Tara, as usual your advice is spot-on. I've been wrecking my brain trying to figure out a way to get some sort of lip balm on-board without actually breaking their rules. I think this will work, thanks.!

we just flew back to London out of Boston Logan airport. We got there WAY too early and had no ises at all. Security was a bit more strict. None of out bags were opened- but we made sure that we had no liquids, etc in them. We had laptops, phones, blackberry, FOOD (granola bars and candy, etc).
There was a secondary search area set up on the jetway, but we were not searched.

CARRY ONS- all the kids had backpacks- non e were too big. Husband's large briefcase was fine as was my smaller carry on.

I returned from the UK to JFK on Sunday. The first security check (after ticketing) checked us thoroughly, then we were checked again before getting on the plane. Anything purchased AFTER security was still subject to inspection--and taken from us. I lost a lipstick, a contact lens (still in its original factory-sealed case, which I can understand), and one of those Vicks inhalers that just has vapors--no liquids in it. We could take solid food onboard, but no bottled water. I was also selected for a complete pat-down, but my husband was not (they were picking one of every two travelers). I was encouraged by the strong security measures, although they did take quite a bit of time. I felt they were even more stringent now than they were immediately following 9/11. Better safe than sorry!

missypie...; I just reread ma23peas remarks about the lip balm. I think she/he meant just to "smear" some Burt's Bees balm in the little plastic see through (because it was mentioned 'then it won't get all over everything". Don't know if they make little sample packets!
Well, this is a minor point, but it WOULD get you through a flight, which seems to concern you.
I did hear that now they are allowing chapstick... but not the gel form of balm.

I flew domestically in the U.S. the day of the arrests and we were allowed to have lip balm on board. I believe tube lipsticks were allowed also, just not the gel type lip glosses. I don't know if BAA is following the same guidelines, though.

Palouse_girl,
US and UK have different rules re:carryons. US prohibits liquids/gels, whereas UK airports prohibit all cosmetics and toiletries. Hence no problem with lipsticks/lipbalms for US flights, but you can't carry it for flights departing from UK.

In regards to electronics being allowed in carryons, do they allow memory cards in carryons? I have several of them and will put them in a clear plastic bag.

I believe that electronics, including memory cards, are now allowed on UK flights (and non-UK flights).

Had no problems with memory cards