Effective Tuesday 25 September, the TSA is loosening its carry-on liquids ban. According to the announcement on the TSA web site, we can now “carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag” (TSA’s emphasis ) and “bring beverages and other items purchased in…

This morning’s New York Times’ editorial page joins many of its ink-stained brethern in calling for a ban on carry-on luggage. While as wrong-headed in its conclusions as other editorialists, they’ve focused on the right issue — improved security — rather than the “improved speed of boarding” argument which we showed in an earlier post…

Hilary Baumann has posted a pretty exhaustive list of possible substitutes for liquid or gel toiletries on her ClothingCult blog. It’s a much more exhaustive list than I’ve provided in previous posts. Her suggestions for substitutes for products like bubble bath, concealer, and mascara go far beyond experience set. Why go through all this trouble;…

The lead story on the front page of today’s USAToday business section is headlined Fliers board faster as fewer carry on bags. The first sentence trumpets “new security rules for carry-on bags are enabling airline passengers to get on and off planes faster, helping flights leave on time.” It then quotes a number of airline…