You know, it only takes a few terrorists to ruin it for everyone

Please let me state here that I am very, very impressed and grateful that the UK managed to get wind of what was going on, and I hope that this weekend goes very smoothly and safely for travellers. I cannot overstate that.

That said, check out the new luggage regulations published by the Home Office:

The following items may be taken through airport security search points and into the plane's cabin, but only in a transparent, plastic carrier bag. All items not on this list must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.

• Pocket-size wallets and pocket-size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards --handbags are not allowed.
• Travel documents essential for the journey (passports and travel tickets)
• Prescription medicines and medical items sufficicent and essential for the flight (diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
• Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
• Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
• For people traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger).
• Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
• Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs.
• Keys (but not with electrical key fobs).

People have also been told to expect massive delays and additional security screenings. Good thing I'm not flying to Prague or anything in a week, huh? In all the dissertation craziness I sort of forgot about that.

The question will be whether the rules will have relaxed any by September 14th. I've already got chick lit which I bought specifically for the flight to Atlanta, and now I might not even be allowed to take it on with me. I bet all those overpriced bookstores in the airports are loving this. What they don't know is that Savvymom will be meeting me in Atlanta and that she will bring me stuff if I ask her to. So that should show those airport bookstores. And the terrorists.

Posted in: England