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In the modern day, traveling by airplane can be a tricky business. With all the new security regulations since the 9/11, attack the rules and regulations frequently change. It is important to know what the rules are before you travel, but there is so much confusion it is hard to know what is and is not allowed. Let's make the rules a little clearer and try to cut through the confusion.

There has been a lot of fuss in the news about liquids and gels in carry on bags, so lets start with these products. There is a three ounce rule concerning gels, liquids, and aerosols in your carry on luggage. Any person who has a baby or small child is not limited to the three ounce rule for liquids concerning baby formula or breast milk, but the container must be screened and examined. Another exception to the rule is medications, whether prescribed or over the counter. The three ounce rule applies to all of these items that are not exceptions. The bottles must not be larger than necessary to hold three ounces. This means no six ounce containers that are only half full. No rolled up toothpaste tubes are allowed either. All of these containers must be placed in one single zipper lock quart clear plastic bag.. It must be quart size, no gallon or pint sizes will be allowed. The bag also must have a zipper lock, no fold over top bags will be allowed through. For items that meet the exception rule, they must be kept separate from the items in the clear plastic bag, and declared to the security officers. The exception applies to necessary and reasonable limits that are only needed during the duration of your travel.

Lighters and matches are another big news item. Lighters with or without fluid are never allowed on your person or in your carry on luggage. It does not matter if the lighter is a refillable Zippo or a throw away disposable, lighters are not allowed in the passenger compartment of an airplane. Lighters are allowed in your checked luggage, however there are some exceptions.

There is no limit to the number of unfilled, or unfueled, lighters that are allowed in your checked baggage. You are allowed two fueled Zippo lighters in your checked luggage if they are in an approved Department of Transportation, or DOT, case. If you are not sure whether you can bring a lighter, it is better not to bring it. The airline security can not return prohibited items and must dispose of them.