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TOILETRIES, SECURITY, AND THE ZIPLOC BAG
You know you've done it--had that expensive lipstick taken away, that $4 bottle of Evian thrown in the garbage,
your imported cologne exported from your possession--all because you stupidly forgot about the Transportation
Security Administration's (TSA's) liquid carry-on rule change last August. If you're sick of it, here's seven
tips on alternative ways to get your stuff through security in safety, and style, when you fly:
1. THE ZIPLOC BAG: The TSA now requires all your carried-on liquids
and gels to be placed into one clear,
quart-size, zip-top bag. That doesn't mean just Ziploc disposable bags. You can use
any quart-size clear bag with
a zip-top. You've probably got one lying around from some bath gift or purchase in the past; if not, check at the drug store.
If the bag's quart-size, use it--it will be much more durable, and make you feel a lot less ghetto than using a disposable bag.
2. THE 3 OZ. CONTAINER: Carry-on liquid and gel containers can't be any larger than three ounces now. Pitotubes makes
chic fill-it-yourself, leak-proof, aluminum and plastic, pump containers that come in three sizes, the largest still well under the 3
oz. size. Your old stolen hotel bottles might be the right size, but these are a sure thing,
have stylish labels you can
personalize, and are much more elegant overall. $10 each or 6/$52, www.pitotubes.com.
3. WATER: Water's a no go at security checkpoints now, but empty water bottles aren't. Save a few bucks: bring an empty bottle
and fill it up at a water fountain once safely on "the other side" of security, especially if you prefer the mega-size bottles hard to
find in airports.
4. THE DRY ALTERNATIVE: Ever heard of "Instant" Toiletries? This new product line from Travelon consists of toothpaste, shaving
gel, and mouthwash created by mixing water with a pill, mixing cup included. Revolutionary and security-worry-free. $6.99-7.99,
www.travelonbags.com, or watch my video coverage of this product here.
5. THE WET-NAP ALTERNATIVE: "Towelette" manufacturer La Fresh offers more security-safe toiletry options, but in wet-nap
form. No water, no mixing. Just rip open the little package to find one-time-use deodorant, lotion, make-up remover, lens cleaner, a
"dental finger mitt," or female hygiene, anti-bacterial, or shoeshine wipes. $3.99-4.99/6, www.lafreshbeauty.com, or watch my
video coverage of this product here.
6. YOU STILL FORGOT: If you're always Ms. Forgetful, plan ahead for times you might still screw up the rules. Stick
two things in your carry-on right now: 1) A large, self-addressed, padded envelope (or 2)
with a couple bucks postage on it;
and 2) A sealable fold-flat travel bag. If you catch yourself at security with prohibited items, stick them in your extra bag and go
check it in. If lines are too long, throw the items in the envelope and look for the nearest airport mailbox. If you mail your
banned stuff home (or to your destination, if there for a few days), you'll still have to buy new products when you land, but at least
you won't have to incur the cost of losing your really expensive items completely.
7. FORGET THE WORRY ALL TOGETHER: If you have the bucks to spare, forget the carry-on hassle all together, and Fed Ex your
stuff to your destination. Beats carrying any bag!
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