The Rules Are Not That Difficult. So Why Does TSA Have A Problem?
26 September 2006
September 26th is the day TSA revised the restrictions on products that can be carried on. In general, if the item is 3oz. or less and all your liquid and gel items that you want to carry on fit comfortably in a zip lock bag, you can take it. All you have to do is tell TSA you have a clear plastic bag with toiletries and then remove that bag for separate screening. This is clear an reasonable.
Up until September 26th, if you carried a 4oz. or less size of contact lens or other eye solution, just pull it out of your case and let it go through screening and your done. Not a problem. I have done this for months through numerous security points with a 4 oz container of contact lens solution without a glitch. All TSA staff have looked at this container, tested it and I proceeded to boarding.
Today with relaxed rules and the same container, my contact lens solution was abruptly taken and tossed in the trash by a TSA staff person at the Harrisburg, Pa. Airport. I protested. “Why did you pitch my contact lens solution?” “You are only allowed containers 3 oz. or less?” And so the discussion began because I know the rules and the staff person was incorrect. A supervisor came and I explained the issue and the supervisor said I was incorrect. I professionally informed the supervisor he was incorrect and asked for a form so I could file a complaint. They had no complaint forms. The supervisor had to call a manager for a complaint form form the office and the manager could not find one so the manager came out and I explained the issue with the 4 oz container of contact lens solution that is permitted being tossed. The manager proceeded to show the supervisor the rule that demonstrated my position was correct. The manager then escorted me to the trash can where I retrieved my contact lens solution.
This is not about contact lens solution. This is about very straightforward rules confusing TSA staff. Very disturbing. I can now relate to an article in USA Today quoting a TSA staff in Boston as being concerned the rule changes would confuse TSA staff. I am very concerned with TSA staff being confused by rules that are very easy to understand.
Final comment: you can carry on a 4 oz container of contact lens solution. It does not have to be in the quart size plastic bag. But you do have to “declare it when going through security. This “declaring it” is new. More on that as I continue my travels.
Steve Pohlit, Business Consultant
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