What the Rules Are and Ways to Cope

Question: What are the new rules?

Answer: Nearly all liquids and gels are now banned from carry-on luggage and purses, including bottled water, cosmetics, shampoo, soaps, toothpaste and shaving cream. Passengers can pack these items into their checked baggage or throw them away before they reach security checkpoints. On Thursday, thousands of passengers discarded wine, lotions and beverages at airports across the country.

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Q: Are there any exceptions?

A: Yes. If you are traveling with a baby or small child, you can bring baby formula, breast milk or juice. But it must be presented at the checkpoint. Prescription medicines in the name of ticketed passengers will be allowed after being inspected. Essential nonprescription liquid medicines will also be permitted but are subject to inspection.

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Q: Are there long lines at the airport?

A: It varies, depending on the airport and time of day. At one point Thursday at Los Angeles International Airport, security lines snaked outside the terminals, with a wait of an hour or more. Later in the day, lines were normal, according to airport personnel. Officials at Long Beach Airport said waits ranged from 15 to 90 minutes. Whatever your airport destination, it’s best to be prepared for a long line.

“We recognize these measures are going to be inconvenient, but they are proportionate to the very real threat to the lives of innocent people,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

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Q: How early should I get to the airport?

A: Airlines are recommending that travelers arrive three hours ahead of time for all flights at all airports.

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Q: Can I bring electronic devices on the plane, including my laptop computer and cellphone?

A: Yes. But officials with the Transportation Security Administration say that if passengers are “in doubt about an item, please leave it at home or place it in your checked baggage or the item may be intercepted at the security checkpoint.”

British airports banned laptop computers, cellphones and portable music devices.

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Q: Given the heightened security, what’s the best way to pack my carry-on bag?

A: Airlines recommend that you pack lightly. When in doubt, leave it at home. For easier screening, try to reduce clutter inside your bag.

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Q: Can I buy a drink once I get past the security checkpoint?

A: Yes, but passengers will have to consume any liquids before boarding their flights. Airport officials said many airlines were packing extra drinks. Food is permitted.

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Q: I have a ticket that involves travel to or through the United Kingdom, but I don’t want to fly right now. What do I do with my ticket?

A: That depends on the airline. Most big U.S. carriers such as Delta, Continental and United are allowing customers flying to the United Kingdom to make one change to their itinerary between today and Sept. 1 without penalty. Changes are subject to seat availability.

American Airlines is going further, offering refunds in the form of travel vouchers for customers ticketed for travel to the U.K. between now and Sept. 1.

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Q: I don’t feel comfortable flying anywhere right now. Am I stuck with the ticket?

A: It does not appear that airlines are offering refunds or loosening their restrictions on ticket changes for travel to destinations other than the United Kingdom.

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Q: What happens to makeup, wine or personal items that are discarded?

A: “As far as we’re concerned, it’s trash,” said Nancy Castles, an LAX spokeswoman. “We don’t pull things from the trash.”