Toiletry Bag

Unless your toiletry bag is the size and shape of a 1 quart/litre ziploc, then you cannot do this. The issue is not just with being able to see the items. It has to do with the volume of the bag. A 1 quart bag where no container is larger than 3 oz means that there is only a certain amount of liquid that can be carried on.

Laura,
I know the size is 3 oz. and right now I have all of my things in a quart zip lock bag. I just found it interesting how he could just leave his open to be x-rayed without using a quart bag. So I was wondering if anyone else experienced the same thing.

I'm not sure if the rules are hard and fast on this. I've carried two bags with stuff in them and wasn't asked about them at all.

Wendy, I honestly don't know how he is able to do what you describe (using a toiletry bag), but it could depend on the airport that he is flying out of and the size of his toiletry bag. For example at DCA, I am not required to remove my ziploc bag while at MKE, they always ask for it to be removed. The procedures seem to vary from airport to airport. I fly at least once a month. Last time I went through Heathrow (last year), they even made me put my ziploc bag inside one of their ziploc bags ... I had never seen that before. When this rule was originally implemented, I read that the reason that a quart/litre size bag was chosen had to do with the total volume of liquid that could fit into the bag. You can only fit so many 3 oz containers in a 1 quart bag and thus if you add up all the liquid amounts in the bag it is significantly less than a quart. It wasn't just about having your items in a "clear bag".

You may have no problem, or you may face difficulty. My opinion is why take the chance? If you want to, put your liquids in a quart bag, and then put that in your toiletry bag. Pull it out when going through security. I've had times where I realized after security I had nail polish in my backpack, or in my case going through FCO I had a water bottle they didn't notice. Other times they've noticed liquids I missed in my purse (a small thing of lotion) and I had to start over. You may get away with it, but I would just go ahead and use the bag. Like others have said, it's not only the see-through-ness but the size as well.

I would advise against it, especially flying internationally. They can more strict than domestic flights (especially Heathrow). If you really want to do, then I would take a quart ziploc with you, so you can make the transfer if they ding you. This will not endear you to your fellow travellers, though...

Wendy Definitely use a quart bag. As others have mentioned, why take a chance of annoying a TSA agent! Also, use a heavy duty (freezer) bag with a tab pull. And take an extra one in case your bag rips! The TSA agent was not amused when my bag split and I had toiletry items all over the moving belt. Bobbie

I would not chance it. The freezer bag is definitely a better idea. Many airports have extra bags available. I like to get through security as quickly as possible wo any problem. Security is most likely very tight at this time.

I am going to use a zip lock. I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to:) Thanks everyone.

Trust me when I say we are ALL wishing we didn't have to...

At some airports you can get away with anything... At others they are sure they will catch the next "shoe bomber" and check everything. So your friend's father's experience is understandable. However I have noticed that European airports tend to be consisently stricker. Of course I have carried a hand lotion in my bag for YEARS. Not the same tube of course, but there is ALWAYS one there. I fly generally at least 4 x a month. If a TSA agent EVER notices this I plan to send a letter of congratulations (and point out that I started this "experiement" by accident just after the "liquid ban") But somehow I doubt that letter will EVER be sent. So much for "we can see liquids" :)