<p>My college age kids and I are going to Cancun next week. We would like to avoid checking a bag if possible. We don’t fly much so I am unfamiliar with the current rules of carry on. Is it still only 4 small bottles of liquid per bag? What about make up and moisturizer? Hairspray? I don’t want to end up throwing stuff out in the TSA line because it can’t go on the plane.</p>
<p>Here are the latest TSA rules. Liquid makeup, moisturizer, hairspray and toothpaste all fall under the liquids rules. The carry-on liquids restriction is the worst part of flying for me. Pack light and have a great trip.</p>
<p>[TSA</a> | Transportation Security Administration | 3-1-1 on Air Travel](<a href=“http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm]TSA”>http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm)</p>
<p>[TSA:</a> Prohibited Items](<a href=“http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm]TSA:”>What Can I Bring? All | Transportation Security Administration)</p>
<p>You can bring as many small bottles (3.4 oz or less) as you can fit in a one quart zip lock bag. Remember that it can’t be a 6 oz. bottle that you pour 3.4 oz into. Has to hold no more than 100 gm./3.4 oz. Aerosols, gels and liquids all fall under the rule.</p>
<p>Along with what everyone else has listed, you may also bring one zip lock bag per person. I would recommend keeping the bags in an easy to access area so that when you do go through security, you can pull the bags out with relative ease.</p>
<p>Some airlines don’t charge for checked bags on international flights. We didn’t pay when we went to Mexico on American.</p>
<p>Also, no knives of any kind. I didn’t think aerosol cans were allowed at all.</p>
<p>Any liquid prescription medication does NOT count in that quart ziploc bag allotment.</p>
<p>Just go to Target and hit up the “travel size” section. They have small things of deodorant, toothpaste, lotions, soaps, etc. Make sure everything liquid/gel fits into one quart size ziploc bag…and that each container is 3 oz or less.</p>
<p>I am very happy to see that you cannot carry-on a spear gun or an axe.</p>
<p>OP - You might suggest that your kids purchase some bottled water for the flight. Just be sure they purchase it AFTER they pass through TSA.</p>
<p>And they may want to stay away from items TSA considers “dual use.” A UConnecticut Geology Professor was carrying a 4 lb. “geologically interesting” rock to a convention. It was confiscated by TSA.</p>
<p>In case you were so inclined, do not try to sneak along a jar of peanut butter. :p</p>
<p>On a flight to Cancun, I would just change into flip flops, gym shorts, and a ratty tank top as soon as you get to the airport. That way, you’ll be all set for the TSA screening (no shoes, no belt, no pockets, etc.)</p>
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<p>My wife packed 2 jars of jelly in her carry-on, purchased in resort country as gifts for folks back home. She somehow forgot about them, so answered “no” even when directly asked, so she was very embarrassed when the bag was opened and jelly discovered. I paid $20 on the spot to have the bag checked (as checked baggage) . That was some very expensive jelly!</p>
<p>Yeah, don’t try bringing Nutella to your college kid in your carry-on, either. I asked if it was an aerosol, liquid or gel. Needless to say, there was no reasonable answer. I told the TSA screener to have a nice lunch. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>And please don’t wear a belt or tie shoes. Nothing screams “amateur traveler” more!</p>
<p>I love the Ponds face wipes (Target has a 5 pack) for travel. They are great for removing makeup.</p>
<p>When we travel to beach locations, I use a big beach bag as a carry on.</p>
<p>A few other points:</p>
<ul>
<li>You can carry an empty water bottle through security.<br></li>
<li>Solid deodorants don’t count as liquid or gel.<br></li>
<li>Contact lens solution is considered ‘medically necessary liquid’ by the TSA, so you can take a standard 12oz bottle. (I have found most foreign TSA-equivalents do not honor this definition.)</li>
</ul>
<p>Since suncreen in a foreign location can be expensive, it might be best to check a single bag with all the liquids & gels and pay the fee. </p>
<p>PS - snow globes are a no-no in carry ons.</p>
<p>The rules when you return may be different, or even arbitrary.</p>
<p>A friend of mine had his collapsible umbrella (one of the super-compact ones, it was maybe 6 inches long) confiscated when returning from the Dominican Republic.</p>
<p>There was no explanation given. Perhaps the screener took a liking to it.</p>
<p>Thanks, nj2011mom. I wouldn’t have known about those exceptions. Since I’m traveling for business next week, the one thing I must know is can I bring my flat iron?</p>
<p>Don’t know about the iron, but any food you try to carry on might be confiscated.</p>
<p>A sandwich or an apple will be fine, apple juice or yogurt -not (liquids). TSA seems to make thir own rules or interpret the existing ones in a bizzare way. One lady was sent away to dispose of her strawberries; since they were squished, two TSA dudes studied the baggie and decided that the stawberries were “liquid” (she was told to pack them in a sturdier container next time - LOL).</p>
<p>Flat iron most likely will be FINE. I traveled with one in my carryon many times - no problems.</p>
<p>We are flying JetBlue so we actually get a checked bag each for free, I just thought it would be easier to get through customs with just a carry on. Does powder makeup (like face powder, eyeshadow and mascara) count in the 3-1-1 carry on rule?
Noted, no belts, no tie shoes, no food :)</p>