Expert: Roberto Gomes - 9/2/2007

Question
HI MR. GOMES, I AM TRAVELING FROM ISLIP NY TO ORLANDO FOR A FAMILY DISNEY VACATION AND I WAS WONDERING CAN I USE THE VACUUM STORAGE BAGS FOR MY SUITCASE? IF THEY DECIDE TO SEARCH MY SUIT CASE DO THEY HAVE TO OPEN THE BAG?  ALSO I HAVE A PORTABLE SMALL VACUUM THAT CAN BE USED TO VACUUM THE AIR OUT WHEN I AM DEPARTING ORLANDO, IS THERE ANY RULES ABOUT HAVING THE SMALL VACUUM IN MY SUIT CASE? I KNOW YOU ANSWERED A QUESTION FOR SOMEONE ELSE BUT I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THERE ISN'T ANY NEW RULES.

Answer
Dear Michele,

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) will only open your checked and carry-on bags if they see a suspicious item and if this item is not included in the prohibited items list which is at:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.sht...

Your vacuum cleaner will be fine. But just to play safe place it in your checked bag.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes