Understanding New Carry-on Rules

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

We flew with Virgin MCO - MAN the day before yesterday (i.e. the day things were announced). The following page on Virgin's website (see the US to UK section) describes exactly what we were allowed to do by the TSA:

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb...news/index.jsp

We expected a HUGE queue at MCO security but were astonished to see no queue at all and we sailed through. The only change we noticed was they now x-ray all children's shoes (they used to only x-ray selected adult shoes - ones with chunkier heels).

The TSA were now hand searching all hand baggage at the departure gate but there was a big team of them so it did not slow things down from what we could see.

It was a total non-event and had the inbound flight not been late arriving I'm sure we would have departed on-time [msnsmile].

[Ann-Marie]

Just out of curiosity, what is the situation re. Duty Free purchased at the Airport. For example, can you still buy alcohol? What happens if you do, as I presume you can't take it on as hand luggage - or can you? Just a question one of my colleagues raised yesterday.

[E. Cosgrove]

As I understand it Ann marie you can buy it but not take it out of the country!!! It is collected on your return to the UK.[msneek]

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

We bought some duty free cigarettes for my cousin at MCO and had no problem taking them on board. I'm not sure about liquids though but suspect the TSA staff at the gate would make you put them in the hold after you showed them proof of purchase at the duty free in the airport.

I'm unclear about electrical carry-on items. They let me carry-on my bass guitar but I was told I could not use it - whether this is because they did not want the other passengers being subjected to my playing or because you could not use any electrical items I'm not sure

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Ann-Marie
Just out of curiosity, what is the situation re. Duty Free purchased at the Airport. For example, can you still buy alcohol? What happens if you do, as I presume you can't take it on as hand luggage - or can you? Just a question one of my colleagues raised yesterday.


[/quote]

[Lesley and John]

I got the same instructions as Virgin issued from Easy-Jet & BA for flights to/from Amsterdam. So they seem pretty standard
John

[trevlad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by floridadreamvilla.co.uk
We flew with Virgin MCO - MAN the day before yesterday (i.e. the day things were announced). The following page on Virgin's website (see the US to UK section) describes exactly what we were allowed to do by the TSA:

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb...news/index.jsp

We expected a HUGE queue at MCO security but were astonished to see no queue at all and we sailed through. The only change we noticed was they now x-ray all children's shoes (they used to only x-ray selected adult shoes - ones with chunkier heels).

The TSA were now hand searching all hand baggage at the departure gate but there was a big team of them so it did not slow things down from what we could see.

It was a total non-event and had the inbound flight not been late arriving I'm sure we would have departed on-time [msnsmile].
[/quote]

in feb at mco we had all shoes x rayed coming home frustrating but you accept these things

[Maz]

The link to the virgin site is a great help - it is good to know we can buy a book to take on the plane to read - do sometimes think we take too much on with us anyway - thanks for the help.

[VIvandPhil]

In view of the carry on restrictions, are the checked-in bags allowed to be any heavier ?
Also, presumably any valuables, apart from a very small list, have to be in the checked-in bags, what is the insurance situation if anything goes missing ? I understand that the bags have to be unlocked - is this right ? I don't fancy having to put my wife's jewellery in unlocked cases !
Phil

[blott]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by VIvandPhil
In view of the carry on restrictions, are the checked-in bags allowed to be any heavier ?
Also, presumably any valuables, apart from a very small list, have to be in the checked-in bags, what is the insurance situation if anything goes missing ? I understand that the bags have to be unlocked - is this right ? I don't fancy having to put my wife's jewellery in unlocked cases !
Phil[/quote]No, the same weight restrictions apply so far as I'm aware.

Yes, suitcases should be unlocked from US to UK but not vice versa I think. You need to check with your own insurer as to the insurance situation for your own items - not all insurance companies cover the same risks. Quite a lot of insurers don't cover items over a maximum of £250 or £500 anyway, wherever they're packed.

I'd advise your wife either to wear her jewellery or leave it at home, either with someone you can trust or in a safe place. Or, if she can get it into her purse (not handbag), then that may be one solution. Dressing up with lots of jewellery in Florida is extremely rare because almost everywhere is very relaxed.

I realise the restrictions may be a bit difficult to get used to but the only reason that they're currently in force is for everyone's safety.

[steph_goodrum]

They have said that as long as it's no more than 5kg extra then excess baggage won't apply.

If you have any valuable jewellery with you then I'd wear it rather than risk losing it even if it means wearing a couple of necklaces.

I checked with my daughters insurance about her laptop and as she has luggage cover it would be covered if not with her but it seems like she may be able to keep it with her. It's not so much the cost of the laptop but the work from Uni and the Applications she has been making for a couple of weeks that would be a real pain so we've told her to make sure she has separate back ups just in case.