How To Cope with Increasing Travel Restrictions

Unfortunately, rules and policies for public transportation evolve with every new terrorism threat. If you print out a list of restricted items six months prior to your vacation, it may be completely out of date when you are ready to pack your suitcase. Here are some important facts and tips.

Transport carriers and governments are continually adding and revising security measures. Although they have developed many safeguards over recent years, they amend the rules and guidelines with every new terrorism attempt. Post 9-11 safeguards include:
Increased security training for screening and processing staff.
Installation of sophisticated electronic scanning equipment.
Improved public awareness due to enhanced media and Internet coverage.
Expansion of 'prohibited items' lists by all carriers.
Addition of incognito air marshals with weapons and special training.
Nationwide alert systems in some countries.
Growing cooperation and knowledge pooling by law enforcement agencies.
Continuing development of new profiling and electronic systems.
Carriers have completely banned some items - even from checked luggage. Increased security and concern about public safety has resulted in a huge list of items that travelers may no longer transport.
There are no standard rules. Unfortunately, transportation venues, communities, and countries have developed different regulations. What may be permitted in one country will be taboo in another.
Here are some items that you can immediately remove from your carry-on bag:
Most knives made out of metal.
Large metal scissors.
Fuel (gasoline, lamp oil, etc.).
Lighters, lighter fluid, and butane refills.
All weapons and ammunition.
Lighters, toys, or anything that looks like a real weapon.
Liquid bleach.
Aerosol products, including spray paint.
Liquid or gel products in containers larger than 3 ounces.
Months before you travel, gather information from websites like the following and BOOKMARK THEM IN YOUR BROWSER. Create a packing list based on what you find.
United States: Go to the Transportation Security Administration website and use their site search engine to search for 'prohibited items' or 'restricted items'. Try the same searches for the countries below as well.
Canada: Visit Transport Canada.
United Kingdom: Go to the UK Government's website.
Australia: Check out the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.
Other Countries: You may have to do a combined search for country (or region) + carrier; for example: 'Europe restricted items rail'.
Airlines: Try to find the main website for each airline. Otherwise, use your favorite search engine to perform searches like 'restricted items Korean Air', etc.
Other Carriers: Attempt to search for 'restricted items Greyhound', 'prohibited items New York subway' and so forth.
National Monuments: Many monuments and tourist attractions have specific regulations for visitors. You can search for them by name, or try a generic search like 'prohibited items Washington'.
A couple of days before you leave, visit your bookmarked websites and search for current regulations. Be especially vigilant and check your packing list for anything that may have changed since you first accessed the information.
Unpack anything that does not comply with regulations. Now you should be reasonably confident that you will get through security with a minimum of fuss.
Pay attention to your amount of luggage. To avoid hassle and fees, make sure you have not exceeded the amount of luggage permitted for an individual.
Be sure to carry extra cash. If the authorities confiscate any of your belongings, you will be able to replace them quickly.