to think that the reason for liquids restrictions at airports is commercial rather than security?

[mustbetimeforacreamtea]

Just back from holiday and it struck me that all the items (bodywash, shampoo, toothpaste, make up, perfume) is all stuff you can buy and take on board without restriction once you are in the departure lounge.

Most annoying was buying a bottle of water in the airport only to have it taken off me unopened at security. Then once in the lounge several vending machines selling exactly the same thing.

Thanks SilverShadows, yes it is prescribed medication.

The other nuts one was when the rules were tightest, summer after 911 they made us post the DDs school pencil cases home at hand luggage check.

This was after reading the notices at baggage check in really carefully and being absoluly certain pens and pencils were allowed.

The hand bagage area was absolute chaos as lots of otber people were having the same problem and binning or franticly posting home totallt inocent writting instruments.

Then the air side smiths was doing a rooring trade in pens.

YABU

No one forces anyone to buy toiletries at the airport. I've certainly never done it in all the times I've flown since the restrictions were brought in. Its not difficult to follow the rules. Its incredibly frustrating at security watching all the people suddenly loose the ability to read. It just slows everyone down. The shops aren't benefitting from the restrictions. They are benefitting from people being too stupid (and indeed in some cases selfish) to follow them.

Definition of liquids: would you say hair wax was liquid or solid? Had this a few years ago.

If you are flying with hand luggage only it becomes more awkward as you don't have the option of putting things in the hold. So I've got a bit crafty and use lots of tiny containers for things like moisturiser and foundation. As long as it fits in the clear bag.

would you say hair wax was liquid or solid?

Surely it's a paste which is covered by the same restrictions.

Well I wasn't sure Owl. Got me thinking about powder, cream to powder foundation etc

I put mascara in the clear bag but not powder compact IYSWIM

I don't see a problem with it, put liquids in your case or buy them at the duty free boots.

It's not rocket science is it?

I don't think there's any doubt that the restrictions have presented an opportunity for airports to make extra sales, but the rules are there for far darker reasons op

We usually fly hand luggage only. My rule is if you aren't sure if its a liquid or not air on the side of caution and stick it in the plastic bag in a small enough container.

Ok then. AIBU to think that the accountants at BAA are very much in favour of security restrictions.

YABU to this one as well. Sales of 'Duty Free' have been impacted by the restrictions, as some travellers don't have the faith that their purchases wont be confiscated.

YABU to this one as well. Sales of 'Duty Free' have been impacted by the restrictions, as some travellers don't have the faith that their purchases wont be confiscated.

I would definitely agree with this. We are much less likely to buy a bottle of wine or something when flying now - especially if we are not flying direct and have a connecting flight. If we do buy, unless we are visiting friends we only buy when we return as we usually fly hand luggage only, so it is a pointless exercise.

Therefore, its of no benefit at all to BAA - only our destination airports.

I have to carry a 100ml bottle of morphine, but as long as its in the original bottle with my name eye on, it's fine.

I've filled a 100ml bottle of sun spray, will that be okay?

Stetson - I know the restrictions have been in place for years but I haven't flown anywhere for years and didn't think about not being able to take it through. Neither did the sales assistant remind me.

Good to know I'm an unreasonable fool.

Neither did the sales assistant remind me.

Nice to see you want to shove the blame onto someone else, rather than accepting the responsibility yourself. The sales assistant doesn't know you aren't going to drink it before security. Their job is to sell you something, not police your behaviour.

""The number of terrorists airport security has caught: 0 "

The deterrent effect, preventing those who want to mix and release poisonous gas on board a plane, unknown. That it has not occurred (so far) success.

If you were a security official who knew that at least one terrorist cell had investigated this and was in the advanced stages of planning, would you let liquids on? Would you expect them to wait for easing of policies and try again if that ever happened?

Medically required items can be exempted from the rules. Contact the airline to ascertain evidence required (prescription, doctors letter) in advance.

YANBU.

The current policy may well discourage individuals, but an organised group would get round it very easily.

I personally believe it's more likely that someone on the inside working in one of the airport shops, or one of their suppliers will hide the bomb or ingredients in a pallet of Lucozade Sport (Insert drink of choice) that is destined for the stores behind security.

It'll be taken out & then "sold" to the accomplice that's going on the plane.

Every petrol station, train station, service station benefits from people being there with no means of shopping around or looking for product cheaper elsewhere.

Why would you carry full size toiletries in your carry on anyway?

Why would you carry full size toiletries in your carry on anyway?

Well, in the old days I had a washbag that was specifically for trips away, full size toothpaste, shower gel & deodorant.

It was more convenient & cheaper than buying tiny ones, especially if you're travelling a lot...

The free stuff in hotels tends to be a bit naff....

it IS security. Many attempts to blow up planes have been stopped.

you could take sharp objects in hand luggage before 9/11. Now you can't for obvious reasons.

the rules are liquids, gels and pastes. So all makeup is included.

you can take sufficient toiletries for a few days in the plastic bag. Unfortunately being high-maintenance means you have to pay for hold luggage.

the water bottle thing could have been avoided by reading the signs. Or taking an empty one through.

I agree with Elephants. I can't say I travel a lot by plane these days, but free water airside seems to be very thin on the ground in a lot of airports.

Even if people are aware of the restrictions and do make sure they take nothing whatsoever on the plane bar a passport and their wallet, they're still buying water at inflated prices once past security. The San Francisco example should be adopted by all airports IMO.

free water airside seems to be very thin on the ground in a lot of airports.

Free water is thin on the ground anywhere unless you ask for a glass of tap water somewhere.

That's true, but it's particuarly irritating landing in Majorca very late not to have drinkable water in your hand luggage.

Some hotels leave some in the rooms for very late check ins, but not all.