Airline Security in Europe

If possible, check with the security agencies at the airports / airlines you'll be using to determine any differences that could surprise you. While knitting needles and crochet hooks are specifically allowed by the TSA, my MIL had some crochet hooks taken away as were leaving Portugal a couple of years ago.

Absolutely -- in fact have found Europe to be even more strict in some areas. In Germany have been asked to empty every pocket regardless of contents and remove money belts. Also, don't be surprised if you are "interviewed" while standing in line.

Jerry,

The rules are slightly different in Europe for air travel. You will usually only be allowed ONE carry-on item. That DOESN'T mean a carry-on bag plus a "personal item", it means ONE ONLY. However, Camera bags are often allowed to be taken as a separate carry-on item.

The "3-1-1" rules for liquids and gels seem to be much the same in Europe. As I recall, the limit is 100 mL for each item in the liquids bag.

The Euro airlines also tend to be quite strict with size and weight of carry-on items, but there is at times some "inconsistency" in applying the rules.

I'm not certain about the Tripod, as I usually place my Tripod in checked luggage. A carbon fibre model MAY be allowed, while those with metal construction are a bit "uncertain".

Be sure to let us know what your experience is in travelling with the Tripod as carry-on, as I'm sure others here would be interested.

Happy travels!

I suspect Frank looks suspicious...;-)

I agree with the others - for example, the TSA is OK with corkscrews w/knives, but NOT Europe. The 3-1-1 bag stuff is synchronized, but of course all security personnel can do what they want...It's not for us to know LOL! The same thing goes for WITHIN Europe, since that's your question.

And basically, esp. with the language barrier, the more you can check from Europe to the US, the better. It's less to be hasseled about.

Things certainly have changed in 12 years...Allow MORE time than you might think. It's a different world. Two hours minimum, three hours isn't too early to be at the airport, esp. in Europe.

Ya, white male, slightly balding, slightly overweight, retired college professor is real threats especially when accompanied by a retired librarian who is not balding,NOT overweight, and does not have her hair in a bun.

I just came back through Heathrow and did not have any problem with carrying both a laptop bag and carry on so this may have more to do with individual airline rules. The part about liquids and gels is 100 ml instead of the 3 oz which we are familiar with.

I fly there a lot and only thing I noticed is different than here is that you don't have to take your shoes off and sometimes they want you to take your belt off.

I thought German (Frankfurt) security was nicer than TSA. They looked at me funny for getting all my liquids out and putting them on top, and they also helped me get all of my stuff in the bins for me. Additionally, one of the agents noticed my daughter had shoes on the wrong foot, so she flagged her down and had her sit down and helped her get her shoes on the right foot.