| On August 10, authorities in the United Kingdom | | | | suntan lotion, lotions, toothpaste, hair mousse and |
| announced that a major terrorist plot to smuggle | | | | gel, and "other items of similar consistency." |
| bombs on American airlines traveling from London to | | | | Flying FROM the United Kingdom to the U.S.: No |
| the U.S. was thwarted. If you're planning to travel to | | | | purses, carry-ons or electronic items are allowed. Only |
| Great Britain for either business or pleasure, you'll | | | | allowable items (listed below) can be taken on board |
| need to be aware of new security restrictions in | | | | in a single clear plastic bag. Nothing will be allowed in |
| place regarding carry-on luggage. Because the | | | | your pockets. The allowable items are as follows: |
| summer travel season is in full force, you'll probably | | | | - pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus |
| run into some major delays prior to the boarding | | | | contents (money, credit cards, identity cards, etc.) |
| process. | | | | - essential travel documents (passports and travel |
| Because the alleged plot involved the smuggling of | | | | tickets) |
| liquid explosives, disguised as beverages, security | | | | - prescription medicines and medical items sufficient |
| officials on both sides of the Atlantic (as well as | | | | and essential for the flight (a diabetic kit for |
| around the world) are taking unprecedented steps to | | | | example), except in liquid form unless verified as |
| protect airline passengers traveling from Heathrow, | | | | authentic; the name on the bottle must match the |
| Gatwick and other major U.K. airports. Although | | | | name on the airline ticket |
| delays, cancellations, inconvenience and chaos has | | | | - eyeglasses and sunglasses (cases are NOT allowed) |
| ensued, the flying public should try their best to | | | | - contact lens cases (saline solution is NOT allowed) |
| understand the reason for the security measures and | | | | - female sanitary items sufficient and essential for |
| take steps to prepare themselves before leaving for | | | | the flight if unboxed |
| the airport. Travelers are urged to be at the airport | | | | - handkerchiefs or unboxed tissues |
| here in the U.S. and also in the U.K. at least three | | | | - keys (electrical key fobs are NOT allowed and must |
| hours prior to takeoff in order to undergo the | | | | be checked) |
| additional necessary security screenings and bag | | | | - non-liquid duty free purchases |
| checks. | | | | - if traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the |
| If you're planning on flying on one of the 100+ daily | | | | contents of each bottle must be tasted by the |
| flights between the U.S. and U.K., you'll need to pay | | | | accompanying passenger) and sanitary items |
| close attention to the following lists of do's and | | | | sufficient and essential for the flight (wipes, creams, |
| don'ts: | | | | disposal bags) |
| Flying FROM the U.S. to the United Kingdom: You | | | | Major airlines have offered to waive excess baggage |
| may carry on approved electronic items (like laptops, | | | | fees, to a point, until approximately August 17. |
| cell phones and iPods), but you must pack all liquids | | | | Checking with the airlines for individual policies prior to |
| and gels in your checked luggage. This includes | | | | departure is definitely the way to go. |
| beverages of all kinds, shampoo and conditioner, | | | | |