For Christmas, Gavin and I are flying to California. In preparation for this trip, I visited the TSA’s Permitted and Prohibited Items (Be Prepared for Enhanced Security - Smart Security Saves Time).
In looking over the lists, I began to wonder, why only three ounces? Why not five, or two and a third? I’m also curious as to who decided
“All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.”
That also seems a little arbitrary (just a little, or maybe it’s me).
In scrolling through the list, some of the prohibited items made sense, no gasoline, no swords, no Cheese in pressurized containers (in containers over 3 oz).
Cheese in pressurized containers? Does Cheeze-Wiz even make 3 oz. containers (and who brings it on an airplane)?
I also liked that “Beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in a 3 oz. or smaller container and in your quart-size, zip-top plastic bag” are allowed past the security checkpoint.
Where do you get a 3 oz. drink these days? That’s what, 1/2 a juice box?
Also, how many companies actually MAKE 3 oz. or less sized products? I’ve found some Dove mini-shampoos & conditioners, a little hand lotion from Bath & Body Works, Secret makes little deodorants, the toothpaste companies have been doing it for years, but what about things like face scrub, or shower gel, or are you just stuck buying them at your end destination?
I am starting to think these new security measures are specifically designed to make carrying-on luggage such a miserable experiance everyone ends up checking their bags so that the bags can then be rummaged through (and subsequently lost in transit). 
The only way to fly internationally is to check luggage and carry on as little as possible. On my last flight to Europe, Panda (my 21 year old teddy bear that makes an excellent in-flight pillow) was checked for explosives. Picture right.
Clearly the plot is to make flying such a miserable experiance that no one wants to do it anymore. Next year we’ll take the train to California.
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