New rules force travelers to adapt

The latest travel restrictions that ban airplane passengers from carrying on almost all liquids -- from soda to hair gel -- could last indefinitely until airport security can better screen them for explosives, according to travel and security analysts.

It's unlikely the United States will go as far as Britain did yesterday and prohibit all carry-on baggage, the analysts said, but US passengers will nonetheless have to make major adjustments -- once again -- in the way they approach air travel. They will have to rethink what they bring, how they pack, or even whether to fly at all.

``People used to having a bag in their sight and not having to wait for luggage are going to have to change their minds about how they travel," said Roz Garber , head of Garber Travel Services in Chestnut Hill. ``It's going to take people longer, change the way they pack, and alter the road warrior mentality of getting in and out of the airport as quickly as possible."

The new US security measures imposed yesterday follow a foiled terror plot that investigators said involved the use of liquid explosives disguised as beverages. The ban, which excludes prescription medicines, infant formula, and juices for children, are nearly as extensive as the restrictions on carry-on luggage put in place after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Only this year, nearly five years later, did the Transportation Security Administration begin easing its restrictions on sharp objects of any length, permitting small scissors and tools in carry-on luggage. Those continue to be allowed on planes, but as of yesterday suntan lotion and toothpaste, for example, were prohibited. Moreover, in many airports, security officials confiscated cosmetics as a safety precaution when they were unsure whether such items were covered by the new TSA restrictions.

``I am throwing away a $20 lipstick from Clinique!" moaned 21-year-old Risa Davis yesterday at Dulles International Airport, outside Washington, D.C. Davis, rifling through her carry-on luggage for any errant liquids or gels, estimated she was throwing away nearly $50 worth of cosmetics.

Some travelers are already planning unusual steps to deal with the new restrictions. Cynthia Gordon of Wellesley, who is flying from Boston to Los Angeles on Aug. 21, intends to mail a package of shampoo, conditioner, three different hair gels, body lotion, contact lens solution, and sunscreen to her hotel in California. ``Let's just say FedEx has become my new best friend. I will not check luggage. Just won't do it," she said.

Meanwhile, Canadian airports banned the sale of beverages in bottles and cans inside terminals beyond security gates, and several US airports are considering the same, according to Charles Chambers , an official at the Airports Council International -- North America. Such a ban would provide an extra layer of security against suspect liquids because it would remove any question about whether a cup of coffee or other liquid was smuggled in.

Ann Davis , a TSA spokeswoman, said lipsticks and solid deodorants are not prohibited but consumers should avoid bringing any items they're uncertain of. (More information on banned items is available at www.tsa.gov.)

Beyond the inconvenience, the increased security measures may prompt travelers making short trips, such as Boston to New York, to consider taking a train or bus -- or even not go. Procter & Gamble Co., for example, yesterday encouraged employees to use teleconferencing and other electronic communications instead of flying to business meetings.

Michael M. Grynbaum contributed to this story from Washington, D.C. Jenn Abelson can be reached at abelson@globe.com.