The forbidden list – what you can’t carry on

Let’s clear up any confusion you might have as to what to pack in the carry-on next time you head to the airport (assuming you’re not flying from England to America, in which case you can’t bring on board a
carry-on).

In the wake of the apparent aborted attempt by terrorists to blow up as many as ten airliners bound from the United Kingdom to the United States, the Department of Homeland Security slapped a Code Red designation on all flights from the UK to the US, and a Code Orange, the next highest level, on all other flights. The Transportation Security Administration then forbade fliers from taking virtually all liquids into the passenger compartments of airplanes.

Among other things, here’s what’s forbidden:

- beverages
- shampoo
- suntan lotion
- creams

- gels of any kind (this includes hair gels)
- toothpaste

When in doubt, leave it out. The exceptions to the rule are prescription medicines and baby formula. With prescription medicines, the name of the person using the ticket must match the name on the bottle.

It’s okay to quaff a cup of Starbucks, or sip some soda before boarding, but you’re going to have to finish it (or ditch it) before you get to the airplane. One problem airports have been encountering is full
trashcans.

Air travel can dehydrate you fast. Aircraft cabins are kept dry to cut down on corrosion. Drinking non-alchoholic liquids in flight is imperative, especially on long flights. Savvy carriers, hopefully, will be stocking up on onboard beverages to slake the thirst of flummoxed fliers.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler

Read more: TSA - Answers to frequently asked questions