New Plane Rules? Check.

By Carol Sottili
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 20, 2006

By now, most travelers know they can't bring water, body lotion or shampoo through airport security, but what about contact lens solution, stored breast milk or pills in unmarked containers?

The devil is apparently in the details, as travelers struggle to understand the nuances of the new Transportation Security Administration rules governing what can and can't be brought onboard. It's an evolving scene, so check the info sources link on the right for the latest changes. But no matter what the rules state, there is bound to be some confusion. Our advice? Be patient.

We've fielded many reader queries in recent days. Here are responses to some common questions (information was valid at press time).

Q. I'm nursing and need to take my breast pump while I am away and need to transport the milk back with me. While you can transport small amounts of breast milk and baby formula for consumption on the plane, are there rules for transporting several bottles packed in dry ice?

Patricia L. Turner, Baltimore

A. I'm afraid you're going to have to check your breast milk. New TSA rules state: "Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected. . . . Liquids and gels, including baby formula or breast milk, may be packed in your luggage and checked with your airline. You are encouraged to travel with only as much formula or breast milk needed to reach your destination."

Most airlines allow dry ice to be checked. On United, for example, up to 4.4 pounds per person of dry ice can be checked, provided it is packaged in a way that carbon dioxide can be released and that it is not sealed in a plastic bag.

What are the rules on cameras? Any difference between rules for film vs. digital?

Bob Kerns, Spotsylvania, Va.

The rules regarding cameras have not changed. You are allowed to bring camera equipment in your carry-ons. Go to http://www.tsa.gov/summer/film.htm for details.

To save space I put my pills in two small, clear, plastic boxes with dividers. Does the requirement that all medications in carry-on luggage be labeled apply just to liquids and gels?

Bill Robertson, Fairfax

The rule about prescription pills hasn't changed: You need to place your pills in their original labeled bottles. TSA regulations state, "Nonliquid or gel medications of all kinds such as solid pills or inhalers are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Please make sure your medications are labeled."

Check with your pharmacist and medical insurance provider to see if it's possible to package vacation meds in smaller bottles. Even if you're willing to chance checking your medication, prescription drugs should be properly labeled.

The TSA says I can't take certain things onboard but must check them. The airline says it refuses to take legal responsibility for the possessions I check. Who can I hold responsible when things arrive broken or go missing?

Anne Sclater, Washington

Most airlines simply refuse to pay for certain items, including jewelry, electronics, laptops and cash. On most domestic flights, you can claim as much as $2,500 for lost luggage, but you'll need receipts to back that up. And on international flights, liability is limited to $9.07 a pound.

So leave the valuables at home and lock your checked luggage. For details on TSA-approved luggage locks, go to http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/locks.shtm . If you believe your luggage may have been damaged or lost by the TSA during the security screening process, file a claim at http://www.tsaclaims.org/ .

I have been unable to find anything on the TSA Web site that confirms that contact lens solution is considered nonprescription medicine.

Matthew Bowman, Germantown

If you click on http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm , you'll see that saline solution is listed as a prohibited carry-on item with the caveat, "You are allowed to carry up to 4 oz. of eye drops with you. Volumes greater than 4 oz. are only permitted in your checked baggage." You also are now allowed to carry on up to four ounces of other liquid nonprescription medicines, such as cough medicine.

Other exceptions to the no-liquids rule include prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket and up to eight ounces of liquid or gel low-blood-sugar treatment. Shoes with gel heels are allowed, but no gel insoles. All shoes must be removed for screening.

Must pocketbooks be packed in checked bags?

Linda Jordan, Bethesda

Purses are still allowed as carry-on luggage in the United States. If you're traveling from or connecting through the United Kingdom, you are restricted to one carry-on bag no larger than a laptop; your purse can be placed inside the carry-on.