Travellers, please listen. If you're escaping to a faraway place on a plane anytime in the near future, you'll want to take a closer look at the Transportation Security Administration's latest rules on what you can take on a flight. According to CNN, if you're bringing powder in your carry-on luggage, you can't bring more than 12 ounces, which is about the size of a standard can of soda. For powders weighing more than 12 ounces, you should pack them in your checked baggage. TSA spokesman Michael England said the new rule will take effect on June 30 for international flights to the United States.
Many of us use powdered substances in our daily lives, sometimes in the form of baby powder, makeup, and protein powder—the last of which earned me a sideways glance many times while going through security. Like liquids and shoes, powders aren't always a big problem to get through security, but there was an incident in Australia last July when someone tried and failed to blow up a passenger plane with an explosive device, CNN reported , which forces the TSA to further strengthen supervision. Fortunately, the device did not pass the check-in counter.
However, the horrific incident added to growing concerns about explosive devices and powdered substances.
When items are packed in carry-on luggage, they are sometimes subject to additional screening and security measures. If TSA can't figure out what it is, they might tell you to put it in your checked bag, but more likely, you'll have to throw it away - which is definitely a message you don't want to receive right in front of you about to take off.
This isn't the first time we've heard of this. CNN pointed out that as early as April, the TSA announced that it would impose stricter regulations on powders and food, requiring passengers to separate them from other items because they would block the view of luggage when it passes through the X-ray machine. Plan accordingly as you may not be able to break away from your old habits, coming from a girl who likes to store an entire candy store's worth of stuff in her purse.
Rest assured, you can still bring powder in your carry-on luggage without the TSA automatically calling the bomb squad (already there, done that!), but you do need to be careful to weigh it beforehand and pack it properly. A small food scale will do.
If you're traveling with protein powder, put it in a plastic bag that says "Protein Powder" to minimize the space it takes up, or even double-wrap it to avoid accidental spills. Protein powder adds up quickly, and if you're using one scoop a day, 12 ounces may not be enough. Remember, you can bring more items, but they must fit in your checked baggage.
If you're using powdered makeup, these amounts are likely to be well below the 12-ounce maximum. But if you're approaching the limit, you might want to consider some smart travel tips for packing. For example, makeup products are great for putting in contact lens cases—whether they're powders or creams. (Remember, if you carry a compact with you, place a piece of cotton inside before closing it. This will prevent your makeup from chipping and breaking.)
While it's true that getting through security is a pain, these new measures really aren't a big deal. In fact, many airlines have already voluntarily complied with the rules, England told CNN. Furthermore, we are talking about carry-on luggage, which is usually reserved for essentials. Be realistic about how much makeup and protein powder you really need in your overhead storage containers.
If you're carrying so much that 12 ounces isn't enough, it's probably safe to put it in your checked bag and move on with your life. Remember, this is for your own safety and the safety of others.
Travel safely!
