So my question is in this 3-1-1 system do all of the things have to lay flat in one layer in my one quart bag or can I shove as much as I can in there?
Thanks!

As much as you can shove in and still close it.

Some "quart size" are bigger than others. Also, I like the zipper tops vs. press and seal, so they will stay closed even if I have to shove a bunch in there. Tip - throw a couple of extra in your bag. If you "blow a zipper" in your bag, you have an extra, and they come in handy for other stuff.

As long as you can zip the bag shut, you're golden. They don't care if they're laying flat or doing cartwheels, so long as the bag is closed.

I like sludick's suggestion to keep a few extras with you in case you "blow a zipper" LOL... but it could happen and if you haven't gone through security yet it could be a big problem.

ziplock bags have ALL kinds of handy uses while traveling. i always pack a handful. to keep receipts, business cards, paperwork organized. for all my toiletries and cosmetics. coins and bills if you're traveling thru different currencies. to organize socks and undies. Etc. Etc.

The easiest way to deal with the TSA's ridiculous restrictions on toiletries is to skip the plastic baggie and take a few minutes when you arrive to buy whatever toiletries you need. Then you won't have to worry about forgoing items that aren't available in 3-ounce containers, or whether the screener will decide to confiscate your one-ounce bottle of shampoo because you put it in a generic bottle rather than an official one with the manufacturer's label (the TSA has no such published rule, but some airports and screeners have imposed it to give passengers "extra special security&quot.

You might not be able to find your preferred brands, particularly in foreign countries. But treat that as an opportunity to discover different brands that you might like better than your old favorite. Besides the opportunity for the adventure of exploring a foreign drugstore, this seems a better solution than to gamble on either the unpredictable whims of TSA screeners or the unreliability of airline checked baggage.

On the other hand, pack according to your interpretation of the rules... then go shop for anything that didn't pass muster.

p.s. pack 2 corkscrews in different parts of your carry-on, that will distract them from your 3-1-1 bag

I think I would rather deal with the TSA policies than go hunting for my products once I get to my location. Hair, make-up, and facial products can be fairly specialized and you can't necesarily find your items everywhere you go.

It's supposed to fit comfortably. I read that to mean they can see what's in it.

The regulations came as a result of an uncovered Al Queda plot to carry on explosives in liquid form. It was a real plot by really bad people.

I don't feel any of my rights are being violated by having to carry a travel size shampoo or toothpaste. In fact, I'm packing lighter than ever and wondering why I ever packed more toiletries.

I've been traveling quite a bit on business this year, averaging around 2 flights per week. I pack that little baggie pretty full - I leave my contact lens solution and other liquid meds in the same bag. Nobody has ever given me any grief about packing it too tight.

Just make sure you take it out of your bag and drop it into a bin with your shoes and stuff, you'll be fine.

BTW, I do use the travel-size bottles of Renu contact solution that you can get at Target (2 oz.). It's enough for a good week.

Travelnut - I like your corkscrew suggestion! I've packed one and failed to get a rise out of them, maybe two would be fun. I used to travel with a really nice pocketknife that had a corkscrew, but one time I forgot it in a bag that I checked once and rolled on the next. The agent confiscated it without giving me an option to check the bag, mail the knife, or what have you. Guess he liked it, too..

They do sometimes run my bag back and forth a couple of times to identify my GPS, GPS beanbag mount, and assorted cables I pack for work and personal, but that doesn't even seem to excite them much any more.

There are also solid products available in such things as shampoo and conditioner (I use Lush) that help to free up that space!

Nice tip, Amy - thanks! I do pack an extra conditioner or two, in case the hotel doesn't provide it (my hair really tangles otherwise).

Where can I get solid conditioner?

I use this one, Jungle by Lush, usually:
http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/0...xpand=Haircare

It takes a little use to get accustomed to it, but it really works on the detangling. I also use the Godiva solid shampoo which has conditioner in it, but I don't care much for the smell on that one. (rather overwhelmingly jasmine)

Jungle's not cheap, but it lasts pretty much forEVER!

Awesome, thank you!

My logic is to pack my toiletries in my checked bag. Then I don't have to deal with security.

If the bag gets lost, then I buy toiletries or use the hotel's stuff.

If the bag doesn't get lost, then I have my preferred toiletries in quantities that work without having to deal with making them fit in a ziplock.

I have to agree with Amy...
www.Lush.com is amazing. I love the jungle solid conditioner, also the Karma Kumba solid shampoo. They also sell solid perfumes. Check out the web site they have great products.

I stumbled upon solid shampoo bars at Basin in the Downtown Disney shops in Orlando once. They also have a website: www.basin.com. I also found sheets of conditioner at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Each sheet is about the size of a "post it" type note. They are a solid, so you can take as many as you need! Also, Bumble and Bumble makes a conditioner called Super Rich. A 3oz bottle lasts me about 5 washings. It is so thick and the water seems to activate it somehow so you just need a bit (and I have pretty thick hair to the middle of my back)!

Forgot to mention that I also switched to daily disposable contacts early this year. So, no more solutions except a tiny bottle of eye drops. I bring as many I need for the trip and they do not have to go through in the 3-1-1 bag (or at least I have never been stopped or questioned about it!)