I haven't flown lately and may be taking a business trip soon. Are carry-ons allowed again minus liquids and gels (are they okay if placed in check-on)? How about cell phones, MP-3 players, cameras, laptops, etc.? Can someone summarize what is and is not allowed in the cabin and what must be checked?

Thanks.

AJ

As far as I know, carry-ons were only disallowed in Britain. In the US you just can't have any sort of liquid or paste (although I believe they now allow contact lens drops and a small amount of liquid medicine). Don't plan on taking your toothpaste, mouthwash, cologne, etc in a carry-on. Cell phones and laptops are still fine. (Although a few carriers are now restricting the use of laptop batteries, which have shown a tendency to go inferno if they short out internally, as some Sony batteries recently have.)

The best thing to do, assuming you are flying a major airline, is to check their website. Almost all airlines are posting a link to the latest TSA guidelines on their home page.

For example, from the United website:

"Carry-on baggage restrictions

Liquids, gels or aerosols of any size are not allowed at the security checkpoint or in the cabin of the aircraft. These items include beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, hair spray, liquid cosmetics and other items of similar consistency. Such items may be transported in checked baggage.

Passengers may have:

Baby formula/milk and baby food in small containers if a baby or small child is traveling.
Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket.
Essential other non-prescription medicines not to exceed 4 oz. (120ml) per container.
Liquids or gels for diabetic passengers who indicate a need for such items to address their medical condition. (A letter from your physician is not necessary). Quantities are limited to no greater than 8 oz. (240ml) per container. Syringes and pumps are acceptable.
Solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items such as lipstick in a tube, solid deodorant, lip balm and similar solids.
These approved items must be presented for inspection at the security checkpoint. Also, all types of footwear must also be screened by x-ray.


Any beverages purchased in the boarding area (beyond the security checkpoint) must be consumed before boarding, as they will not be permitted on board the aircraft."

In addition, the website has information for travelers to/through the U.K. and so forth.

i recently flew Continental into the US from Mexico and it was business as usual for carry-ons EXCEPT for liquids.

EA

Thanks...I'm flying American...I was concerned that I would be forced to put my cell phone, MP3 player and other electronics in my checked luggage where it could easily be stolen.

AJ

This is all bullshit. A good chemist could formulate nitroglycerine into a solid such as that found in deodorant sticks. And 240 ml of some medically necessary item? There are some smart and well-trained folks working against us (and some stupid and poorly trained ones at TSA).

New guidelines today, as of wednesday you are allowed toiletries, as long as they are under 3 ounces per container, and must be in a plastic ziplock back, which will go through the x-ray machine independent of your other bags, so you get a bin for your shoes, a bin for your laptop and a bin for your toothpaste.

Whitty,the paperwork all the U.S. based flt crews are receiving states 4 ounces.......seems to be some conflict, although what does one expect from a Federal agency.......