Expert: Roberto Gomes - 1/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'll need to bring Static Guard which is an aerosol spray and was wondering if I can put this in my bag that gets checked and if it will travel okay.
Also wanted to know if I could put fingernail polish and spray perfume in my checked bag without damage.  I know I need to put the items in a quart size baggie for protection.
Last question:  I take about 20 different vitamins every day as well as some prescriptions and was wondering if I need to bring the bottles?  I wanted to put them in a pill container that has a compartment for each day.  I fly out Tuesday, so thanks for responding quickly.

Thanks for the help,
Tonia

ANSWER: Dear Tonia,

Below are the current Transportation Security Agency (TSA) regulations regarding carry-on baggage items:

3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

If the Static Guard is larger than 3oz, you must place it in your checked bag. The other items won't break in you checked bag, provided that you pack them properly, i.e. using plastic to avoid spillage and bubble plastic to avoid that the movement of the bag in/out to/from the plane and airport carousels may damage the contents.

As far as the vitamins, take with you your daily allowance and place the rest in your checked bag.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I still have questions regarding the vitamins and prescription drugs.  I didn't want to bring all the bottles, since there are so many, that's why I wanted to know if I needed to bring the prescription bottles, or could I put my daily pills in a weekly sorter to save space.  Since some are prescription, I wasn't sure what the requirements are.

Answer
Dear Tonia,

As mentioned before, you can take onboard combined items which can not exceed the 3oz limit. But if you are planning to take all with you you must declare it to the Security Officer at the checkpoint for further inspection. TSA recommends, but do not requires, that your medications be labeled to assist with the screening process.

If you want that your items are visually inspected in stead of x-rayed do the following:

1. You must ask for visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will be X-rayed.  
2. If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector.  
3. Ask the Security Officer to visually inspect your medication and hand your medication pouch/bag to him or her.  
4. To prevent your medication, associated supplies or fragile medical materials for contamination or damage, we will ask you to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during visual inspection. Any medication and/or associated supplies that TSA can’t clear visually will be X-rayed.  If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.


If you still have questions, please let me know.
R.Gomes