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Sunday, November 12, 2006

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The Packing Issue

I LOVED K.C. Summers's article about packing light ["She Lugs It, She Lugs It Not: How One Traveler Moved Toward the Light," Nov. 5]. For me, "luggage reduction" has been a work in progress. Next week is a big test for me and my husband: We're off to Spain for nine days with one carry-on and one personal item each. It's going to be great, especially if we get through Charles de Gaulle airport in our 1 1/2 -hour layover. But if we don't, no problem: We'll have our luggage and be able to adjust our plans.

It does take planning to make it work, like finding versatile, comfortable shoes ahead of time and clothes that do double and triple duty. I could go on, but you get it already!

Pam Fremen, Houma, La.

FOR YEARS I was amused by my wife when she packed using the roll-up technique. After a few times, however, I became a believer as the clothes could fit into a smaller space with greater efficiency and without wrinkling. In addition, retrieval from the suitcase is much easier and faster. For those who have never tried it, my advice is: Do, and you will be pleased.

Nelson Marans, Silver Spring

TSA Regs, Cont'd

I HAVE TO disagree: The Transportation Security Administration's "311" rules are not just stupid, they're really stupid [Coming and Going, Nov. 5]. Like most TSA regulations, they're not meant to increase actual security but to give people a false sense of security. For example, confiscating carry-on perfume and lotion when air cargo (often on the same aircraft) isn't screened at all is plain S-T-U-P-I-D.

The media are full of stories of people taking liquids through security by accident or on purpose. The mischievous brain should be able to concoct plenty of scenarios in which three-ounce portions of explosive liquids could be combined. What does that mean? It means that the security isn't effective and that in the meantime the rest of us are inconvenienced and hassled by TSA jockeys, many with little common sense and even less courtesy.

Meanwhile, we experienced travelers divide our ire between the inane rules enforced by lackwits in TSA uniforms and the unprepared travelers who can't be bothered to read the signs plastered all over the screening area. Somebody please send them all home!

Omar Siddique, Ellicott City

CAN YOU LIST the rules for carry-ons for children? Specifically:

* I assume that a toddler has the same ability to have a one-quart bag filled with shampoo or makeup as an adult. Is that correct?

* When it comes to infants up to 2-year-olds, do they count as passengers when it comes to the carry-on rules?

* And for babies who need a bottle, is there a limit on how much formula, liquid or dry, can be brought on? Does that have to fit into a one-quart bag?

Raymond Schneider, Frostburg, Md.

Reporter Cindy Loose responds:

Yes, every human getting on the plane, whether holding a ticket or not, is entitled to a one-quart bag filled with containers that hold no more than three ounces. Generally, the rules for adults apply to all ages, but there is an exception for baby formula and breast milk. As long as the bottle feeder is flying with you, there is no limit on milk or milk-like products, although you're asked to bring only what you need.

And although you didn't ask: No, you don't need to taste what's in the bottle to prove it's not an explosive.

WHAT IS THE individual liquid/gel limit, volume or weight?

Anthony N. Speca, Annapolis

The liquid measurement is by volume. TSA spokesman Darrin Kayser says that the TSA conducted extensive tests and that "limiting liquids to a three-ounce bottle and limiting total volume to a quart-sized bag is safe."

Two more things to be aware of: Although you are technically allowed to pour three ounces into a plain three-ounce container, some travelers have encountered security agents who have forced them to throw away anything not in its original container. And remember that you must remove your plastic bag of toiletries from your carry-on bag when passing through security.

I RECENTLY was selected for an in-depth search by TSA that included a pat-down. The agent felt my wallet in a pants pocket, instructed me to remove it and took it "to be X-rayed." He told me to remain where I was and disappeared for several minutes. I was uncomfortable since the wallet contained several hundred dollars, my credit cards and personal identification.

I wrote to TSA expressing my concern about such a search performed out of the presence of the owner. I received a meaningless, form-letter response that didn't even address the issue. TSA should review its procedures and direct agents to complete all examinations in the presence of the involved passengers.

Stephen A. Rosenthal, Boca Raton, Fla.

I OFTEN FLY internationally, and I always tell security when I'm checking in that I want to take my bags to have them X-rayed. That way, if there are issues with my bag, they can resolve it while I'm standing there. That way, my bags can go out of Dulles locked, with no cause for checking. I've so far never found a "Dear John" letter from the TSA in my bag. Yikes, maybe now they'll put me on their list!

Sherrell Goggin, Silver Spring

Satisfied Customers

THIS SUMMER you ran an article about India that mentioned A Touch of Class Tours [800-203-0438, http://www.atoctours.com/ ]. On previous trips to India we had made all our own arrangements. We used A Touch of Class Tours for our recent highly individualized tour that included five internal air segments and two train trips. Much to our surprise, knowing all the things that can and do go wrong in travel, especially in India, everything was perfect. It was also affordable.

Jim and Kathleen Mueller, Takoma Park, Md.

Write us: Washington Post Travel section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071. E-mail: travel@washpost.com. Provide your full name and town of residence. Letters are subject to editing for length and clarity.