I know this gets run by every so often, but give me an update...carry-on items, other than the obvious (weapons) is there anything that used to be considered an "every-day" item that we shouldn't be packing nowadays? A friend of mine told me that he recently flew from Kansas City, where security was REALLY tight, to San Fran where he said it was shockingly light.<BR><BR>In Kansas City the scrutinized his carry-on to the Nth degree, had everyone remove belts and shoes, etc. and that he wasn't allowed to take an open bottle of water he had on board.<BR><BR>In S.F. he said he could have taken on a chainsaw for all anyone seemed to care.<BR><BR>Anyway...is there anything that you would avoid including in your carry on, particularly for an international flight?

Then there’s the story of the two buzzards standing in line, waiting to board a plane. One had a dead, flattened skunk under his wing. When they approached the flight attendant he asked the buzzard if the skunk was something that he’d like to check.<BR><BR>The buzzard said, “No thanks. This is just my carrion.”<BR><BR>

I say, if it's metal and you can pack it or leave it behind, do so. It just wastes everyone's time to have to stop and double check all the pens, paperclips, etc. Also, avoid wearing anything with metal on it, like a belt, jeans, or boots. I'm going to be traveling in sneakers, or at least take my shoes off and put them on the belt, I've had so many problems.

I am not wearing a bra!

I'm leaving home the chafey underwear. Oh wait, that's another threat! whoops, sorry!!

meant to type "thread" not "threat"

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Okay, one carry on and one "personal item"...the personal item can be a purse or a computer case, those big computer cases aren't making the cut. Now for stuff inside, pocket knives, things that look like weapons etc. Also, to get through security faster, try and limit the metal on you, and odd weapon shaped items in your carryon. The less electronic stuff on you the better. Loafers are easier if they want to look at your shoes.

Are there specific destinations in Europe for which a chain saw is important to take?<BR>

yeah, the Black Forrest.<BR><BR>And, for "girl," who proudly announced she's not wearing a bra...<BR><BR>Well, I'm just in a bathrobe, myself, so tell me more...

I bought this cell phone last year in Europe that I packed in my carry-on uncharged since it had a European charger, and was told it was a security item and wasn't allowable. So you may want to put that in your checked luggage.

<BR>Some other things that I've seen confiscated in recent months: pocket knives, finger nail clippers, pointed finger nail files, metal clothes hangers (like you get back for the cleaners), silverware (knives & forks), cigarrette lighters, umm, that's all that comes to mind. Most of these items I saw in the fall. Security might have slacked up a bit. <BR><BR>As a side note, did anyone read about the WWII war hero from Arizona (?) who had his Purple Heart taken away from him a few weeks back?

well, if you DO wear a bra, make sure it's not an underwire so you won't set off the metal detector!! I heard you can't carry on tweezers, either.

no no no , I am not wearing a bra on the plane! Right now I am wearing a bra

i am a newly diagnosed diabetic who need to inject insulin. Will i be able to carry on my syringes? I dont fancy being told that my luggage with my very necessary medical supplies is on its way to hong kong when I am in Venice. Would I need a doctors note? Permission from the airlines?? My plan is to carry on as many syringes as I will need for the whole trip and then pack some in my checked luggage just in case. Any diabetic travellers out there who have faced this dilemma since 9/11?

Dean, you'll need the doctor's letter. As for carrying on you full supply of syringes, etc., I suggest you definitely check with the airline. You many not be able to include that large a quantity in your carry-on luggage.

ttt

I am an insulin dependent diabetic.A medical certificate is useless according to FAA. You need to carry insulin in original box with medical info on it. Syringes are then no problem. Bon Voyage

I'd like to purchase some steak knives from Laguiole while in Paris. Would it be ok to pack these in with my checked in luggage? If not any suggestions?<BR>

S.C. There was no pun alert on your post! Hope we get to see you in Paris--I'm working on it!<BR><BR>Last October in NH they took away my sewing kit (needles) and safety pins. (Questioned my matches and eyebrow pencil sharpener in KC)