.

· Stroll the aisles of your local drugstore. Plenty of time-saving products are ideal for these times:

· Pre-moistened towelettes clear security without problems. They include hand sanitizers, facial cleansers, sunscreen and insect repellent.

· Instead of toothpaste use Oral B Brush-Ups, which are minty, finger puppet-like teeth wipes. Or chew on Arm & Hammer's sugar-free baking soda gum.

· Listerine Pocket Packs, Altoids and tongue scrapers freshen breath, as do toothpicks in cinnamon and other flavors.

· Simplify your makeup routine by using pressed powder products, such as blush and eye shadow. Bring eye, lip and concealer pencils. Lipstick is permitted. And baby wipes remove makeup well.

· Order toiletries ahead of time from an online outlet such as Drugstore.com (800-378-4786, http://www.drugstore.com/ ) and have them shipped directly to your hotel. Free shipping and discounts are often available. Drugstore.com's Web site ( http://www.drugstore.com/travelstore ) also suggests other flight-friendly products.