Top Tips from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

 

Confused about what to bring on the plane? Here is the latest update from the TSA.

 

1. Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers three ounces or less. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.

2. Items must be put in a one quart, clear plastic zip-top bag. Only one zip-top bag per passenger. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed.

3. You may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including eye drops and saline solution for medical purposes as well as liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition for passengers with a disability or medical condition and life-support liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs. There is no limit on how much you can bring, but if over 3 ounces, you must declare to a TSA agent.

3. Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in carry-on baggage.  However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler and items will be subject to inspection (but you will not have to taste it!).

3. Do not wrap gifts.

4. Food items such as jams, salsas, sauces, syrups and dips will not be allowed through the checkpoint unless they are in containers three ounces or less and in the one quart zip-top bag. This applies to gift items including lotions, creams, scented oil, liquid soaps, and perfumes that are in excess of three ounces even if they are in sealed gift packs. You should consider shipping these items prior to your trip or put them in your checked baggage. Note: no snow globes allowed in any carry-on baggage!

5. Any of the above items WILL be allowed on the plane IF you purchase them after the security checkpoint.

6. Shoes must be removed and screened by TSA, so wear shoes you can easily take on and off to speed the process. Winter coats, blazers, suit jackets and bulky sweaters also must be removed and put in the bin for screening.

 

For additional information or updates, visit www.tsa.gov.

 

Untourists discuss film, suitcases, wrinkle-free clothing and more!

 

Idyllchat, our online listserv dedicated to all things travel is one of the best trip planning resources out there! Ask a question about a destination, get people's opinions on accommodations, or ask for travel advice. You're sure to get lots of responses from folks who have been there, done that. To subscribe go to: http://www.untours.com/idyllchat.html.

 

On the subject of packing for a trip, there were many responses!

 

No toothpaste in the carryons, no problem!

On our Untour in June, my wife took some of the Oral B Brushaways with her and we used them on the plane to freshen our mouths; they were outstanding!  She had enough for us on the return flight, about two each for each way. 

Sonny Culverhouse

 

No worries about film going through security.

The film problem is cumulative - the more check points your bag goes through the effect builds up on the film. However, we just returned from Europe and I had film unexposed going over and exposed coming back--both 35mm and 24mm (APS) with ASA of 200 and 400. All of the film came through just fine - no fog at all. I would not worry about film in your carry on bags. This year I did not even use the lead bag that I had used in past years, knowing that the bag would show up on the scanner and invite a closer check! There have been many tests done and it would take dozens of check point x-rays to harm your film.
Pete Haggart

 

Lost luggage, no problem--you're covered!

Always take a change of underwear & something you can sleep in (t-shirt, lounging pants, etc).  This would be in addition to the obvious items such as toiletries,  medications, & anything else you can't live without.
Amy Schaffner

 

Advice on purchasing luggage
You are bound to get a storm of replies to this one, but here is my suggestion!  Don't take but one 21" rollaboard apiece plus a smaller shoulder carry-on that you can carry on top of the rollaboard. Whether you are traveling by train or using a rental car you will be very glad you don't have too much luggage!  And one small bag is not too much to have to carry up a flight or two of stairs if necessary.  We prefer to take less expensive luggage instead of big expensive name brands and have never had one break or tear up!   Enough clothes for a week or two can easily fit into these two small bags--and Europe does have good washing machines (though they tend to have too many long cycles!).  We also much prefer to take poly-cottons rather than 100% cotton because they dry much faster (and generally don't get as wrinkled).

Charlotte Sprawls

 

Wrinkle-free clothes

I pack shirts, blouses, slacks, in large ziplock bags, partially close them, push out the air and zip the rest of the way.  Can pack without wrinkles and more!

Jean Heytler

 

Less is more!
Our strategy is this:
1. Pack everything you'll WANT (not need) one month in advance.
2. With one week to blast-off, take everything out and repack everything you'll NEED (not want).
3. With two days to go, divide the items from step two by one half and that will be what you'll tote to Europe.
Hold fast to this rule of packing and you'll not go wrong. Keep in mind, for emergencies, there are stores in Europe...rather good ones at that.
Elliot Vorce

Untours on TV: "Pack Your Bags"

 

Watch a short clip of what it's like to be an Untourist in Switzerland. This past year we were featured in the PBS series Boomers! Redefining Life after 50! Also check out the clip on Untours President Hal Taussig and his work with the Untours Foundation. You can even catch some scenes from the Untours office in this segment! For more information on Boomers! visit www.boomerstv.com. 

 

 

 

My Favorite [Untour] Things 

 

Created by Untourist Pat Barnes on a rainy night a few years ago, this song will make just about anyone want to start packing for a trip! It can be sung to the famous melody with the same name from "The Sound of Music".

 

 

*CH=Switzerland (Confoederatio Helvetica)

Untours Accommodations

 

These featured apartments will make you feel so at home that once you unpack, you'll never want to leave! See why our staff love them so much.

Toreselle in Venice

 

"The kitchen is so well outfitted, when I stayed there with my father and gourmet-cook stepmother, we were able to cook an elaborate 4-course meal in the kitchen and had all the tools and gadgets we needed--down to a dishwasher to clean it all up." --Andrea Szyper, Italy Untours Staff

Chalet Alpentraum

 

"This isn't called the  Alpine Dream Chalet for nothing! The view from the balcony of this chalet is outstanding and the main street of the town of Kandersteg is close by where you'll find shops, restaurants, and the train station." --Francy Douglas-Breon, Switzerland Untours Staff

Amalia A in Vienna

 

"Wonderful bi-level apartment in a very centrally located neighborhood.The apartment is spacious, airy, bright and so tastefully furnished.
Honestly, if I ever had to move to Vienna, that's the apartment I would want to rent. Fabulous!" --Cathrin Baumbach, Vienna Untours Staff