BestAdvice Travel

Navigating the Rules of Carry-on Liquids

Is it worth it? Is it really worth it? Trying to get that bottle of Evian on board just isn't worth the hassle anymore. And clinging to that cup of Starbucks coffee as you wait to board a 6:00 a.m. flight to anywhere only to be told to toss it before entering the security check point is hard to handle.

In spite of all the stated rules for "liquids, gels, creams and similar substances" published by the TSA, the actual implementation of these rules will vary dramatically from airport to airport throughout the US and abroad. Why? The reasons can vary from lack of training, personal interpretation of the rules by individual TSA employees or just plain laziness in adhering to them. After all, TSA employees are looking for needles in a haystack as thousands of travelers pass their patrol. So getting through with your favorite beverage is really a toss of the dice.

As a traveler, you can either argue your case when faced with a screener who insists you dump that fresh bottle of water or you can simply take steps to avoid any unpleasantness that may ruin the start to that dream vacation or that important client meeting.Read more

When it comes to upgrades, the airlines are caught in what is viewed by many to be a real Catch-22. Like any business, the airlines have an obligation to maximize revenue and make money for the company. Part of this revenue is generated from the outright sale of tickets in their Premium cabins – First Class and Business Class. However, they also have an obligation to their best customers, namely the frequent flyer and more specifically the Elite flyer. Maintaining, and even growing, the base of frequent flyers of an airline depends almost entirely on the “value” of their frequent flyer programs, especially for Elite members. The value of most programs is often judged by the number of seats an airline allocates for either free or mileage upgrades in the very same Premium cabins they are obligated to sell. Hence the Catch-22. Read more

You’ve managed to secure the cheapest airline ticket or the best value ticket based on your travel itinerary. Or, maybe you’ve managed to snare that elusive upgrade or free award ticket in First Class. That’s terrific, but you’re only halfway there to a great experience. So, where are you going to sit? On the wing?

Traveling from one city to another can vary greatly based on the airline and the equipment (type of plane). Different airlines will fly different aircraft types and each will have its own seating configuration and amenities. This can drastically alter your flying experience. Even with the same airline, two or three different aircraft types may be used and each with varying quality of seats and seat arrangements. Read more

Is it worth it? Is it really worth it? Trying to get that bottle of Evian on board just isn’t worth the hassle anymore. And clinging to that cup of Starbucks coffee as you wait to board a 6:00 a.m. flight to anywhere only to be told to toss it before entering the security check point is hard to handle.

In spite of all the stated rules for “liquids, gels, creams and similar substances” published by the TSA, the actual implementation of these rules will vary dramatically from airport to airport throughout the US and abroad. Why? The reasons can vary from lack of training, personal interpretation of the rules by individual TSA employees or just plain laziness in adhering to them. After all, TSA employees are looking for needles in a haystack as thousands of travelers pass their patrol. So getting through with your favorite beverage is really a toss of the dice. Read more

Due to recent events, you can not take liquids on planes in carry-on luggage. This includes items such as: toothpaste, perfume, shampoo and even lip gloss. So what’s a beauty-conscious traveler supposed to do? If you don’t have time to dig through your checked luggage before heading off to your destination, Carefair.com, a new online beauty community, has the following tips: Read more