"The so-called travel size barely gets me through a day."

Seriously, half the time I go through security I simply forget to take out my carefully-packed 32 oz. (I've measured!) Ziploc bag. I've never been nabbed for it, and I carry a tube of Colgate I bought in Namibia.

Posted By Bob Mathews on May 2, 2008, 11:39 AM

Use tooth powder.

Posted By NormKerlin on May 3, 2008, 12:26 AM

Well good for the both of you that your toothpaste were able to elude the x-ray machines and the inspectors. However, as in my case, I learned my lesson to declare and take it out before checking in. Mine was caught and did have some trouble having to explain which costs me a lot of time and stress.

Posted By dreamboracay.com on May 3, 2008, 5:08 AM

This raises the question again of why we have this stupid regulation, when it turned out that the original threat was not credible, and liquids and gels are not dangerous. They got rid of the regulation right away in England, where the original incompetent conspiracy was hatched.

Posted By SN on May 5, 2008, 12:34 PM

Another interesting solution to toothpaste--I use the purest oatmeal soap I can find as a dentifrice. It has NO inedible ingredients, 1/3 of a bar lasts forever, and it travels like a dream.

Posted By bobette jane on May 5, 2008, 12:40 PM

Toothpaste what about the last remaining smokers we always get our lighter threw security! It's kinda funny going out to smoke and fellow smokers ask how we got our lighters threw security!

Posted By karin on May 5, 2008, 12:44 PM

I carry an "almost used" up tube of toothpaste with me. I figure that it is less than 3 ounces.

Posted By Barbara Shaw on May 5, 2008, 12:48 PM

Anybody ever notice toothpaste is measured by weight, but the TSA rules go by fluid ounces. Therefore, toothpaste should not be covered unless the TSA melts it to show how many fluid ounces it is. I asked a TSA agent at ORD about that and he said I was right, and had never thought about that. Guess no one ever fought it. Also, the TSA aid liquids, aerosols, and gels. Some toothpaste is a paste, so it shouldn't be covered regardless.

Posted By Randy Handt on May 5, 2008, 1:17 PM

Why carry toothpaste in you hand baggage? And compromise SAFETY? Yeah, go ahead give ideas to the terrorists and feel safe then? NEVER!

Posted By Goody on May 5, 2008, 1:36 PM

Interesting post, Erik, and I've wondered the same thing myself. But may I may one suggestion?

Use blockquotes to set off quote text. Much easier to distinguish when you're quoting someone.

As opposed to regular text.

Posted By Bitter Root on May 5, 2008, 1:43 PM

That doesn't help, because they always seem to go through my dop kit. Last time I had legitimately forgotten I had I tube in there, since I keep the bag "always packed" for any trip -- often by car.

BUT I found a kid-type toothpaste that is the right size! If you can deal with *bubble fruit* (bubble gum) flavor, get the Colgate in 3-ounce size.

Posted By carol on May 5, 2008, 2:57 PM

Karen,

FYI: Lighters are now allowed in your carry-on bag.

Karen said "Toothpaste what about the last remaining smokers we always get our lighter threw security! It's kinda funny going out to smoke and fellow smokers ask how we got our lighters threw security!"

Posted By JT on May 5, 2008, 3:48 PM

Check your local Wal-Mart...in the "travel size" toiletries section. Colgate makes a 1.8 ounce toothpaste, and Crest has recently come out with a 2.7 ounce size. (Both are larger than the usual .75 to .85 ounce "travel" size.)

Posted By WJ on May 5, 2008, 7:53 PM

I don't think it's a good idea for a travel magazine to post how travelers can find easier ways to break the law. As harmless as you may think this article is, it doesn't benefit anyone to compromise security. I happen to think this rule and other rules are ridiculous but I follow them. If your worried about your Colgate then you don't have anything important in your life to worry about.

Posted By ery on May 5, 2008, 8:20 PM

When I was growing up, we always used tooth powder. Arm & Hammer still makes it and you will be surprised how clean your teeth feel. You can make your own with table salt and soda and it does a bang up wash, whitens the teeth and you never have to worry about any that is accidently swallowed.

Posted By Marcella Hill on May 5, 2008, 8:50 PM

Thanks for giving the terrorists more ideas on how to sneak things on flights.

Posted By Christine on May 6, 2008, 10:57 AM

Whoa! We are very concerned about the safety of passengers and we do not believe, in any way, that our tip about toothpaste somehow helps terrorists plot an attack.

I'd like to point readers who are concerned that we are helping terrorists in some way to an explanation on the TSA's website of their liquids ban. The TSA has done extensive testing to figure out what a minimum amount of liquid explosive is needed--and the various conditions for causing havoc.

Look at our government's explanations. Then come back to us and point out if we've somehow missed something despite all of our efforts:
http://www.tsa.gov/approach/mythbusters/liquids_ban.shtm

Thanks,
Sean
Blog editor

Posted By Blog Editor on May 6, 2008, 11:59 AM

I just flew from Rome to Heathrow, then from there to Dulles. I purchased a small bottle of balsamic vinegar in Rome in the duty free shop (more than 3 oz) and they packed it up for me to take in my carry on. When I went through the screening process (again) in Heathrow, they made me leave it behind. I won't say throw away-- because I suspect somebody took it home.
What's up with duty free purchases?

Posted By Debi Lander on May 6, 2008, 4:01 PM

Please, tell me I am not the only person that is tired of feeling like a criminal because I forgot to remove the toothpaste from my carry on. As for giving terrorists ideas...I'm reasonably sure they aren't surfing Budget Travel for tips! Get a grip!

Posted By felony forgetfulness on May 6, 2008, 4:47 PM

Be very careful with your formerly-large tubes of toothpaste -- they are subject to TSA condemnation and removal.
I recently traveled to Wisconsin, carrying a tube of toothpaste that was well-used, and rolled up, with a paperclip to keep it small and tight. No problems with security at BDL. I put it in my ziplock bag and sent it through security. I used it during my vacation, and by the end, there was very little in the tube (most people would have thrown it out, not wanting to force it up through the top). As I went through security at MSN, the TSA agent flipped over my plastic bag, and noticed the paperclip. He removed the nearly-empty tube, removed the paperclip and unrolled the tube. With a definite air of indignity, he declared that I "could not take the toothpaste through security". Confused, since it had already been through security at least once (though I think that it was the same tube that went to & from Ecuador when it was much fuller), I replied, "of course it can. It has been through security several times before". Now with a nasty tone, the TSA agent pointed to the size of the original tube and "proved" to me that it was too big, because containers must be 3ounces or less, and although nearly-empty, this was clearly a 6.4ounces tube. I objected, but got nowhere. The supervisor, Robert Fitzsimmons, supported his agent, who was "following protocol". The issue is container SIZE, not how much is in it. Obviously, a nearly-empty larger tube of toothpaste is a security threat, whereas a full travel size tube is not.
Ridiculous? It gets better.
The agent then attempted to hand me the tube, so that I could throw it away. My shoes had already gone through the Xray, and I had no intention of walking in stocking feet across the dirty floor to reach the trashcan across the room. I directed the agent to throw it away. He then took an empty bin, put my toothpaste tube in it, and sent it through the Xray. The female agent on the other side was confused by the bin with only the empty tube of toothpaste. She picked up the tube, holding it in the air, and asked, "what am I supposed to do with this?" The supervisor directed her to throw it away in the trashcan behind her.
So in the end, my nearly-empty formerly 6.4ounce tube of toothpaste was able to go through security. It just was too much of a security risk to accompany me on the airplane.

Posted By Torie on May 7, 2008, 1:05 AM

I had a sore throat while traveling in Italy last week. On the first leg flying home from Venice to Zurich, I was allowed to keep approx 1 oz of listerine in a (5 oz bottle) mouthwash so I could gargle during the flight. Upon landing in Zurich, the Swiss TSA promplty took it away saying it was restricted and dangerous fluids, but only after 3 agents conferred with each other. Amazing!

Posted By J Mauger on May 7, 2008, 1:20 PM

THE IQ OF THE TSA PERSONNEL WILL NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME. I WORK FOR FEMA AN TRAVEL QUITE OFTEN.. FOR ID I HAD SHOWN AN EXPIRED PHOTO ID BADGE. THE AGENT WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE PHOTO, EVEN THOUGH I ASSURED HER THAT THE BADGE HAD EXPIRED AND NOT ME. (THEY REALLY DO MAKE YOU SEARCH FOR SOME KIND OF HUMOR).

Posted By DEE DIVELEY on May 11, 2008, 12:06 PM

I AM AMAZED THAT SO MUCH TIME CAN BE SPENT ON THE INTRICACIES OF TAKING TOOTHPASTE PAST TSA. CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW MUCH TIME WAS SPENT BY TSA MAKING UP THESE RULES??? I TOO HAVE BEEN CAUGHT WITH A LARGER THAN ALLOWED SIZE, BUT PARTIALLY FULL, FORGOTTEN IN MY BAG, AFTER A GROUND TRIP. AS AN AIRLINE EMP, WE TVL STANDBY, THUS DO NOT WANT TO CHECK OUR BAG IN CASE WE DO NOT GET ON, SO THIS WHOLE LIQUID ISSUE IS REALLY A PROBLEM. BUT TO COMPOUND THE SIZE ISSUE, WHY CAN I TAKE AN EMPTY 20 OZ PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE THRU, AND REFILL IF AFTER SECURITY AT A FOUNTAIN WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. WHAT A WORLD WE LIVE IN...

Posted By VALERIE on May 11, 2008, 6:53 PM

Wow, what a lot of thought that has gone into this subject! Personally I don't really think it's such a big deal to put one or two mini tubes in a zip lock bag. Why start your trip with a TSA hassle? Just let these people do their jobs already so they can save their "animosities" for those issues that pose a real threat....

Posted By Dee Dee on May 13, 2008, 10:59 AM

Like your magazine, but find it unacceptable how you are helping people sneak things through security!!

Posted By Kevin on June 13, 2008, 11:21 AM

The regulations are obviously applied irregularly and randomly.I had one TSA shouting at the line of people that anything that "squishes" can't be taken: peanut butter sandwiches WILL be confiscated! Well, guess what! I had hummus and IT WENT THROUGH...oooooo.....What sense does it make to able to not declare lipstick but must declare lip gloss? Carry Handi-wipes but declare Purell? Makes no sense. And to those of you concerned that terrorists are picking up pointers from a blog on toothpaste....well, jeez, if they wanted to take planes down tomorrow, there are plenty of ways.

Posted By Suzie on June 19, 2008, 1:02 AM

I do try to follow the rules, but it gets so confusing. On a recent trip I had liquid meds, so put them in a separate zip baggie. TSA's site does say prescription and over the counter medications are allowed, in excess of the 3-1-1 baggie. I was informed in no uncertain terms that I was only allowed ONE plastic bag! So, I took them out and put them in a cosmetic bag and never showed them again... just left them in my carry-on for the next three legs of the trip and they were never discovered!

Posted By Mary on August 31, 2008, 10:47 PM

For all the people whining about "letting the terrorists" know how to get past security... You know nothing about terrorists. Having worked in the security industry and with a degree in global security long before 9-11 - I can assure you that terrorists can get weapons, explosives and possibly a small tank through any checkpoint/airport they want.

It's just not that hard with our TSA, airport design and wool-headed citizens to defeat the checks. Nothing said here in any way compromises security at our airports, primarily because the terrorists already have easier ways around them.

Terrorists are smart, dedicated, logical foes who pick the easiest targets and methods. Why try to smuggle liquid explosives (that won't work anyway) through a checkpoint when they can walk through a perimeter fence in a maintenance uniform unchallenged? US Security officials who audit this sort of thing have few problems getting into these facilities most sensitive areas.

American voters need to be aware of the real status of the security systems in place, their effectiveness and what they can do themselves to improve security. Flexible, proactive, empowered, security staff - who know what to look for are better than any machine or arbitrary rule in existence. An educated citizenry would go a looong way to making our nation safer. Not surrendering rights, not putting cameras everywhere - actual intelligent, thinking, people - who are observant.

But it's easier to put up some machines/rules/token staff to *feel* safer. Which is as effective as buying a treadmill that you never intend to use in order to lose weight.

Posted By Phoinix on March 18, 2009, 11:41 AM

Maybe some of these people should think about what they're doing when they're "sneaking" toothpaste past a checkpoint. TSA people are just doing their jobs. It is impossible to be perfect. I agree, some airports seem to be less strict than others, but I personally wouldn't want to go through an airport that isn't following their stated regulations.

The reason you can take an empty bottle past security is really simple: the stuff you're putting in your bottle after the checkpoint is really water. The stuff you would be bringing with you from the outside? Not necessarily water.

Regulations are changed often, and even the front lines of security may not agree with some of them. But they still have to do them. They don't want to be the ones letting through the giant toothpaste that isn't really toothpaste. So leave the TSA alone.

PS - The FEMA worker worried about the TSA's collective IQ? You might want to get yours checked. You know better than to bring an expired ID if you travel that much. IDs have expiration dates for a reason, so why shouldn't the TSA take them into consideration? Again, if they're just doing their job and their job says they can't use expired IDs, just listen.

Posted By Trouble on March 19, 2009, 11:28 AM

I actually witnessed a TSA office take a toothpaste away from a passenger. It was originally a large tube, but as I saw it, there was just a very little amount left. I felt sorry for her. I make sure that I always have the right size with me. You can take a couple in your quart bag or pack more in your check-in. Sometimes my dentist gives them away and I used them just for travel. Also the travel section of stores has them--but at an out of proportional price. That's the bad part.

Posted By Rena Humerickhouse on March 19, 2009, 2:23 PM

OK - This is almost funny. I assume (oops maybe not) that most of you don't realize that the majority of hotels around the world (at least the ones I've been in) will GIVE you a tube of toothpaste along with anything else you may have forgotten. And for the few that charge you for that - well - stay elsewhere.
I NEVER fly with any of this stuff anymore. Just my meds and a razor because the throwaways cut me too much. Life is simple yet you all want to make it harder. Why?

Posted By Peter on March 19, 2009, 8:25 PM

I have to agree with Peter, this whole thing is ridiculous. How much is a tube of toothpaste? Leave it at a home and buy one when you get to your destination, let us save as much hassle as possible. Is it such a big deal to maybe not have your favourite toothpaste for a few days or even weeks. It isn't the end of the world. Try a different one be adventurous.

Whilst you are all trying to get away with something you are holding up everyone else. Of course the rules are silly but until they change why bother. Life is much too short to worry about a tube of toothpaste.

Posted By Kris on March 20, 2009, 5:32 AM

Colgate now sells a normal type of toothpaste that is 3 ounces and even specifies on the outside packaging "travel friendly". It's not bubble gum flavor, either. I bought a tube last month while traveling in Georgia. It was a welcomed find as I get frustrated trying to make the 0.5 ounce tubes last as long as possible and often have to take multiple tubes when on longer trips.

Posted By Lauren on March 20, 2009, 12:11 PM

Tom's Of Maine makes most of their toothpastes in travel friendly size tubes. You can buy them at any Whole Foods or on Drugstore.com. I see them at Target every once in awhile as well. Not that hard to find travel friendly sizes of anything anymore if you just look.

Posted By Heidi on March 20, 2009, 7:03 PM

Toothpaste is nothing compared to this...I have titanium in my back and neck and it NEVER sets off the alarms. The bad guys know that there are Titanium guns out there... This really bothers me!How about the rest of you? Also, I reported a book under a seat in Orlando airport (we are constantly told to report anything left unattended) the TSA guy just shrugged his shoulders and went on telling people to take there laptops out of the bag. vWhy is that by the way???

Posted By Gary Cummings on March 23, 2009, 11:35 PM

The rules are often silly and a nusiance, but the attitude of the tsa agents is what urk's me. So many of them think they are Bond grade spys given the task of saving the world and us peon's better listen. I am 66 years old and have learned a few common sense things in my time and I hate being treated like I am stupid by a stupid kid or eastern world citizen. The mature American agents are usually curteous.

Posted By mammaw on March 31, 2009, 7:00 PM

First I must say how I sat here with my mouth agape reading the person who works for FEMA, and their rant. I find it funny for a person who bashes another persons IQ, yet has many typos and punctuation errors. Your mom must be so very proud of you sir/ma'am.

So you all can justify spending whatever amount of money it is going to cost you to fly, yet you sit here and complain about the cost of having to buy a travel sized tube of toothpaste? World hunger and peace have been conquered and this is all that is left to worry about?

I do not know why most of you pack oversized tubes of toothpaste anyway. From the smell of the majority of the travelers I come in contact with, you do not use it, unless you are using dung flavored toothpaste. Then I must say, you are right on point when you try to argue with me and your breath makes me queezy with thoughts of my cat just taking a dump in your mouth.

I do not make the rules that the traveling public has to contend with. I must agree that some of them are over the top and confussing. All I do is follow my SoP so you arrive to your destination safely. I also follow the SoP so I can continue to come to work day after day.

Unless you want to offer me a job as a senior dispatcher making 72,173 USD a year like I was making before our economy took a dump(shudders at the thoughts of speaking to you travelers in person)then allow me and my fellow TSA workers to do our job. If you feel you are being unduely harrassed by one of us, contact a newspaper since they desperately need to sell more copies to keep in business for another 6 weeks.

That is a novel idea. We(TSA) can "hold you down" and you can complain to reporters and help keep reporters working and papers selling, thereby keeping advertising dollars flowing, helping the economy to rebound sooner. It is a win/win for everyone, and we can keep practice on our Napoleon Complex at the same time, hoping to take first place at next years competitions.

Posted By TSA PHL GATE D/E on April 13, 2009, 6:23 PM

It's clear to me that TSA checkpoints are mostly about "feeling" safe rather than actual safety. It's the Cheney Fear factor - "Look what we're doing, all these fantastic restrictions! What terrific safety you enjoy!"

I can take five 3oz containers through in peace, then put it all together in an empty Coke bottle I can find in any airside trash can. So what's the point? Ooooh, am I helping the Taliban? No one else would ever think of this, I am evil too.

It's all such silly BS...

Posted By Wayne R. on May 26, 2009, 9:07 AM

It's participatory theater, folks. The purposes is to convince the unwashed masses that we are "safer."

Anyone determined to get through, will get through.

For those of you saying that the agents are "just doing their jobs..." isn't that a common defense used in crimes against humanity trials?

Posted By Jan G. on September 14, 2009, 10:07 AM

Ever wonder what happens to the Swiss Army knives that get taken away at the checkpoint ?
Many mountaineering shoppes have cheap "reconditioned" swiss army knives that TSA sells by the pound to companies that clean & sharpen them before selling them again by the pound to mountaineering shoppes.

I do remember one time they got very upset at me for having an empty water bottle in my carry on.

The guys who used to beat kids up for their lunch money are now gainfully employed by TSA & other such agencies.

This whole thing has nothing to do with real security.
It just makes people THINK the govt is doing SOMETHING.
The real security is that if someone starts causing trouble on a plane, the Fed Marshall wont be out of his seat in the time it takes me to take down the perp & dislocate both shoulders.

The rugby player who went down in PA set the example of true aircraft security.

Posted By Robert W on December 9, 2009, 4:26 PM

I have become so relaxed, like the TSA, I forget items in my carry on all the time. They never find them and they don't even really look. I went security at a major airport recently. The TSA guy was so busy talking to his buddy that he missed about 10 passengers worth of carry on going through the scanner. It's all really based on luck at this point. I used to feel a little better when I get my checked bags and find the TSA card inside but I haven't found one of those lately either.

Posted By Themiddle on December 29, 2009, 8:32 AM

i don't think you guys are taking this seriously, i mean this article could cause deaths. imagine what would happen if a terrerist managed to smuggle some toothpaste past security, it would put everyone's life at risk!!! (sarcasm intended)

lol i'm joking what is with this stupid rule, it's utterly pointless liquids aren't dangerous there are more explosives in solid form than liquid, seriously tho what's a terrorist gonna do CLEAN YOUR TEETH TO DEATH???

Posted By sean on April 7, 2010, 4:46 PM

I always get a kick out of reading the post where people claim to have put one pass the x-ray machine. Even funnier is when someone makes a post about something they saw or did at the airport I happen to work at, especially when I know the actual truth. Ok first off the x-ray machine will pick the tooth paste up if it's in an aluminum or plastic container. if you made it through with the tooth paste then consider yourself lucky because some TSO was feeling compassionate and decided to let you through. I have asked countless people if they had any liquids, gels or aerosols only to have the say no, but guess what! As soon as the bags went through the x-ray they items were spotted and then they had to let an officer look through their bag. It's funny how people will get mad after they are caught lieing. How hard is it to just follow the rules and why get made at TSA when you were the one not being honest? It sure would save you a lot of time if you would just be honest instead of trying to pull one over on the TSO's. Also why get made at the TSO's when all they are doing is trying to uphold the laws, laws which they did not put in place. People love to piss and moan about having to follow laws put in place for their safety but let something happen and then they would grip because no laws were in place and nobody was looking out for their safety. The simplest thing to do when travel is get on the internet and find out the rules for traveling and then pack according to them. Imagine that! the internet is good for more than just looking up porn. Keep trying to sneek stuff past TSA, there's plenty of room in the trash cans for your high dollar makeup that should have been left at home or put in your checked baggage.

Posted By Jerry on October 15, 2010, 12:12 AM

Oh! and as far as liquids being harmless? Try mixing bleach and brake fluid is a empty water bottle. Or actually it's better if you don't. There are plenty of household fluids that once mixed either become explosive, combustible or produce toxic fumes. So how can anyone say liquids are harmless? It doesn't have to be explosive to cause harm to a plane full of passengers. Remember you are locked inside a metal tube so any toxic fumes can be deadly.

Posted By Jerry on October 15, 2010, 12:17 AM

Last one. For all those who claim the person at the x-ray is busy talking to his buddies and not even looking at the screen. Well maybe he is but he won't be for long. The x-ray machine throws in restricted items that the screener has to spot. Nobody knows when the machine will test you with one of these but if your not paying attention and let a few slip through you will be called in. Or at least that is how it works at our airport. I am proud to say that just last month one of our TSO's spotted a loaded gun in a mans bag which led to his arrest. But then again a loaded gun isn't a threat to anyone's safety right.

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Thx for this article. Very good.

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