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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, October 8, 2006

What you can, can't carry on plane

By Toni Salama
McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Two weeks ago, the Transportation Security Administration adjusted its ban on liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on luggage for flights originating in the U.S. They won't confiscate your half-ounce bottle of eyedrops now, and you can also keep your ChapStick and Chanel No. 5, provided it comes in a bottle that holds no more than 3 ounces.

Now is also a good time to review both the new carry-on rules and the rules that have not changed.

Obviously, you still can't carry on:

  • Box cutters, utility knives, loose razor blades

  • Meat cleavers, metal knives, axes and ice picks

  • Sabers and swords

  • BB guns, compressed air guns, starter pistols, pellet guns

  • Firearms, parts of firearms or realistic replicas of firearms

  • Ammunition, gun powder

  • Dynamite, hand grenades, fireworks, plastic explosives or realistic replicas of explosives

  • Flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, cooking fuel and lighter fluid

  • Dangerous chemicals such as chlorine, bleach, spray paint

  • Billy clubs, black jacks, brass knuckles or martial arts weapons

  • Mace, tear gas or pepper spray

  • Hammers, drills, saws or any tool longer than 7 inches

    And since August you also cannot carry on:

  • Any canned or jarred food (for adults), including peanut butter

  • Cheese in pressurized containers

  • Gel-based or gel-like foods such as gelatin, pudding, whipped cream or yogurt

  • Gel-based candles

  • Gel shoe inserts

    Yet, despite the rumors, you can carry on:

  • Sandwiches and most solid foods

  • Baby formula, food and breast milk, provided you are actually traveling with a baby

  • Cameras and camcorders

  • Undeveloped film (because the scanners for checked baggage will ruin it)

  • Laptops, cell phones, pagers, PDAs

  • Book matches — up to four (lighters are still forbidden)

  • Corkscrews

  • Knitting needles

    And, strange as it sounds, you can even carry on:

  • Metal scissors with pointed tips and blades shorter than 4 inches

  • Tools, screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers less than 7 inches long.

    This isn't a complete list, just a compilation of highlights. If you should want to look at the entire list, it is available at www.tsa.gov.