To check, or not to check, that is the question.
For many frequent travelers, the issue isn’t so much space, as it is often than not difficulty reducing clothes and other necessities to a manageable volume. But, the three ounce rule (technically three and a half ounces, since the original standard was 100 ml.) is a different story and adds a new wrinkle.
Yes, there are travel sizes of many gels and liquids, along with special bottles and containers that can be purchased that cover TSA guidelines. But, transferring things into those containers can be a pain. For many travelers, yes, admittedly more of them who are women, it’s still hard to fit in under the one-baggie limit.
Take shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, moisturizer (day and night) for starters, and that little plastic bag is getting pretty full. That’s before makeup, and additional hair products, not to mention sunscreen.
In fact, personally, I admit, for a short trip to Hawaii, sunscreen usually is the reason I check luggage. There are limited brands available in small packages and the stuff is a mess to try to get into a little bottle.
Other times, visiting friends, it’s the desire to bring a nice wine as a gift from California. (Note: Increasingly there are decent wine stores in airports, including my favorite, Vino Volo, but they aren’t in every airport, or in every terminal.)
Another issue for foodies and semi-foodies (and I confess to at least the latter) is traveling and seeing really interesting local food items. Which are alas packaged in larger-than-three-ounce containers.
This can be especially hard at farmer’s markets, where a jam or sauce looks SO tempting and it would be that item that forces you to check luggage. So the question becomes – is that particular goodie worth being the tipping point? (Once the first decision is made, subsequent purchases get much easier.)
Personally, on a weekend to visit friends on the East Coast, I ended up buying candy, but resisted what I would otherwise have gladly purchased as a very good sandwich topping.
Now, based on feedback from clients and friends, not to mention personal experience, TSA is a lot less strict about the odd small tube or bottle here and there. Plus rumors are flying (excuse the pun) that at some point in the not-too-distant future, the liquids ban may be relaxed.
Still, no one should count on getting larger bottles and containers of liquids through for the time being. The worst prospect is hoping for non-discovery, being caught and then facing the decision at security, to throw away your liquid treasure or head back into the checked-baggage line and fork over the extra $25.
Oh yes, that pesky checked-baggage charge. If you are not flying on jetBlue or Southwest, it becomes a real money factor that certainly will tip your decision depending on the value of the liquid item you want to bring with you.
In the meantime, what items are worth it to you to require checking luggage? If nothing else, replying in comments is an opportunity for a good vent. And fellow Consumer Travelers may enjoy hearing tips about the REALLY good stuff.
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
