TSA all up in my carry-on

What is that first gun-looking thing?

I'm flying to Nashville in a couple of weeks to visit dear friends, and just realized that not only will I have to pack for the airport Gauntlet of Suckiness on this trip, but I've also got to plan on the trip to Vegas, as well! Being someone who maybe flies in an airplane every other year, this is going to be a landmark year for me, travel-wise.  I might go on not one, not two, but four (!) airplane flights this year.

So where does that leave me with the TSA?  Almost lost the Swiss Army knife my father-in-law gave me while going through the checkpoint a few years ago.  Luckily, I was able to save it by throwing it to my husband at the last minute (thank goodness he decided to wait to see me off), otherwise it would have been Gainesville Regional Airport property (what do they do with all those confiscated box cutters, and what-not?)

Okay, so here's the TSA's 3-1-1 Rule:

When processing through a screening checkpoint, each traveler is allowed one bag in order to limit the total volume of liquids, aerosols and gels. Consolidating products into one bag and X-raying them separately from the carry-on bag enables security officers to quickly clear all items.
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.
Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, consider putting your liquids in checked luggage.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.

Ah!  I like the part where it says, "if in doubt, consider putting your liquids in checked luggage."  I think that's going to be the way to go!  I don't carry a lot of toiletries because I don't use a lot of them, so packing my toiletry case in my bag won't be a problem.  Problem solved!  Now I just have to remember not to wear a belt and wear shoes that I can slip on and off. 

Haha, if you're interested in what the TSA blogs about, check out the blog here, and here's the headline:

TSA Week in Review – 34 Firearms Discovered This Week (26 Loaded)

That's just great, guys!  Thanks for confiscating 34 firearms, only 26 of which were loaded!