Natalie LaRosa
Carry-On Luggage: TSA & EU Regulations
by Natalie LaRosa
The best way to travel to and throughout Europe is to carry your luggage onto airplanes with you. In other words do not check your luggage with the airlines. This forces one to pack lighter. Believe me you will be glad you did when it comes to lugging that suitcase up stairs, through subways, and across cobbled streets. But most importantly it avoids the chance of your bag being lost by the airline. The first time I went to Europe the airline lost my luggage. Luckily we were staying in Rome for 3 days and my suitcase finally got to me. However, a lot of tours don’t stay put in one place for long. If this is the case you will have to do without your things until your luggage finally catches up to you, if it ever does. Ever since that trip I have been a believer in carrying my luggage on the plane with me. I advise others to do the same. It gives me a certain peace of mind knowing that my bags are with me all the time. Additionally it is one less thing to think about upon arrival when I am excited about getting started on the tour.
Now that I have discussed the benefits of carrying-on your suitcase, there are a few rules you’ll need to consider before beginning to pack your carry-on suitcase. The major changes deal with liquids and other toiletry items. Before September 2006 no liquid of any kind was allowed to be carried onto an aircraft. This was implemented in response to a terrorist plot which surfaced in Great Britain earlier in the year. However, since September 26, 2006 those restrictions have been relaxed and new rules were implemented by the TSA and EU (European Union).
Currently both the TSA and EU allow travelers to carry-on through the security areas travel-sized toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in a one quart size plastic zip top bag. You must remove the zip lock bag from your belonging at security check points to be X-rayed. After clearing security you can bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area onto the plane. There are special circumstances for larger containers containing medication, baby formula, and other special medical material. If these items exceed 3 ounces you must declare them to a security officer at security checkpoint for further inspection. TSA and the EU allow this now because many passengers have special needs which call for materials containing liquid.
These new rules apply only to carry-on luggage. You can still pack all your normal things in luggage that you decide to “check” with the airlines.
For complete and up-to-date details about TSA and European Union regulations go to: http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s good idea! I think carry lighter luggage is very fun moreover it does not have to worry for lost luggage, because items that we carry are always safe all the time on the plane. and I agree with the new rules for airlines to further enhance security….
Most US Air Carriers go by the policy listed below. I cut and pasted this from the Delta Airlines website.
“Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches (or 115 cm) in combined length, width, and height.
Baggage must fit easily in the Carry-on Baggage Check, which is located near the check-in counters and at the gate and is approximately 22″ x 14″ x 9″ or 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters. “
Maybe one day I will do only the carry-on thing- haven’t mastered that yet!
What a great tip! I will have to remember this when my son goes with you to Italy next summer! Thanks.