I'm still so confused about the airport safety regulations (and other issues)

Issue #1:

I'm basically going to be a first-time air traveler when I fly to London next month. I'm a bit confused at this point because of the latest regulations (and I am thankful they have relaxed some of them since initially putting them into place.)

The TSA here in the States is pretty clear. I have no problem understanding the regulations there.

I am, however, having a bit of trouble with the BAA restrictions.

If I bring the liquids from the US to the UK, will they take my Ziploc baggie away?

The FAQ addresses the differences between US and UK policies about the liquids. But I think they only take away your toiletries if you've flown into the UK and then will be leaving from there on a flight to another county (i.e. If I were flying into Gatwick and immediately leaving on a flight from Gatwick to Italy.) I assume they won't take them away if I'm just leaving the airport after I arrive?

And, so, I guess when I fly back out of Gatwick, I won't be allowed to take any liquids in my hand luggage unless it's been purchased after the security check?

I'm writing this in a very confusing manner, I think, but I wanted to see if anyone here had flown both in and out of the UK or US since they have revised the policies.


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Issue #2:

I had this idea in my head that I could do the one bag thing. My trip is basically 10 or 11 days, I will have access to laundry facilities at my hostel and can do smaller items in the sink (as far as I'm concerned.) I had planned on using Northwest Airline's carry-on luggage policy of one bag plus a smaller bag - the smaller bag being my small backpack-style camera bag (it pretty well fits the size restrictions for the second bag allowed.) That way, I could keep from checking any luggage.

I think I could probably get by with doing that on my flight TO London, but, per the regulations I'm reading about for British airports, I wouldn't be able to. They only allow a second, smaller piece of hand luggage if that smaller bag fits into your main hand luggage. Obviously, that may work for a hand bag but I could get a small backpack in it. If I have to choose between checking my actual luggage and checking my camera bag, I'm obviously not going to let my camera bag out of my sight.

Is my above understanding of the UK hand luggage rules correct?


I'm writing this in a very confusing manner, I think, but I wanted to see if anyone here had flown both in and out of the UK or US since they have revised the policies.

Thanks to anyone who got through this post and was able to decipher my ramblings. This luggage thing is making me feel really neurotic!

I flew to the UK, you can take your liquids in baggies, no one will take them away when you get here.  That is only if you are flying to another destintation right away.

Also, yes you can only have liquids that you bought after the security check.  Maybe you can put your shampoo and stuff into travel containers so you don't need to leave it behind.

I'm doing the roundtrip to/from Gatwick this weekend.  When I checked in on-line last night, the restrictions were, you can bring liquids less than 3oz and in a 1 quart zip-lock baggie on US departing flights.  The UK departing flights you are not allowed any liquids through security.  You may bring aboard liquids purchased after security. 

Hand Luggage, Yes, I do believe your understanding is correct.  That is exactly what I read last night when I checked-in. 

I'll let you know the score when I get back next week.

sigh, I am usually a one bag traveller but on my last trip I had to check in. 

It a good idea if you can but these days they are being very rigid with the rules so I just hoped for the best and it was fine. Let me tell you how liberating it is to cruise through duty free without a bag attached  ... so it can be nice especially if you have already lugged it everywhere!!

As for washing clothes... well, I like to pack clothes I know I can wear multiple times and won't stretch out. It also helps that I am not accident prone so don't have to worry too much about stains.  You can definitely get away with 10-11 days without washing your clothes. my last trip I had two jeans, 4 tops, a cardigan, 2 bras and undies for everyday and 5 pairs of socks. I was still just 7kgs and half empty after I packed... oh yeah and shower shoes and a pair of sandals... and a scarf plus other random stuff for the trip.

Once you start travelling you know what you can live without. My first trip I was all geared out with clothes lines and inflatable hangers, detergent etc etc.

Just make sure your name and address are clearly marked inside and outside of your bag if you have to check in just in case it gets lost.

I just flew this past weekend to England. I flew out of London and Birminham (boyfriend and I visited Ireland as well.) You are able to bring that ziplock baggie into the UK, you just can't take it home with you or to another country unless you check it.

London was much more strict than Birmingham, which is to be expected. I had multiple security checks. Make sure to keep any receipts from the Duty-Free shops you might visit. I bought water and had to show my receipt so they knew I had bought it post-security. They were also extremely strict about the baggage requirements in the UK. Your flight there will probably be more relaxed. I saw people having to reorganize their things at the check in desk in London because of the size requirements, bags they thought would fit didn't. To be on the safe side, I packed according to the UK regulations, except for the ziplock baggie on the way there. I figured it was better to go with the more strict one and be safe, than to be with the less strict one and sorry.

By the way, I flew out of London on Tuesday and they had closed down and evacuated Terminal 2 because of unattended luggage, so they are definitely taking security very seriously there. I was very worried but it was all fine.

It's really good to hear first-hand experiences about traveling in and out of country.

I really don't mind the rules and regulations that much - like I said, I'm glad they've at least relaxed them somewhat since August. I just want to make sure I've got my mind wrapped around them so I can follow them properly.

My liquids will be minimal anyway, even if I do carry-on only when I fly from the US (I've bought some things from Lush, for instance, that I'd normally use in liquid form here.) 

sigh, I am usually a one bag traveller but on my last trip I had to check in. 

I'm going to try to pack light, probably still in one of those bags that's appropriate for carry-on (like they show on the one bag website.) Since I'll be staying overnight in at least two, perhaps three, different cities/towns, I want to travel with as little luggage as possible and with luggage that is easily managable. And that's the main reason that I asked all these luggage questions. I've got to buy whatever it is that I decide to travel with. All the luggage I have access to is too big or just unwieldy.

Thanks again! Any additional suggestions/tips you have will be appreciated.

I've got to buy whatever it is that I decide to travel with. All the luggage I have access to is too big or just unwieldy.

I've had lots of travel bags in my lifetime. The one thing that is key are those external pockets... fantastic and handy but a bother trying to fit in the carryon luggage frame to see it it fits... not to mention all the straps!! It's a pain so keep your valuables with you and just accept the possibility your checked luggage may get lost in transit.

Do you have travel insurance yet??

I've had lots of travel bags in my lifetime. The one thing that is key are those external pockets... fantastic and handy but a bother trying to fit in the carryon luggage frame to see it it fits... not to mention all the straps!! It's a pain so keep your valuables with you and just accept the possibility your checked luggage may get lost in transit.

Do you have travel insurance yet??

I really like the look of the bag the guy on onebag.com recommends, an MEI Voyageur,  though I've always wanted one of Rick Steves' bags. The Voyageur doesn't seem to have any outside pockets, which would not only make it easier to stuff into the luggage fram but mean there were fewer zippers on the outside that would need secured. There's a slight price difference - about $125 for the Voyageur and I could get the Rick Steves bag on sale for about $80 on Amazon right now because they're running a promotion on lugguge and travel accessories.

I bought a little insurance from Travelocity when I purchased my ticket. I don't know if I need any more coverage than what they offer.

Rick's bag looks like it has more zips and pockets than I remember. The Voyageur looks like my Eagle Creek bag and I wouldn't consider it carry on sized... especially when packed. Don't forget the size is before you pack it.

I saw a girl once with Rick's bag. Very simple, did the trick!

At least it's good to know that I'm on the right track (bag-wise!)

Thanks again for all the input/help.

Amanda -
scarlett's synopsis of the airport was my experience as well in/out of Gatwick.  Security was tight, but moved very quickly.  They were very strict on the liquids thing.  The woman ahead of me had to surrender her mascara.  I don't know why she didn't think she had to give it up.  There were only about 10 people saying no cosmetics and signs posted all about, but I guess she thought she was the exception!

I was able to buy lip balm and water in the duty free shops, but had to show my boarding pass prior to the purchase and I was allowed to bring the water on board.  I also kept my receipts handy just in case.

There was another security check at the gate, but it was a random selection of passengers.

Good luck packing!

I flew from Manchester to New York last week. Liquids are not ok, but things like chap stick and face powder are. I had my laptop with me, with my purse stuck inside the laptop bag. No problem; they hardly looked at it. It was one bag only, strictly enforced, and it had to fit the measurements posted for the airport.

One thing I saw another passenger experience. He'd bought liquor at the duty free in Manchester and was able to take that on the plane. However, when he got to New York, he had to go thru security again to get to the gates to catch a connecting flight. They wouldn't let the duty free alcohol through; he had to pitch it all. So if you do buy any liquid at duty free, put it in your main luggage when you pick up and transfer your bags at customs.

Thank you for asking this question, I am in the exact same boat. I fly out a day after my birthday next Thursday night. Now if I only knew the rules on medicine I'd be almost set on everything.