With ever changing rules and regulations, travel can be confusing these days.
People are literally having their plans altered at the last minute with the latest mandate coming down the pipe – and one must constantly read the news to see how their upcoming trip has been affected.
But as it turns out, it’s not only travelers who are confused – a recent tweet reveals even TSA doesn’t know what their own rules are.
We all know how obnoxious the current TSA “3-1-1” liquid rule is, which states you are only allowed to bring liquids no greater than 3.4 ounces, in a 1-quart bag, with only 1 bag allowed per traveler in each carry-on.
Bring a tube of toothpaste or bottle of perfume that’s larger than the allowed amount?
It will get confiscated in the name of “safety.”
Want to check it instead?
Well, not only does checking your luggage bring the potential for a lost bag, plus wasting time at the baggage carousel to claim your now damaged suitcase – airlines are charging a hefty fee just to check one bag.
It really is a no-win situation when it comes to flying with liquids.
During COVID-19, TSA relaxed their liquid rule a little bit and allowed hand sanitizer bottles larger than 3.4 ounces to be brought on the plane in a carry-on bag.
As if allowing passengers to sanitize their own hands is doing them some sort of favor.
But I digress.
However, at least it seemed like a beacon of hope when TSA recently updated their rules for liquids on their website and said passengers were allowed to bring a normal sized bottle of sunscreen on the plane.
Baby steps, but a win!
So was the tide finally changing? Did the TSA finally realize their liquid “safety mandates” weren’t actually keeping anyone safe?
One could only hope…
… and then the TSA went back on their own rules and tweeted they “made a mistake” with what they posted on their own website – and reassured travelers that sunscreen was definitely still banned.
Our website incorrectly reported that sunscreen containers larger than 3.4 oz. were allowed in carry-on bags if medically necessary. That error has been corrected. Sunscreen in carry-on bags must be 3.4 oz. or less. Larger quantities should be placed in checked baggage.
— AskTSA (@AskTSA) April 13, 2021
How in the world are we supposed to know what to do when traveling… if the very people “enforcing” rules (and fines) don’t even know!
It’s no wonder the TSA is one of the most hated government entities – with studies showing just how ineffective they actually are.
Instead of actually keeping people safe…
… they’re too confused about whether grandma can bring her tube of sunscreen on the plane.
And while knives and guns get through security, thanks to Biden, the TSA has the power to actually fine families if their 2-year-old toddler doesn’t keep their mask on.
Talk about an unbalance in priorities.
So if you plan on traveling in the upcoming months, I’d recommend erring on the side of caution with everything.
Just keep your liquids in the 1-quart bag and under 3.4 ounces, as annoying as it is.
Bring your mask (and make sure you have the right one) – and just do your best to get through security as peacefully as possible.
Let the airlines and CDC duke it out about what’s “safe.”
Your main objective is to just make it through the airport so you can enjoy your vacation!
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