Yeah, by 10a.m., the local news finally explained that it was only liquids that were carried on board. I think I can deal with the new restrictions. The no-ipod thing will suck, though.

There will be water on the plane. You'll just have to ask the flight attendent for it.

I was supposed to fly to Chicago today, but was so sick, decided that I didn't need to spend a weekend away from home feeling lousy. I am SO GLAD, because I have my suitcases packed a precise way at all times, and would have freaked if I'd have to change everything around.

I did hear that in several airports, returning tourists are just leaving bottles of wine (CA), barbeque sauce (TX), hot sauce (LA), etc in the airport lobbies, so someone can still use them. It will be interesting to see what they do with that stuff.

OK, since my kids were flying as unaccompanied minors, I got a gate pass and got to sit and observe while they screened everybody, so here's what I saw:

The ipod thing is only for Britain. My kids had an ipod, cell phone and Game Boy with them and those were not a problem. Neither was the portable nebulizer (for the asthma).

ANYTHING liquid or gel like was taken away from people. This included mascara, lip gloss, lotions, etc. Most people were ok with it, but one senior citizen lady was flipping out about a $50 bottle of face lotion and some expensive perfume. What they are going to do with that stuff, who knows.

We went through the initial security checkpoint like always.. remove shoes, metal, put your stuff on the conveyer. HOWEVER, when they started boarding, then they went through each carry on bag and frisked every single passenger. Since they started boarding at the usual time, this did make the plane slightly delayed. I guess they were worried about people getting something between the initial check in and boarding the plane, since all the little news stands and stuff sell things that are liquid.

Overall, I felt much better about the kids flying after seeing everything they went through with each person, even though it took a while. And, they arrived safely in St. Petersburg and my dad found them with no trouble. I didn't completely relax until he called and said they were in his possession though.

I must admit, I am so relieved that they are gone for a little while because with juggling work, my mom in the hospital and the kids for a month now, I'm wiped out. One less thing on my plate is really helpful. I might actually get some sleep over the next week. Phew.

Thank God that the terrorist were captured. I rather be safe than sorry. I'm thinking about heading to Brimingham in October, but I'm not flying there. I might take the bus.

BTW, is deodorant on the list?

Yep.

It took me about 5 minutes or less to get through security at PHL today. It seriously was not that bad, they told people that no liquids were allowed starting at the ticketing counters, so by the time people got to the security checkpoint, there was no problem with prohibited items.

The only thing that ticked me off was they made me take off my Rainbows and walk through the metal detector barefoot. Ew, I washed my feet off in the bathroom after that. I usually wear flip flops because you DON'T have to take them off and hold up the line. Seriously, do I look like a jail inmate who makes shanks out of toothbrushes and hides them in the 1/2 inch rubber sole of my flip flop?

International Flight + No Toothpaste = Yuck :(

Don't take it personally. They made a family with 3 kids under the age of 4 remove all the kids shoes too, as well as my kids (10 and 12 year olds). They were all wearing sandals too.

I would recommend some sort of slip ons with socks to avoid that type of thing.

They showed a lady at the Atlanta airport getting arrested because she wouldn't throw her makeup that was liquid/pastey away and still tried to get past securirty to get on her plane.

From what I remember, I think the stewardesses have little things of toothpaste and a small toothbrush for the passengers on international flights.

I was talking to my co-worker today and we were joking about how if a security guard asked us to throw away our MAC or Chanel make up, we'd just turn around and go home since the make up costs more than the plane ticket!

This is something we'll all get used to sooner or later. It's inconvenient now, but the obvious answer is that we can't go with just carry-on anymore (a bummer since I almost always do that). We simply have to put the stuff in question in checked luggage.

Sucks, but if it makes things safer, why argue?

If in dire need, Brush-Ups do the trick.

I'm baffled by deodorant and lip gloss! Is it just gel/clear deodorant or all kinds?

I feel bad for my friend who travels alot for work. She can pack for a week in just a carry-on. I can only imagine how she's feeling now.

Wow. That's crazy. I feel bad for him. At least you know he's safe though.

I had to re-wire my brain packing last night. I had to keep reminding myself not to put any handcream, toothpaste, etc. in my carry-on (something I wouldn't think twice about before). We are leaving for the airport extra early today. Our flight isn't until 2:15 PM, but we plan on arriving at 11am this morning.

As far as buying drinks and stuff post security, I know Vancouver has asked all merchants to put any drinks/liquid into open cups, and it must be discarded before boarding the plane.

I am not looking forward to this flight to NY. I dry out easily when I fly, so it will be hard not having water (will have to wait for the flight attendant), hand cream, contact solution, eyedrops.

Oh yeah, does anybody know if you are still allowed to buy Duty Free? I was hoping to pick up a bottle of BC wine for our friend in NJ who we are staying with... guess I will find out soon enough.