As you probably know by now, the TSA in the United States and BAA in the United Kingdom have implemented new rules as to what can be brought on-board the plane. While the new rules appear to be temporary, it’s unclear how long when either agency will ease the restrictions.

In the United States, liquids and substances are no longer allowed through the security screening or on board as carry-on (yes, you can still check it in). The TSA specifically call out beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency. Just to be extra cautious, that coffee you bought at the Starbucks in th gate area is also contraband.

TSA has exempted baby food (you’ll need to taste it at the security check-in) and medicines (only clearly marked prescriptions with passengers name on them).

The rules are even more restrictive in the UK where they have essentially banned carry-ons. You can carry your wallet and passports in a clear bag, but that’s about it. Prescription medicines and baby food are exempt (subject to verification).

Many travelers preparing for those long transatlantic flights will find these restrictions quite onerous. For example, no carrying cases of any kind (glasses, makeup, etc.). Key fobs, yes, your car keys, have to be checked in. And, most controversially, you won’t be able to board with your iPod/MP3 player or your PSP, or a portable DVD player, or a laptop. Without those distractions, you could read a book — well, not really, that’s banned in the UK too.

Oh, and if you are traveling between the US and the UK, be prepared for extra screening before boarding.

Link: TSA: Immediate changes to airport screening procedures
Link: BAA: Alert at UK Airport

Photo: Flickr member utnapistim

We experienced some down time today — moving servers. We are back up and running.

We did use this opportunity to launch the TRAVELERism Flickr Pool

Photo: Flickr member ohad*

Welcome to TRAVELERism, a new blog about the world from the perspective of a traveler or a tourist (we don’t discriminate).

Through stories, links, photos, videos, and music we hope to bring the world closer to you. In the weeks and months ahead we will post stories about the world: places both near and far. We will also pass along travel deals, links to new related sites, and other info which we hope draws your interest.
We can’t travel everywhere or find all the great places and stories, so I hope you can help us extend our reach by contributing to the site. Tell us about your travel stories and experiences or point us to a place we should look at.

No better music for our launch than Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra.