So, as everyone knows by now, the British authorities thankfully thwarted a terrorist plot to blow up planes with liquids and benign parts that can be easily smuggled onto an airplane.
The result.
We now can’t carry on liquids or gels of any kind onto an airplane in the U.S., and if you are traveling in the UK, there are more restrictions.
As a mother of a small child, there are thankfully some exceptions: “Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; and insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines.”
Luckily you can still check everything. For now…
I was talking to the ever-helpful Ike Pigott this morning about a colleague of his that is repacking her bags for a flight later today. He suggested dry shampoo, ala Oscar Blandi's exclusive Devil Wears Prada Set.
I thought this was brilliant, but upon further thought, if they won’t let you on with liquids, do you think they will allow you on with an aerosol can? Probably not, ah well.
One idea I have is the Oral-B Brushups product that I keep in my car to “brush” my teeth when I am in a hurry. Are there any other dry products that can replace the liquid personal products that people often carry on: aftershave, lotion, etc.?
Here is a good customer service (public relations) idea for the Department of Homeland Security and/or airport authorities. Work with companies that supply dry “approved” products and make goodie bags of “sample sized” essential items that can be given to travelers who have passed through security. The benefit to companies is evident, but if you need it spelled out; it is a great way to introduce travelers to your products while also helping to ease the sting of the restrictions, which might go on for some time.
As an aside, I couldn’t help but think of Shel Isreal who is leaving tomorrow on a world tour of 2.0 businesses and lamented yesterday that leaving North America would be the most challenging part of the trip. Little did he know…
