Latest news with #TSA-approved
NDTV
3 days ago
- NDTV
US Air Travel On Cusp Of New Era: Liquid And Shoe Rules May Soon Relax
New York: When limits on liquids were introduced at TSA checkpoints across the country in 2006, bins overflowed with bottled water, toothpaste, shaving cream, and so much more. Nearly two decades later, travellers are much more accustomed to the "3-1-1" regulations governing the size of the liquids they're flying with, but scenes of passengers guzzling a beverage before putting their bags through the screening machines are still common. That's why Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent ripples through the travelling public when she said earlier this week that changes might be afoot when it comes to the TSA's current liquid limits. "The liquids, I'm questioning. So that may be the next big announcement, is what size your liquids need to be," Noem told a conference hosted by "The Hill" in Washington. Will travellers be able to carry bigger bottles? Multiple 1-quart bags of liquids? Those details haven't been rolled out. But coming on top of her announcement earlier this month that travellers could keep their shoes on at TSA checkpoints, it seems a much different security experience for American air travellers might be emerging. Airline travel changed dramatically after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Before that, airlines were responsible for security and would often contract it out to private firms, said Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst with Atmosphere Research Group. Travellers often didn't need to show their ID at security checkpoints, and people without boarding passes, such as family members or friends, could go to the gate in some locations. "It was much more casual. And clearly it was ineffective, because 9/11 occurred," Harteveldt said. That's when the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration were born, with the mandate of preventing more terrorist attacks. The liquid limits, however, didn't kick in until 2006, after authorities foiled a plot that used liquid explosives smuggled aboard carry-on luggage. The TSA then very briefly banned all liquids in carry-on luggage. That ban lasted about six weeks, but it strained airlines' baggage systems as more and more travellers turned to checked bags to pack toiletries. At the time the 3.4-ounce limit was implemented, the FBI and other laboratories had found that tiny amounts of substances small enough to fit into a quart-size bag couldn't blow up an airliner. When the ban was eventually lifted in September 2006, consumers and businesses alike had to learn how to adapt to the 3-1-1 rule, leading to more demand for smaller, travel-size bottles of anything from shampoo to toothpaste, as well as clear, "TSA-approved" toiletry bags that are still seen on store shelves today. The rule was also adopted in many countries around the world starting later that year. Keith Jeffries, a former TSA director at Los Angeles International Airport and now vice president of K2 Security Screening Group, says whatever comes next needs to be clear for passengers. And he knows whereof he speaks. Jeffries was working for TSA in Albuquerque, New Mexico, when the liquids rules came down overnight. Signage had to be changed to let passengers know of the new regulations. Barrels overflowing with toothpaste, shaving cream and shampoo had to be emptied every half hour. Jeffries remembers seeing a pair of shoes sitting in one of the barrels. When he asked why, a TSA staffer said there was gel in the soles. "I said, 'Please tell me I don't have a passenger back there walking in the sterile area barefoot. And he says, 'No, sir, they still have their socks on,'" he said. "That's how chaotic it was." Any move to simplify the screening process and cut down on the time it takes for passengers to navigate checkpoints would be a welcome change for everyone, Harteveldt says. Because it isn't just about convenience, those lines before the security checkpoints are the most at risk to a potential threat. The fact that the TSA felt confident enough to change its shoe policy earlier this month may not save too much time from an individual traveler's perspective, Harteveldt notes - but marks a "big step forward" toward cutting down the average length of the security process when you think about the number of people going through US airports each day. Relaxing current liquid restrictions could aid that effort. Still, questions remain. "What we don't know is what the secretary is going to announce about liquids," Harteveldt said. "Will they remove the liquid ban altogether - and can we go back to bringing full-sized toiletries and other items with us? Will they allow people to bring more than one bag of toiletries and liquids? And importantly, will they relax the limit on the quart-size bag itself?" It's also possible that the changes the TSA makes, whatever they are, only start at a handful of airports that have the technology to do so. Over the years, airports worldwide have adopted some aspects of security screenings faster or differently than others. But travellers could be confused if they're able to bring a full-size bottle of shampoo or lotion when flying out of one airport, for example, but not on their return trip home. "The devil is going to be in the details," Harteveldt said. "That's why the rollout plan will be absolutely critical." Harveldt says a more streamlined process could make travellers less stressed, but others, including flight attendants and pilots who are in the skies more frequently, may object and question whether airport security is being compromised. Still, Harveldt says he doesn't believe the TSA would make this change if the agency "didn't feel it was authentically, truly safe." If shoe regulations disappear and liquid restrictions are eased, the effects could ripple into the TSA PreCheck program, in which passengers submit information like their fingerprints and the agency prescreens them for any red flags. By giving the agency this information, the traveller then gets some benefits not available to other travellers - a special line to go through and the ability to keep their computers in their bags and their shoes on, for example. But if those benefits become more widely available to all passengers, will fewer people sign up for PreCheck? "What is the impact on now both shoes and liquids going to have on TSA PreCheck enrollment? That is the million-dollar question," Jeffries said. "And if I were still with TSA, I would be watching that closely over the next 12 to 18 months." While the prospect of increasing the current liquid limit could be a welcome change for many US travellers, some experts say that the tech isn't available in enough airports yet. Current X-ray machines used at most airports today have a difficult time distinguishing between different types of liquids, says Jeffrey Price, a professor of aviation at Metropolitan State University of Denver. That's key, he explains, in determining whether something is harmless or potentially explosive. While newer computed tomography scanners are better and have begun making their way to airports, Price said in commentary published last week that it could take "another decade or more" before the newer machines are deployed at all US airports. "This is an issue that needs to be studied much more carefully than the policy to leave your shoes on," he said in an email Thursday.
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Buzz Feed
Maturing Is Realizing You Really Only Need A Carry-On, And These 24 Travel Products Prove It
A set of packing cubes to level up your packing game since these keep your items compressed and organized. You can sort them by item or by day — so when you get off the plane and make it to your hotel, you can easily change outfits without cave-diving into your carry-on to find that one cute top! Or, a pack of vacuum-free, space-saving compression bags that come in handy when you're packing for the trip, but come in SUPER handy when you realize you went a little overboard at those local boutiques and are bringing back way more than you packed in the first place. Just zip up your clothes, roll, and watch all the air leave the bags, making sure you can still zip up your roller board! The 4-in-1 Alleyoop Pen Pal, which is basically a cooler makeup version of the classic Bic 4 Color Pen. This has four retractable colors so you can touch up your brows, eyeliner, lips, and highlights. Plus, it's small enough to fit in your purse if you need to do some on-the-go touch-ups! And a Subtl Beauty Stak that has genius written all over it. It allows you to keep up to NINE makeup products in one compact and convenient place, AND you can customize it if your routine is more of a no-makeup makeup routine. Plus, it comes with a mirror lid and includes a brush! A sturdy, lightweight eight-compartment pill organizer so you can bring all your important medications and supplements without their bulky bottles taking up all the room in your toiletry bag. Plus, some reviewers have even used the compartments to store smaller items like jewelry! A jewelry organizer to prevent your necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings from basically getting into a full-on catfight in your suitcase. This is easy to roll up and a LOT easier to pack than a mini jewelry box. A Kindle Paperwhite because the list of books you want to read is getting larger by the second (thanks a lot, BookTok), but the space in your suitcase for a book is just non-existent. This little thing holds thousands of books, is waterproof, and has a glare-free screen. Reviewers love how the charge lasts for weeks (yes, weeks!) and the optimal warm light feature that's easy on the eyes. A splurge-worthy set of Cadence Capsules if you're a little picky about hotel shampoos and prefer to stick to your tried and trues. These are super sturdy and they're magnetic, so they'll keep all your vitamins, moisturizers, lotions, and basically anything you want to put in them super safe and organized. Or, if you don't want to splurge, a TSA-approved 16-piece travel toiletries set that comes with four squeeze bottles, three little pots, and one spray bottle for all your skincare and shower necessities. These are leak-proof, refillable, and easy to clean! A travel cable organizer because you've got gadgets and gizmos a plenty which all come with So. Many. Charging. Cables. This keeps everything organized in one convenient place, and it's even waterproof! A plush microfiber makeup-removing cloth so you don't have to settle for 3.4 ounces of makeup-removing liquid for your whole trip or bring wasteful makeup-removing wipes. This will gently get your makeup off with just water! And you didn't hear this from me, but this is three times cheaper than the Makeup Eraser! A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charging station that charges your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time. You can stay organized by getting rid of tangled cords *and* the high-quality magnets in the pad make sure your items don't slip away. When folded up, it easily fits into your pocket! Or a braided 4-in-1 fast charging cord to minimize the amount of space your charging cords take up and maximize the amount of devices you can charge at one time. Or a compact, all-in-one international travel adapter if you find yourself taking a multi-country and need something that won't take up a lot of space in your tech bag, but will work for all your bucket-list destinations. Plus, this lets you plug up to seven devices at once! A neck pillow you can stuff with clothing, which many reviewers have said helped them skirt around those strict carry-on restrictions many airlines enforce. Sometimes you gotta work smarter, not harder, to get in those extra vacay outfits, and this thing does just the job! A hanging toiletry bag that proves you can do a carry-on only, but still bring every toiletry you need. This holds so many things, keeps them in one compact place once you unpack, and lets you see everything at a glance! An on-the-go Gillette razor that proves that many of the best things in life come in small packages. This five-blade razor saves space and saves you from using those disposable razors that just don't step up to the plate. A refillable travel perfume atomizer so you can take your signature scent on the go and not worry about a floral-scented mess leaking in your entire carry-on! This doesn't require a funnel and simply connects to the nozzle of your perfume bottle for easy refilling. A 4-in-1 makeup brush set that saves so much room in your makeup bag because it's only the size of ONE brush. You get a foundation, eye shadow, concealer, AND powder brush! Any wannabe makeup artists on the go, this one's for you. A lightweight, waterproof raincoat, which surprisingly packs up super duper small, allowing you to reserve most of your carry-on space for your lighter wardrobe. Or, an even smaller portable rain hood if you don't want to even bother with packing a designated rain coat at all. So when Mother Nature tries to pull a fast one on ya, you can be like, "Not today!" A travel version of the popular "flossing" toothbrush with super fine bristles that get into the hard-to-reach crevices, so it'll brush *and* floss at the same time. It folds into itself, and the handle even acts as a cap, so you won't have to go out to buy one before your trip! A 2-in-1 contact and glasses case perfect for those who aren't blessed with 20-20 vision. (Curse you, vision gods!) This allows you to keep your glasses and everything you need for your contacts — a case, contact solution, and rubber-tipped tweezers — in separate compartments but in one place for traveling! A fully tricked-out travel backpack with *brace yourself* two laptop sleeves, a shoe compartment, a "wet bag" for damp clothes, a waterproof interior, and an anti-theft design. Plus, it has a USB charging port! This personal item is in a league of its own.
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Buzz Feed
31 Travel Products For Anyone With An Upcoming Trip
A set of Tide sink packs if you have a goal to pack fewer clothes and re-wear more of the items you're bringing. These will make it so simple to do so. No washing machine required! A suitcase cover because you didn't spend your hard-earned spot bonus on swanky new luggage just to be too scared that baggage handlers might nick it that you never actually put it to use. Plus, thanks to the fact that it's clear, your fellow travelers will still be able to 👀 you have expensive taste. A pack of EarPlanes — earplugs designed to help ease the pain that comes with the sudden pressure change during takeoff. These are also great if you're driving to a destination at high altitude or if you're simply just trying to drown out the sound of a crying baby so you can sleep. A portable digital luggage scale because the year is 2025, and it's time we put an end to that gut-wrenching moment the airline counter tells you your suitcase is a few pounds over the weight limit. Being forced to transfer your things from your suitcase into your carry-on in the middle of the terminal for everyone to see is dreadful. A TSA-friendly toiletries kit featuring a pack of four travel bottles, three little jars, two toothbrush caps, a set of labels, and a clear pouch to store them all away in. Keeping all of your liquids contained in this kit should help make getting through security a bit smoother. And if you already have miniature toiletries, then just get this set of three TSA-approved clear cases perfect for holding your travel-sized beauty/hygiene essentials. You can use one case for your shower products/shampoo, another for your skincare items, and another for your cosmetics! A set of packing cubes to not only make packing feel less overwhelming (because all your stuff will have a place!!!) but also make unpacking a breeze because you'll actually know where your stuff is! Think about how nice it's gonna be to open your suitcase and see some order rather than an overflowing mess! Or a portable hanging travel shelf that will allow you to organize your clothes before packing them away — now all you have to do when you get to your hotel is take it out of your suitcase, hang it in the closet, and you're all set! And a shoe bag capable of holding up to three pairs of footwear. Think of how much less clunky it'll be to place this compact cube in your luggage than have to make space for three separate pairs of shoes. Don't even get me started on sand or dirt from the bottom of your shoes getting over all of your other belongings!!! A genius airplane window tray (if you're a window seat kind of traveler) that you can use to hold your drinks, headphones, etc. if you hate keeping the seat back tray down or want to use it for something else like setting up your laptop and playing The Sims 4. A universal travel adapter you're gonna be grateful for if your travels involve hopping to various countries that all use different outlets. Now, you won't need to buy and pack different adapters for each country you plan on visiting. Phew! A phone mount so you can watch your favorite downloaded shows/movies on your flight — because sometimes the airline doesn't offer your comfort characters on their entertainment menu or no television at all. A super smart reusable bottle bag to help protect wine, perfume, olive oil, and more in your checked bag. Whether you're bringing back a souvenir for a loved one or going on a cruise where you can bring on a bottle of your favorite vino, this will def come in handy! A pair of compression socks for potentially bringing sweet relief to feet that tend to swell during air travel. A portable door lock that'll provide some extra security and peace of mind in hotel rooms, hostels, and Airbnbs. A seat-back organizer if the thought of putting your personal belongings like glasses, drinking bottles, and tech items into the provided seat-back pouch makes you squirm. A belt bag for a small but mighty solution to carrying around your essentials on your vacay excursions. You won't have to lug around heavy tote bags (or put any strain on your shoulders, for that matter) thanks to its compact size, but it's just big enough to keep your wallet, phone, room key, sunnies, medications, and a snack right in front of ya for easy access. An RFID-blocking wallet designed to hold all of your important travel documents because every time you're at the airport, you swear you'll have your license, passport, and boarding pass easily ready to show and every time you're at the airport you end up fumbling all of those things and holding up the line. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can connect your wireless earbuds to the airplane entertainment system. Watching your favorite shows/movies with clear sound is a heck of a lot better than the static that comes with the junk headphones the airline tries to sell you. A pet backpack with wheels to make getting through the airport with your tiny BFF a more seamless experience. Not to mention, thanks to the compact size, it'll fit comfortably underneath the seat in front of you once you get on the plane, and the mesh window will allow you and the little fluffer to keep an eye on one another. A pair of jogger-fit leggings because spending hours in a plane, car, train, etc., calls for a comfy outfit, and there's no better way to begin your travel ensemble than with these soft and breathable pants. BRB, ordering one in every color. A travel shawl that can be used as a light blanket to cozy up with on your flight, a scarf in chillier climates, and can even come in handy if you'll be visiting tourist sites with a covered shoulders dress code in place (like European cathedrals). An ultra-supportive neck pillow to make the whole "falling asleep while sitting upright" thing possible (and comfy). Is there any better way to pass the time on a plane, train, or roadtrip than with a nice long nap? I don't think so. A foldable jewelry organizer that'll take up less space in your bag than a clunky jewelry box AND also serves as a better method than just tossing your jewelry into your bag and having to untangle it once you reach your destination. A carry-on case designed to comfortably fit under your seat. Sure, you might be lucky enough to have plenty of room in the overhead bin, but there's just something really humbling about having to fight your way out of your row and into the aisle just for everyone behind you to watch you have a wrestling match with your carry-on. We're leaving those days behind thanks to this genius invention. A compact pill organizer complete with six compartments for keeping your medications separate and preventing you from having to pack multiple pill containers. An inflatable footrest for making your next flight the comfiest one yet. So comfy, you might actually somewhat *enjoy* flying. PS — if you're traveling with kiddos, this can help turn their airplane seat into a bed. A pack of foldable hangers because the five hangers (if that?!) the hotel provides just isn't enough. You shouldn't have to risk getting your favorite blouse all wrinkled up because all the hangers are already being used to hold the dresses you brought. An anti-blister balm to apply before putting on your shoes so you can prevent those painful annoyances from even trying to happen. Whether you're walking miles at a cruise excursion or dashing from tourist attraction to tourist attraction, your feet will be happy you prepped them ahead of time. A little white-noise machine because you don't wanna be the person asking the hotel front desk for a room change, but you also reallllly don't wanna be in the hotel room next to the elevator AND the ice machine. A waterproof, satin-lined Hairbrella that'll ensure your hair stays dry on your trip and your hands stay free to hold more important things (like a yummy snack or a fun souvenir).
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
The viral lavender Béis bags just went on rare sale at Nordstrom
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. The it-girl luggage brand is officially on sale — and in lavender, no less. Shay Mitchell's cult-favorite travel brand has infiltrated every corner of social media, every Bravo scandal, and now, four secret corners of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. Whether you're escaping to Italy with a married man (yours, of course) or just hauling your laptop to your in-laws' house, these bags were designed to make every layover look luxurious. But Béis — a Post Wanted-loved brand — isn't just pretty luggage. The hardside rollers feature 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA locks, expandable capacity, and a built-in weight indicator that lights up red when you're flirting with the 50lb limit (a blessing for anyone who refuses to pack light or weigh themselves, ever). Meanwhile, the matching duffle and backpack are full of secret compartments, padded tech sleeves, and little design features like a trolley sleeve that converts into a hidden pocket. This sale? It's rare. The lavender shade alone is reason enough to buy the whole set, but Nordstrom's Anniversary markdowns make it actually feasible to do so. Below, the four Béis bestsellers worth scooping while they're still in stock — no Bravo drama required. Nordstrom Compact enough to glide through overhead bins but mighty in features, this carry-on includes a TSA-approved lock, cushioned handle with built-in weight limit indicator, and 360-degree wheels. Inside, it boasts multiple pockets, a compression flap, and even labeled laundry bags ('dirt bag' included). Nordstrom This is the largest suitcase Béis offers, and it's ready for an overpacking spiral. Its hard shell is chic but durable, with a weight alert system built right into the handle, a TSA lock for security, and an internal setup that separates delicates, dirty laundry, and fragile bits with military precision. Nordstrom A structured duffle with a separate compartment for shoes or toiletries, plus a padded laptop sleeve, key leash, and organizational pockets that turn chaos into choreography. The trolley sleeve on the back transforms into a zipped pocket, a party trick that comes in very handy in TSA lines. Nordstrom Don't let the sleek exterior fool you; this backpack is an overachiever. It features a laptop sleeve, tech-friendly compartments, and a trolley pass-through that turns your carry-on and personal item into a single stylish unit. It's minimalist, smart, and surprisingly spacious. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Buzz Feed
Planning A "Carry-On Only" Trip? Check Out These 10 Items That Are Truly Worth The Space
A waterproof Kindle you can consider a pocket-size portal to another dimension. It's compact, glare-free, and has a ton of storage for thousands of books, plus a battery life that lasts much longer than your seven-hour flight — up to 10 weeks! A strap to keep your personal items (neck pillow, jacket, purse, etc.) together so you can easily run around the airport without worrying about leaving anything behind. A splurge-worthy set of Cadence Capsules that stick together ~magnetically~ and take up way less space in your bag than big pill bottles. They'll help you condense so you're bringing what you actually need (and not overpacking); plus, they're leakproof and incredibly sturdy so you can fill 'em with whatever: creams, vitamins, small jewelry — truly anything small that you want to keep safe. Or a TSA-approved 16-piece travel toiletries set with a container for each and every one of your tried-and-true faves so you don't have to spend more money on the travel-size versions. These are reusable and leakproof, so your products (and other stuff in your bag!) will stay protected. A Hackwith Design House shirt because there's nothing more travel-friendly than a top you can wear *five* different ways (that we know of — but you might discover more playing around with it). It's timeless because you can always change how you style it, and it's made from a high-quality fabric that's soft, breathable, and can last for years. A 2-in-1 hair tool that curls and straightens so you can achieve the perfect balance of texture and shine with just *one* tool. It's easy to pack for trips, *and* it's dual-voltage so you can have gorgeous hair no matter the country you're visiting. A portable rain hood to pair with *any* jacket so you don't have to try to cram in your practical raincoats. You can keep it in your bag for any impromptu downpours! A flying USB port with four spots to plug in your gadgets so you don't have to pack different power adapters. And bonus: This allows you to make the most of that one working outlet you managed to find at the airport! A Subtl Beauty Stack to condense up to nine makeup products into one small stack. You can customize yours with anything from lip tints to face powder. And as convenient as it is for travel, it's also perfect to keep in your purse for any on-the-go touch-ups! A skyline mini wallet emergency kit packed with the practical items that are easy to forget (like hair ties, tampons, Tylenol, and more!) while still being small enough to fit in your purse — so it definitely *won't* take up too much space in your carry-on.
