We just took our son, Miles, on his first “vacation” by airplane, and we decided to visit St. Kitts and Nevis (which I’ll write more about in a separate post). We had a great time, but our experience departing the airport sure left a bad last impression.
In this post:
St. Kitts Airport punishes people without quart-size bags
Most countries in the world continue to restrict the liquids that you can take into the passenger cabin of an aircraft. Individual containers can only be up to 3.4 ounces, and you can only have as many items as you can fit in a quart-sized bag.
To be perfectly honest, sometimes I travel with a quart-size bag, and sometimes I don’t. In the United States, I have TSA PreCheck, so I never have to take liquids out of my bag. But even in other countries:
- At a lot of airports, you can just leave liquids in your bag
- At airports that require you to remove your liquids from your bag, I often just place my toiletry bag in the bin separate from the rest of my stuff, and that’s sufficient
- At airports that do strictly enforce having to place everything in a quart-size bag, they’ll usually provide bags to those who don’t have them
This is my experience from a lot of miles flown, and a lot of countries visited. Well, that brings us to Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts (SKB). The entire airport experience is rather unpleasant (not unexpected for the Caribbean), but it’s the security process that irked me.
We checked in for our flight, then went up to the second level, then had to fill out our departure immigration cards, then had to wait for the exit immigration checkpoint, and then could finally go through security.
We put everything on the security belt, and were quite frazzled, as it was our first time going through security with a baby outside of TSA PreCheck (of course that’s not anyone else’s problem, but it’s just a side note).
As I was getting ready to slide some of our stuff through the x-ray, here’s what went down:
Security officer: “What’s this?” (pointing to my toiletry bag that I zipped open, which had two small liquid containers in it)
Me: “It’s my toiletries”
Security officer: “That needs to be in a quart-size bag.”
Me: “Oh, I’m sorry. Do you maybe have one that I can use?”
Security officer: “No. You need to buy one.”
Me: “Okay… where can I buy that?”
Security officer: “There’s a gift shop next to the check-in desks that sells them.”
Me: “So I have to exit security and immigration and go all the way back there?”
I was kind of speechless on many levels:
- If the airport wants to be very strict about its liquids policy that’s fair enough, but it would be nice if the airport then provided quart-size bags for those who didn’t have them, like almost every other airport in the world; I mean, every user departing the airport pays a ~$22 airport service charge, and how much does a little bag cost?
- I wouldn’t even mind if the airport wanted to force us to buy a bag; it would just be nice if there were a warning before you went through immigration and then security, or if you could buy it directly by the security checkpoint, maybe by placing a certain amount of money in a box
- St. Kitts Airport is very small and can get busy, so how is this an efficient use of anyone’s time to have to process guests multiple times, and slow everyone down?
As we started to repack our stuff and prepare to leave security again, Ford turned to the nice lady behind us, and asked if there was any chance she had an extra bag. She opened her suitcase, and her carry-on actually had a quart-size bag attached to it, and she said “I knew this would come in handy some day!”
Why be so punitive with passengers?
I suspect the explanation for a policy like this is just that there’s a disconnect between the people who make the rules and those who have to enforce them.
But I can’t help but feel that the airport’s policy is downright punitive. It’s one thing to make your passengers buy quart-size bags, but on top of that they seemingly make it as complicated as possible. You have to leave security and leave immigration to buy one, massively delaying and inconveniencing everyone.
The economy of St. Kitts and Nevis is almost entirely reliant on tourism. And when it comes to travel and hospitality, I tend to think that first and last impressions matter the most. Your first impression sets the tone for your time somewhere, and your last impression is often what sticks with you the most.
Absolutely enforce whatever policies you feel need to be enforced for aviation safety (even if the liquids ban makes no sense). But at least don’t go out of your way to intentionally make matters more complicated for passengers.
Suffice it to say that this is quite a contrast to Papeete Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, where you’re welcomed with live music…
Bottom line
If you’re traveling from St. Kitts Airport, make sure you bring a quart-size bag for your liquids. This is the first airport I’ve been to that makes you buy a bag if you don’t have one. But that’s not even what irks me — what frustrates me most is how tough the airport makes it to buy a bag — you have to leave both the security and immigration area, go down a floor, and go to the gift shop by the check-in desks to buy a bag.
Not exactly a great last impression to an otherwise good trip…
Has anyone else dealt with something like this at St. Kitts Airport, or at another airport?
I do the same as Ben, leaving my liquids in my dopp kit and not taking them out of my bag. When I have been required to use a quart bag (only in LHR to the best of my memory) they've been provided.
So I would have been caught out by this requirement in St Kitts, and I would have been quite upset about it.
The only difference is that I would have been upset...
I do the same as Ben, leaving my liquids in my dopp kit and not taking them out of my bag. When I have been required to use a quart bag (only in LHR to the best of my memory) they've been provided.
So I would have been caught out by this requirement in St Kitts, and I would have been quite upset about it.
The only difference is that I would have been upset at myself since I know perfectly well this rule exists at most airports and carrying a couple of these baggies (which I have in my kitchen) would be so very, very easy for. Hopefully this cautionary story will serve as a sufficient inducement to to take this simple step in the future.
I had a house on Nevis for over 20 years and travel frequently all over the world. Many of St. Kitt’s airport staff and security personnel are some of the rudest people I’ve ever encountered. It’s shocking for a country based on tourism to not focus more on acting with courtesy and respect to visitors. It’s possible to keep the airport and air travel safe and secure without being surly, officious, and inefficient.
Very rude security at St Kitts, intimidating and arrogant I’m afraid…..they have a serious job to do but could do it with manners if they care whether or not passengers return or not!
They do local people a disservice as Nevisians/Kittitians are lovely people.
How about not traveling to st. Kitts because of that policy. Maybe that will get some real change. Never been there and will not travel there since I know there is crazy policy like this
I actually just left St. Kitts on Saturday the 22nd of July. My toiletries were in a clear travel bag (not a quart size bag, probably larger), the TSA agent just made me take it out my carry-on and place it in a bin to be scanned. I can agree with their security process. My passport and boarding pass were viewed more times than I can count. It was very annoying and the agents were...
I actually just left St. Kitts on Saturday the 22nd of July. My toiletries were in a clear travel bag (not a quart size bag, probably larger), the TSA agent just made me take it out my carry-on and place it in a bin to be scanned. I can agree with their security process. My passport and boarding pass were viewed more times than I can count. It was very annoying and the agents were not pleasant at all which was very surprising because during my visit, every interaction I had with a Kittitian was very pleasant. I found it adventurous how we had to actually walk to our plane outside via the tarmac. Would I visit again... perhaps.
For sure! I’ve had to buy a quart sized bag for $1USD. The rules are the rules in SK, I lived there for 3 years and through lockdown. Rules don’t have reason with those enforcing them they are just the rules. My local friend told me they like to make people discard their items so they can keep them. Too bad because it is a wonderful place.
When you are in Rome, do as the Roman's do. The rule is international. If situations do not please a tourist they take to pen and paper with negative criticism.
All countries I have visited in thr Caribbean follow what was set by the airlines. If the Gocernment of a country wants to impose fines to protect its citizens and improve its purse, it has the right to do so.
Its all about making money...not security issues. Secutity officer have % of sell. In all non developed countries it looks that way. Glad in Europe secutity control is rather normal. We also dont have to pay for pre check ( which is literally a way to make business), instead there is fast track for passangers with status or business class.
In some airports liquids can stay inside carry on, if you dont have bag...
Its all about making money...not security issues. Secutity officer have % of sell. In all non developed countries it looks that way. Glad in Europe secutity control is rather normal. We also dont have to pay for pre check ( which is literally a way to make business), instead there is fast track for passangers with status or business class.
In some airports liquids can stay inside carry on, if you dont have bag they give you one. Recently many airports, for example Helsinki or Amsterdam allows any liquids to go through. Water , juice etc. New technology has been installed.
I think you're in the minority here! I travel a lot and just always have my liquids in a quart sized ziploc. I throw 5-6 empty ones in my carry on and just use the same one until it starts to wear out, then I grab another one. I have precheck and clear too.
I'm kinda surprised you got away with it this long!
I've had that experience in St. Kitts, and it was quite unpleasant as the security officer told me to go downstairs to but a bag or she will throw away my stuff! Even though I had a clear bag that I was willing to reduce to the recommended size. It is very inconvenient to leave the security check point to go purchase a bag!
A lot of comments are chastising you for being unprepared, but my experience matches yours and I’ve filled more than one passport with entry/exit stamps. That said, I always keep a quart sized bag folded up on the bottom of my dopp kit so I can reconfigure my toiletries if required. So far the only place I was ever asked was in Brussels leaving Belgium.
I always think doing something small to plan ahead is...
A lot of comments are chastising you for being unprepared, but my experience matches yours and I’ve filled more than one passport with entry/exit stamps. That said, I always keep a quart sized bag folded up on the bottom of my dopp kit so I can reconfigure my toiletries if required. So far the only place I was ever asked was in Brussels leaving Belgium.
I always think doing something small to plan ahead is a good idea, but I don’t think the author is “entitled” for being surprised.
Yes, that happened to me twice… once I had to discard my nail polish that I came with and another my liquid foundation that I had to go back down to gift shop to put in a plastic when it was in my cosmetic bag to begin with.
Ironically, I had this experience with PPT in 2011. The only liquid I had in my carry-on was a long gift box of local jams. PPT security demanded we break the box to fit the jams into a ziploc bag. Probably didn’t help that it was a very late Departure. 1-2 am IIRC.
Didn’t have that issue coming home from SKB in early 2020 but I was travelling with an infant so that might’ve...
Ironically, I had this experience with PPT in 2011. The only liquid I had in my carry-on was a long gift box of local jams. PPT security demanded we break the box to fit the jams into a ziploc bag. Probably didn’t help that it was a very late Departure. 1-2 am IIRC.
Didn’t have that issue coming home from SKB in early 2020 but I was travelling with an infant so that might’ve been the difference.
Just funny to me that I didn’t have issues at the airport you’re complaining about and did have issues at your example of a good airport experience.
Lol the same happened to us I thought they were very rude but I travel with a bag since I go there often and just smile sd they need a job and are protecting their self interest.
Also, you have to realise that countries in the Caribbean are relatively poorer, financially, and when this happens service delivery will vary. You need to look at the 'bigger picture'. It sounds like a 'mere inconvenience' as expectations were not met. I hope it didn't spoil your vacation. Sometimes, memories are made of this. We all make mistakes. Perhaps!
Yes, there is a disconnectbetween staff and the organisations they work for. Mainly due to poor customer service training. As someone who has been a Customer Services Trainer this is quite evident. As someone of African dsscent, born in the UK from Nevisian parents, resided there for ,57 years, I'm dismayed why are 'certain' allowed to behave in this manner. As a therapist who has researched and trained in inherited generational behaviour amongst people of...
Yes, there is a disconnectbetween staff and the organisations they work for. Mainly due to poor customer service training. As someone who has been a Customer Services Trainer this is quite evident. As someone of African dsscent, born in the UK from Nevisian parents, resided there for ,57 years, I'm dismayed why are 'certain' allowed to behave in this manner. As a therapist who has researched and trained in inherited generational behaviour amongst people of African. these behaviours stem from the times when their forebears were enslaved. Its deep and am wanting to write a book about it. You have to remember that whats unacceptable to you, may be seen as acceptable behaviour to the people you encountered during your experience. Perhaps.
I went through exactly the same rigmarole two years back. Its unfortunate that is still the case.
Wow really and to say u know how the process goes and still showed up without the required bag and now u come on here bashing the security for ðoing their job because it's an inconvenience to u which u caused urself.....it's not fair at all right is right N wrong is wrong U KNEW FROM THE GET GO
Have been through this airport twice, several years apart. Same thing happened to me both times. The first time, the agent telling me I had to use a quart size bag, and only a quart size bag, was also the one selling the quart sized bags... At an exorbitant rate of course. I let him keep my toiletries instead as I had no cash and was not about to go back through.
The second...
Have been through this airport twice, several years apart. Same thing happened to me both times. The first time, the agent telling me I had to use a quart size bag, and only a quart size bag, was also the one selling the quart sized bags... At an exorbitant rate of course. I let him keep my toiletries instead as I had no cash and was not about to go back through.
The second time, I forgot about the policy but did have cash. Sadly, that particular side hustle had been shut down. Once again I left an entire bag of toiletries behind.
This always happens to me at LHR. They are strict, but they do also have extra bags if needed. A few years ago, they gave me a hard time since my bag had holes in it and wouldn't seal properly on their sniffer machine.
I think the general lesson here is to assume that foreign airports have the strictest version of TSA rules from the last 20 years.
Also, I came up with...
This always happens to me at LHR. They are strict, but they do also have extra bags if needed. A few years ago, they gave me a hard time since my bag had holes in it and wouldn't seal properly on their sniffer machine.
I think the general lesson here is to assume that foreign airports have the strictest version of TSA rules from the last 20 years.
Also, I came up with a good strategy for bringing lots of liquids at places that are strict. If you have two carryons (say backpack and roller bag), you can often bring two bags of liquids. You just put one in each bag. If they are making people take them out, you put your backpack liquids in the first tray, followed by the backpack, followed by laptops etc. Then you send your roller bag through last (with liquids still inside). While everything is going through, go to the other side and put your liquids back in your backpack right away. If they flag your roller bag, you can take the second bag of liquids out for examination. By this time, everyone forgot you had a second bad in your backpack.
I usually put cheap stuff in the second bag just in case they find out and I have to throw away some sunscreen or shaving cream.
This happened to me a RIC (Richmond) last fall. I had to go back and check my bag after attempting to enter at a second TSA entrance. The vast majority of airports (TSA) seem to only care that your toiletries are less than 3.4 ounce. Even at some airports (like MIA) I've seen TSA pull out large containers of liquid, swab and test them and then hand back. Not sure if that's actually permitted or not.
Of course the entire thing is a farce.
If their government don't educate their TSA people on the international rules, then visitors should stop visiting their little island as there are other beautiful islands within the Caribbean that's better than there.
Wow so visitors shouldn't educate themselves about a place before visiting one should take the time to know rules and laws .....dnt act like small island ppl are stupid ......that's y so many ppl get lock up abroad.....
The TSA is well educated.....Don't try coming for our BEAUTIFUL ISLAND because some ignorant travelor thinks they are above the rules.
We changed planes, both on thisCopa, at Panama City, Island last week. Although we never left the secure airport, we had do another x-ray scan to enter our new gate. The water bottles we had just filled had to be emptied into the trash can. There was nowhere to buy more water or fill our bottles at the gate. After we took off, turbulence forced the flight attendants to stay seated for the first two...
We changed planes, both on thisCopa, at Panama City, Island last week. Although we never left the secure airport, we had do another x-ray scan to enter our new gate. The water bottles we had just filled had to be emptied into the trash can. There was nowhere to buy more water or fill our bottles at the gate. After we took off, turbulence forced the flight attendants to stay seated for the first two hours, leaving is all high and dry. My wife needs to take medicine every hour or so, making this a hardship. I don't get it.
Well like the US when you have to change planes at any major hubs from an international flight and going onto another flight, you still have to toss your water or any large liquid, does not give you the right to keep it even if it's a plane swap. Once you exit the security area you have to follow the 3-1-1 rules. If your wife needed to take her meds that badly , then purchased...
Well like the US when you have to change planes at any major hubs from an international flight and going onto another flight, you still have to toss your water or any large liquid, does not give you the right to keep it even if it's a plane swap. Once you exit the security area you have to follow the 3-1-1 rules. If your wife needed to take her meds that badly , then purchased one when she needs it, or she could have taken her medicinations before tossing the water. That's just being cheap and dumbP
Ben, I've followed your for years, but this is the most DYKWIA post ever...
I think you just had a surly officer. I was there in February and had no issues at all upon leaving without taking any toiletries out of my bag at all. I'd chalk it up to bad luck.
It really is the responsibility of the traveler to understand the travel rules of the country they are transiting through. I dont understand why it is the security guard’s problem that you are not prepared to travel.
I have pre-check and still keep my liquids in a quart ziplock because I've encountered closed (&no) pre-check lines at various airports. (And they didn't have the cards for special treatment in the regular lines.)
I also once had 4 aerosol cans removed from my checked bag for some ungodly reason.
Hilarious seeing all the angry Nevisians and Kittitians with guest accounts chiming in here to defend their country's honor.
This scenario is ridiculous. In decades of travel, I've been asked by security to put my liquids in a bag twice, both at LHR, and both times they had small disposable bags available for travelers. The idea that you simply can't take the bottles out and put them on the tray is insane. It's just...
Hilarious seeing all the angry Nevisians and Kittitians with guest accounts chiming in here to defend their country's honor.
This scenario is ridiculous. In decades of travel, I've been asked by security to put my liquids in a bag twice, both at LHR, and both times they had small disposable bags available for travelers. The idea that you simply can't take the bottles out and put them on the tray is insane. It's just a security agent on a power trip, and the defenses of "oh, you should have been ready!" are extremely silly.
This is so because of travel policies that your country comes up with and insist that we implement them or they would black list our destination. Therefore to be more productive,first find out restrictions of traveling to destination you're traveling to. Also if these restrictions don't Please you, lobby on behalf of those countries to your political representative for less " Draconian Policies" as you say. Do have a blessed ♥️ day.
Sounds a bit like an entitled millennial with the "oh poor me..." type of sentiment. Certainly not trying to be ugly or anything, but as a travel expert and someone who does this for his living, you should know these things. In the caribbean, some places are beyond notorious for the smallest items. I used to fly weekly to a different island throughout the region and found the strictest security areas in these areas.
...Sounds a bit like an entitled millennial with the "oh poor me..." type of sentiment. Certainly not trying to be ugly or anything, but as a travel expert and someone who does this for his living, you should know these things. In the caribbean, some places are beyond notorious for the smallest items. I used to fly weekly to a different island throughout the region and found the strictest security areas in these areas.
No, they are obligated to give you a bag. It's clearly stated what you must do before you approach. Take some personal responsibility and blame yourself and don't cry victim "oh poor me...they wanted me to follow the unfair rules...poor me..." Maybe exagerating there a bit, but that's how this comes across. Hate to say it, but next you'll be expecting special treatment because you're bringing a baby on board (like the baby will get any joy at all at this stage in his life...).
Thank you though for sharing with others what to expect at this airport. It's important that others get details so they are not caught with unrealistic expectations. Not sure if it's still the same, but the immigration/arrival process used to be a bit wonky as well. Even though the immigration area would be completely empty, non-residents are required to go through at least a dozen different lines/switchbacks sectioned off with stanchions that could easily hold a couple of 747s worth of people. Residents could walk right to the front, but foreigners needed to spend several minutes going through the mousetrap. Never seen anything like that before. If you're towards the back of the plane, expect a good hour to get through immigration there.
The person's responsibile for hiring the air port workers hired person incompetent, they can not think or reason and only do what they are told. There is nothing call leverage or leniency. Also a great deal is the politicians needs votes to stay in so they plug out entry and exit points with all these incompetencies. Really leaving a bad taste. I have experienced it too. Sorry on behalf of our country. The Prime Minister...
The person's responsibile for hiring the air port workers hired person incompetent, they can not think or reason and only do what they are told. There is nothing call leverage or leniency. Also a great deal is the politicians needs votes to stay in so they plug out entry and exit points with all these incompetencies. Really leaving a bad taste. I have experienced it too. Sorry on behalf of our country. The Prime Minister needs to get up off his comfort seat and take action.
We loved all of our time in St. Kitts this year except our time at the airport. We had no specific problems but coming and going was very unpleasant. Arriving, their customs process is inefficient, repetitive and slow. Leaving, there is no restaurant and it was incredibly cold in the departure lounge. Very disappointing for a country that relies on tourism.
You sound very incompetent just writing this post!!!!..... Everything IS NOT about politics..... Theese travel rules come right down from the US government and EVERYONE is expected to follow....Theese rules are NOT NEW!!!!...... Every travellor has the responsibility to prepare themself adequately!
LOL he got paid for this and didn't thank the person that gave him the bag. It would have been nice for a full in depth article on the airport for the people that don't travel much It was great when I saw the headline about St.
Kitts I'm going this winter and don't travel much and a real article would have been helpful.
I go to St. Kitts at least once a year for two weeks. It's awesome. Very laid back, super nice people, safe, great food at the local beach bars. The airport is small, but has vastly improved in the last 15 years. Fill out the arrival paperwork before you leave and you'll breeze through immigration. Don't expect big city efficiency from an island with a population of a small town and you'll have a great time.
thank you C.Cole for the info
As an experienced travel agent for one of St. Kitts' main travel agencies I can sympathize with this experience. Knowing the security protocol and process system in place at the airport, I can attest that it can be in fact quite stringent. However, everything is carried out according to local policies in alignment with international regulations. Nothing enforced on our airport is intentionally aimed to hamper or impede on the smooth transition from check-in, to...
As an experienced travel agent for one of St. Kitts' main travel agencies I can sympathize with this experience. Knowing the security protocol and process system in place at the airport, I can attest that it can be in fact quite stringent. However, everything is carried out according to local policies in alignment with international regulations. Nothing enforced on our airport is intentionally aimed to hamper or impede on the smooth transition from check-in, to security, to departure from the airport via air carrier. Again, we are governed by international standards. Safety is the highest priority at airports and passengers are expected to do their part to ensure their own safety and that of others.
I, personally, have in fact spent my own money to purchase such ziplock bags on behalf of travellers in order to save them the inconvenience but that was at my own discretion. This is not a requirement of regulation or of policy but rather a show of goodwill towards a passenger in need. The bottom line is this, safety is highest priority, liquids over a specific amount and outside of specific, published parameters are prohibited and the airport authorities have no obligation to aid travellers monetarily in order to adhere to these measures, rather the easiest solution is to simply discard the item/items which pose a threat to the aircraft's safety.
As a local agency you need to let your government know the inconvenient it has when your TSA officers makes a pleasant trip to the islands very unpleasant and you know the last impression always leaves a memorable impression. If your airport persons wants to foll0w international standards they need to provide those ziplock bags for those who does not have it, or are they scared that their agent will take it home
I'm a kittitian and whilst I understand the need/use of plastic bags for liquids I believe that the authorities at the airport could actually make the bags available at security for convenience and efficiency. It's small details like that which add to the positive experience. There are other issues regarding customer care which they could improve on which I won't go into.
I agree. I've had more issues in that airport alone than all others combined. Depends on the day, some people are great, some just follow these rules with no knowledge or common sense as to why the rules WERE in place or if they've changed. It's like they don't get paid enough to think for themselves and just do as they are told.....sad but true. Whole island is like that truthfully.
Like anything else, preparation is key-doing your homework, being informed. Just as you do on the job, so should you do when traveling. Yes, you should get out of line and buy a bag. The process will not be forgotten and would provide a learning experience. Thank the lady for not only being prepared herself, but being prepared for another person. She’s the hero in all of this.
Should have just brought the right bag, would have saved the "work" on this entitled complaining post.
Hei Ben! Next trip with Miles to Finland? Helsinki airport allows now 2 liters (more than half a gallon) in any size of containers, which does not need to be removed or placed into a separate bag. In addition to that, you are entitled to bring the necessary baby foodproducts.
Yes I have, I had to throw away a lot of my stuff, the lady who sorted me was nice though and she tried had to push my stuff in the bag. I just forgot to put them hem in my hold luggage
Just wanted to comment that I've been travelling all around for the past few years and have never used a quart sized bag or been checked that my toiletries are in them. I have a toiletries bag and all I had to do perhaps 20% of the time is to remove it from my backpack. The rest of the time they just leave it inside.
I vaguely recall that perhaps on 2-3 occasions they requested...
Just wanted to comment that I've been travelling all around for the past few years and have never used a quart sized bag or been checked that my toiletries are in them. I have a toiletries bag and all I had to do perhaps 20% of the time is to remove it from my backpack. The rest of the time they just leave it inside.
I vaguely recall that perhaps on 2-3 occasions they requested a quart size bag and on those occasions, the bag was given to me free of charge right at the x-ray machine.
During COVID in the BVI you could get tested on several Islands but you could ONLY get the results by YOUR OWN cellphone (my companion dropped her's in the ocean while photographing)
or by physically showing up on the main island lab (during 8-5).
We had to RUSH back in order to get the document and make our flight the next day.
Oh, and when we got to the lab they were...
During COVID in the BVI you could get tested on several Islands but you could ONLY get the results by YOUR OWN cellphone (my companion dropped her's in the ocean while photographing)
or by physically showing up on the main island lab (during 8-5).
We had to RUSH back in order to get the document and make our flight the next day.
Oh, and when we got to the lab they were out of paper for the printer and had to recall the "Paper Matron" from home in order to get 50 sheets.
Horrid, stupid process.
Our next sail was to Croatia.
My standard strategy is to always say that I don’t have any liquids if asked. They can never see them, though I’m always traveling with an easy 500ml-1l across several different sources in my bag.
Come on, Ben. I believe you are better than this.
I think most of the reader of your blog already aware of the rules about quart-size bag, including you.
Just because several security staffs/airports/countries don't enforce the rules, it doesn't mean the rules become invalidated.
Be prepared better in your next journey :)
This is a rule by the TSA. Why are others saying this rule is not on SKB website when it's the TSA website that should be checked. Plus, I've never seen stores between immigration and security. Security is not supposed to be selling anything. If there are no signs, maybe they should put one up so inexperienced travellers are aware of the rule before going through immigration and security.
In all my years of international travel across 4 continents, Ive never once placed liquids in a quart sized bag, nor have I been asked to do it. I also just leave it in my bag, or take out my toiletry case and put it in the tray. Stupid rules but thankfully not enforced. hopefully they will get rid of this nonsense.
I have traveled to about 45-50 countries since … I don’t know …. 4-5 years after 9/11. Never once have I been asked to use a 1-quart bag. Yes, it’s required, but not enforced, based on my experience.
It's not Draconian, it's normal nust about everywhere. You might be "experienced", but clearly out of touch. I never thought I'd say this unironically but your privilege is showing, to take such a stupid thing for granted than act like a victim when you got called on it??
And us actual road warriors moved away from disposable plastic ziplocks to silicone forever ago, pro tip ;p
I keep mine in my toiletry bag and no one says a thing. In the last 12 months I have been through LHR,HEL,ARN,TLS,MUC,FRA,IST,ATH,NBO,ADD,BKK,USM,KUL,SIN,HND,SGN,DAD,DOH,TPE,CGK. Only in ARN did they insist I use the clear bag and provided one but honestly it was the first time I can recall this being enforced in over a decade so was a little surprised, but NBD. And at most airports I don't even take the bag out of my carry...
I keep mine in my toiletry bag and no one says a thing. In the last 12 months I have been through LHR,HEL,ARN,TLS,MUC,FRA,IST,ATH,NBO,ADD,BKK,USM,KUL,SIN,HND,SGN,DAD,DOH,TPE,CGK. Only in ARN did they insist I use the clear bag and provided one but honestly it was the first time I can recall this being enforced in over a decade so was a little surprised, but NBD. And at most airports I don't even take the bag out of my carry on. I understand that this is technically still enforceable and am happy to oblige when asked but really hasn't felt like anyone cares much as long as everything is under 100ml/3.3oz. And from what I see, countries are moving away from the policy or at least heading that way
Also, not sure who these people are claiming this is the norm post-9/11. The policy went into effect in August 2006 (I remember the day very clearly).
Some of the comments sound like bush man live in skb like honestly who ask someone to go buy a clear bag because of this. Do you know that some airports are actually removing this travel restriction! People if you can’t keep up with the times don’t expect people to visit your country and stay in your ignorant ways. It’s not that serious nor the end. I guess you will be losing the tourist that you very much depend on.
This is too funny- five years ago I had the exact same thing happen is st Kitts. What is going on is that the bags are quite expensive and they are running a scam with the security agents. In my case, my wife had already gone through with her toiletries in a bag, and so I asked her to pass her bag back to me. They then wouldn't allow *that* insisting that her toiletries need...
This is too funny- five years ago I had the exact same thing happen is st Kitts. What is going on is that the bags are quite expensive and they are running a scam with the security agents. In my case, my wife had already gone through with her toiletries in a bag, and so I asked her to pass her bag back to me. They then wouldn't allow *that* insisting that her toiletries need to stay in the bag until take off! I freaked out, asking for the airport supervisor. Everyone ignored the request.
Thankfully, an older Kittian lady heard the whole thing and absolutely reamed out everyone including the policeman who wouldn't do anything, telling them it wasn't right and it harms the Kittian economy for everyone else when they do this. End of the story, I never got my toiletries back, including some quite expensive ones... And when I boarded, they were sitting on the desk of the agents, not in the trash. Left an terrible taste in my mouth about an otherwise great place.
Who would have thought? The clear plastic zipped bag I have been useing for years, and never had the slightest problem with any security, might just be a 'quart-size' bag! Was never sold to me as such, as most Australians wouldn't have a clue what a 'quart' is/was. We left the Imperial system of weights and measures behind in the middle of the last century.
Agree with the other comments. You are the one in the wrong here. You should have been prepared with a quart sized bag. As others mentioned this has been the normal for a couple of decades. Whether it is enforced or not is a different issue. I agree that traveling out of the Caribbean is often troublesome for some small rules and details. Perhaps you consider Cayman next time for many reasons.
I would never think to not put my toiletries in a quart size bag. Been doing it so many years now, it’s just automatic. I also always travel with a supply of extras, they come in handy for lots of things besides toiletries.
No NO Zero sympathy for your entitled response to another country’s rules. You are NOT in the US, your TSA experience has nothing to do with the No Nonsense rules of this small Caribbean Island.
Shame on you! UATA
Good to know. I have put a note in my notebook for places not to go. I'll go elsewhere and definitely not here. I don't do stoopid.
As others have mentioned, putting 3oz/100mls or less of your personal liquids in a plastic quart container has been the norm and rule for passing through airport security since 911. This goes for any commercial flight at any airport, be it CDG or JFK or SKB. Rather than lambasting the airport personnel for keeping the same standards as other much larger and busier international airports, better to praise them for doing their job to keep...
As others have mentioned, putting 3oz/100mls or less of your personal liquids in a plastic quart container has been the norm and rule for passing through airport security since 911. This goes for any commercial flight at any airport, be it CDG or JFK or SKB. Rather than lambasting the airport personnel for keeping the same standards as other much larger and busier international airports, better to praise them for doing their job to keep you and your family secure and safe. You can disagree with the policy but it's a universal one so best to remind readers to pack their toiletries in a quart bag and follow the rules which have been in place for over 20 years to avoid a snafu like you just encountered and forget the retaliatory rhetoric.
Come on, man - I fly literally many dozens of flights all over the world every year and I haven't carried a bag in a decade. I haven't even been asked to physically take my toiletries out in many years with the exception of Germany and London, and even there, they don't care about the bag.
See my post above - this is a well known scam they have been running at SKB for many years.
It has been policy internationally since the USA demanded it. Why should they pay for your quart size bag? I have global entry but guess what? it has no influence on my travel outside the USA. Just follow the rule set up by the USA.
This is exactly what I would expect people there to act like. They got a little bit of power and they get intoxicated by it.
Recently traveled through Barcelona, Mallorca and JFK, No quart sized bag for my items and no issues. St. Kitts is being ridiculous
One word to describe this article - entitlement. Quart sized bags for toiletries is the universal norm. Airport is not required to offer you a free one. Ones which do are just being extra nice, but it doesn’t mean other countries/airports must also provide it.
Sounds like another grandstanding by third world country. St. Kits and Nevis is extremely poor, but they have to deal with the consequences of being a part of British empire. That causes the problem.
" St.Kitts and Nevis is extremely poor"
I didnt read anything else afterthis ignorant sentence
I had the very same experience at the St. Kitts airport last summer. Thankfully I had a spare quart bag, but then I had to stand at the check-in and stuff the bag. It was a very dissatifying experience.
As a fairness to St. Kitts and Nevis, I visited the islands in 2021 and remembered friendly and helpful locals including at the airport.
Maybe your agent had a bad day and didn’t come across as friendly. However the rule to take out the clear bag of toiletries is required every time I leave Germany. So it should not come as a surprise.
Couldn’t even get to read half of this. Sometimes I wonder how you come up with some articles and why we even bother to open them.
Good question, seeing as no one's forcing you to do so, nor enjoys reading you whining about it...
What I don’t understand is why you can fill a bag with a liter or more of liquids as long as they are in small containers but you can’t bring a single one liter bottle. Are ten 100 mil bottles less dangerous than one one liter bottle, or is this yet another example of bureaucratic stupidity?
It's because you need a single container of a certain diameter in order to create a powerful enough explosion to damage a plane.
Of course they allow empty containers of any size, so a terrorist could theoretically bring a bunch of small bottles in and combine them somewhere inside the secure area, but that would probably be difficult to do without blowing yourself up.
I recently flew out of SKB and didn’t have my travel-size toiletries in a clear plastic bag and thankfully didn’t get pulled aside. They were in a navy nylon Dop Kit. The man in front of me had a lot of problems with how many clear plastic bags he had and the security insisting he could only have one containing his toiletries.
I’ve used this airport many times over the last 15 years and no issues with how they operate. Don’t always expect the same standards as your home country. Smile and you will get treated normally. In all of Europe these bags are mandatory but flyers do forget to pull them out separately for the X-ray machines. New scanners are on their way to render this unnecessary
While seemingly a petty sticker, it is a forum dedicated entirely to air travel and I appreciate all details, even small ones. There is nothing entitled about this essay. Coming up with content continuously demands that even petty things get covered. Completely agree about Caribbean airports. They leave a lot to be desired and you're at the whim of the individuals mood moreso than other tourist spots. However, compared to the USA, it's par for the course..
The airport’s probably desperate for your money so they can renovate their lousy-looking terminal.
The airport maybe lousy but the people are great. You can keep your wonderful airport and horrible people. FYI the airport authority does not sell these bags.
For someone who travels internationally so much, I'm very surprised you wouldn't automatically pack your liquids in a clear bag, or even have extras just in your hand luggage just in case.
I travel a fair amount, and have never heard of putting liquids in a quart size bag, never put my liquids in a quart size bag, nor had anyone ask me too.
Surprising to see so many commenters saying that this is so “obvious“
Probably depends on the Airport, in Germany this rule is often enforced and sometimes no bags are provided. My understanding is that this rule is valid for all aiports but often not enforced, but I could be wrong of course. When I leave toiletries in my bag it usually ends up in the "manual search" queue. Also I got a 125ml bottle of sunscreen confiscated at HAM.
In all my years of international travel across 4 continents, Ive never once placed liquids in a quart sized bag, nor have I been asked to do it. I also just leave it in my bag, or take out my toiletry case and put it in the tray. Stupid rules but thankfully not enforced. hopefully they will get rid of this nonsense.
Putting your liquids in a quart sized ziplock bag has been the accepted norm for air travel for two decades now. If you don’t bring your own ziplock bag, you’re definitely in the minority. I use pre-check too, yet still pack my liquids in a ziplock bag like we’re supposed to. The only difference is not having to remove the liquid bag to place on the tray. On your return flight from the UK, EU,...
Putting your liquids in a quart sized ziplock bag has been the accepted norm for air travel for two decades now. If you don’t bring your own ziplock bag, you’re definitely in the minority. I use pre-check too, yet still pack my liquids in a ziplock bag like we’re supposed to. The only difference is not having to remove the liquid bag to place on the tray. On your return flight from the UK, EU, or anywhere in Asia, they’d never let you out without your liquids in a quart sized bag. This post is just a highlight of your lack of planning, and it’s not really anything you’d want to share with others.
I concur. I use Pre-Check but I always still use a liquid bag because I know I’ll need it on the return flight home
I keep it in my Dopp kit all the time.
I've flown to the USA from UK and the EU within the last month and neither time did I have to have my liquids in a quart size bag so...
I do keep one in my carry on at all times but your blanket statement is as absurd as the rule.
Indeed. Hardly ever do it and fly all
Over.
Exactly correct.
Over the last decade of flying (maybe 250 domestic segments and 60 international) with liquids in a toiletry bag, not a ziplock. The (very few) times I’ve needed a silly ziplock bag they’ve had them. Your post says a lot about you - not that you’re prepared, but that you’re eager to be holier-than-thou. Get a life. Some of your absolute statements - “they’d never let you out” are patently false. Ask me how I know…
I fly from EU and UK almost weekly (including two transatlantic flights this week, from MAN and MAD) and never use the stupid bag. Never get shit for it either.
Untrue. I've never once put my liquids in a clear quart bag and never once been questioned over it.
I fly domestic USA about 6* year, internationally ( MX , EU) 3* every year.
Probably will now though after stating this.
Umm...no. Didn't do this in London (UK), Helsinki (EU) or Bangkok (Asia) as recently as this year (and many other years) and no issues.
In all my years of international travel across 4 continents, Ive never once placed liquids in a quart sized bag, nor have I been asked to do it. I also just leave it in my bag, or take out my toiletry case and put it in the tray. Stupid rules but thankfully not enforced. hopefully they will get rid of this nonsense.
"If you don’t bring your own ziplock bag, you’re definitely in the minority."
I don't know about that. I fly for work and leisure dozens of times a year. In the past ~10 years, over the course of hundreds of flights, I've never used a ziplock bag for my liquids, and have not had an issue with TSA or any other country's airport security. I travel with family, friends, and co-workers and can't even think...
"If you don’t bring your own ziplock bag, you’re definitely in the minority."
I don't know about that. I fly for work and leisure dozens of times a year. In the past ~10 years, over the course of hundreds of flights, I've never used a ziplock bag for my liquids, and have not had an issue with TSA or any other country's airport security. I travel with family, friends, and co-workers and can't even think of the last time I've seen someone use one (even my type-A, rule-following wife stopped bothering with it like a decade ago).
If you travel constantly for work and have liquids you can't afford to dump, of course following the rules to the letter and bringing a ziplock is the right move. But I'd wager a good chunk of travelers, having experienced the inconsistent enforcement of most airport security measures, have stopped bothering with ziplock bags.
"Hey, you sass that hoopy Bob? There's frood who really knows where his Ziploc bag is."
Suggestion- think about a helpful post reminding travelers to always carry a few quart size bags in case they end up in a place where existing rules are strictly enforced. You could use your experience as an example. Sorry, but as written, this just sounds like an entitled rant. You are better than this.
You say your an experienced traveler. If so then you know being prepared for usual scenarios makes your trip easier. Don't plane authorities for expecting you to be prepared. There are signs staying it's required. It's entitled and unrealistic to expect the airport to provide your supplies just because a few do. Very disappointed in this travel post.
"There are signs staying it's required."
Traveltipster, could you post a link to a recent photograph of a sign in the St. Kitts airport (no other airport) stating this? Either Ben is full of nonsense or you are.
When you book a flight it’s been all over airline websites for years. He’s also not a novice traveller and knows full well the requirements.
You want to know what's really Draconian… The colonial laws and the oppressive treatment of LGBTQIA individuals that have to hide their truth and live 24/7 on some of these islands.
We all come from different circumstances, life is not fair and we ALL don't get to enjoy the same freedoms and luxuries to travel around the world with a husband and new infant, like YOU do.
So next time, before you go running back...
You want to know what's really Draconian… The colonial laws and the oppressive treatment of LGBTQIA individuals that have to hide their truth and live 24/7 on some of these islands.
We all come from different circumstances, life is not fair and we ALL don't get to enjoy the same freedoms and luxuries to travel around the world with a husband and new infant, like YOU do.
So next time, before you go running back to your first world problems and complain “Whaaa I went to “X” island and the red carpet was not rolled out for ME! 1 star” Check your privilege (and your quart bag).
This article is about airport security, not about your personal problems. Check your privilege, IslandBoy.
Talk about privilege. He is clearly making a point that their are more important issues in the world than quart size bags.
It is not st kitts, the st kitts Air authorities have to adhere to FAA strick standards or the airport will get downgraded.
I'm puzzled as to why the rules don't apply to you.
Linda, you might want to read the article before you comment on it. But I'll save you some time and just quote "Absolutely enforce whatever policies you feel need to be enforced...".
I have never put my liquids in a bag once since that rule has come into effect. Agree that it's a Security issue.
Next time just pack couple extra quart size Ziploc and even a larger one. I must say I've flown there a couple times and the whole airport experience always rough. Grumpy/rude airport staff, especially immigration. They disappeared with my passport. For several minutes. Both on arrival and departure. No explanation why. The island is beautiful though. Worth the visit. And not as touristy as neighboring Islands
It's a scam, and they've been doing it for years. We ran into the same thing- my bag would not "seal" so they told us get a new one downstairs. I'm sure there are kickbacks involved. Fortunately, the guy behind us had a half dozen bags. He said he flies through St. Kitts often and "knows the drill".
UK airports can be like that. We like to have vending machines that sell you baggies. Luton had them last time I had to go there. Heathrow security will happily make everyone in line wait an extra 30 mins, miss flights etc just to punnish one 70 year old couple for not using a baggie. I was behind them... Very 3rd World.
That’s rubbish. Heathrow has them at entrance to security - free
Do not spend money on people who want to screw you.
Fly all over the world and publish millions of words but have no business sense whatsoever. What idiot would do business with an enemy? An enemy is someone who is looking for a reason to mess you up.
You chose to go to a third world island.
You chose to subscribe to their absurd theatric ("Security Theater").
You are lamenting NOT that...
Do not spend money on people who want to screw you.
Fly all over the world and publish millions of words but have no business sense whatsoever. What idiot would do business with an enemy? An enemy is someone who is looking for a reason to mess you up.
You chose to go to a third world island.
You chose to subscribe to their absurd theatric ("Security Theater").
You are lamenting NOT that they have a stupid quart-bag policy, but that they don't offer free bags. Try again, and this time don't beg the question.
Stop whining and stop touristing places and supporting them when they do stupid things to people too stupid to stand up to themselves. Whining afterwards on your blog is part of their "winning." Not sure I'm right -- ask yourself what policy changes occurred as a result of your rant.
The TSA's stupid rules haven't prevented anything ever. Clear is on the way out. Pre/GOES gets you back to pre-TSA days unless your 4S. But you can say "I decline" and work through (their) system.
Your toiletries don't need to be separated, in clear bags, or limited to 3.5oz. I fly all the time and don't do any of this hornswoggle bullshit. My toiletries are in my dop kit and not clear and screw TSA. I don't post how many miles I fly or how many words I write, but don't worry, my OPSEC is more important than shilling.
Don't spend money on people who want to screw you. If you haven't learned that yet, at least don't teach it to your new kid.
Ehud, I entirely agree with your first sentence, but what in the article caused you to jump to the conclusion that Ben knew ahead of time that St. Kitts screws travelers and that he went anyway? The tone of the entire article strongly implies that he did he not know, and now that he does he's spreading the word. Which I for one appreciate, because like you I don't knowingly spend money on people who want to screw me.
Sure, it would be nice if the airport authorities were more helpful and provided bags but you sound pretty entitled writing an entire post to complain about it. Those are the rules and its their job to enforce it. Any help provided to passengers is a bonus and not a right.
I agree. Why would security provide/sell bags? Having been a frazzled parent traveling with a baby in the recent past, I totally get the need to rant your partner about something like this in the moment… but objectively, this is really more of a “you” problem than a “draconian” policy that the world needs to know about to avoid future injustice.
Because many other airports provide cheap plastic bags free of charge. Many people still use their own, but on the off chance that they don't, then the airport is there to help.
I agree with Lucky. For an island that is overly reliant on tourism for their revenue, maybe not being such a d--k to their guests would go a long way.
Thanks for sharing this. I always put my liquids in a clear quart ziplock bag but I feel a bit stupid doing it since I can’t remember the last time I’ve had to remove it and show it, anywhere in the world. And I travel internationally eight to ten times a year.
Like Donna, I've been putting my liquids in a Ziploc bag but merely out of habit given that I've not seen nor even heard of this ancient rule being valid anywhere in the world anymore. (I did not say "enforced", I said "valid".) I appreciate Ben's report and because of it I will continue to follow it.
You know what’s tacky? Being rude on someone’s blog about their kid. Go away.
My wife and i went to St Kitts not long after the Park Hyatt opened, and due to a work deadline, my wife needed to bring a suitcase full of library books. When we flew out of St Kitts, a lady at security started flipping through every page of every book, and spent a good 10-20 minutes looking through them. We've never had that experience at any other airport and weren't sure if she was...
My wife and i went to St Kitts not long after the Park Hyatt opened, and due to a work deadline, my wife needed to bring a suitcase full of library books. When we flew out of St Kitts, a lady at security started flipping through every page of every book, and spent a good 10-20 minutes looking through them. We've never had that experience at any other airport and weren't sure if she was just being difficult, if she was suspicious since we were the first vacationers to bring a suitcase full of books on vacation, or if they need to be stricter than other airports because people try to smuggle things out (in books apparently!)
Probably precautious to make sure that nothing was hidden between the pages…and yeah, most persons would have a tablet to read and not an actual suitcase of books. So definitely understand their leafing through.
You've never heard of the cut the center of a book and stash stuff in it trick? Caribbean is a known Narcotics smuggling point and I'm sure they were working on "island time"
they have these machines called "x-rays" now which can look through objects to detect contraband. i've heard they've even got these machines in st kitts!
I use PreCheck. The notion of carrying a plastic baggie is so foreign. That’s still a thing? I haven’t had to remove a toiletry for additional inspection in ages.
Precheck only exists in the US. So I guess like most Americans, you don’t travel much
Having PreCheck only means you dont have to get it out,not that the requirement doesn't apply.
I'm also PreCheck but have had my bag opened because I had one Flonase bottle not in a baggie. Whipped out another baggie, put it in and problem solved.
They still xray your luggage whether PreCheck or not.
At LHR I have been required more than once to transfer my <100 gram toiletries from my quart bag to their provided bags, my Ziplock apparently not being sufficient. Also (is this a peculiarity of LHR) one must go through screening on entering the domestic concourse. This a problem in that the agents appear to be underutilized and thus mess about a good deal with ones luggage for lack of anything else to do.
There is no "domestic concourse" at any of the LHR terminals. There is one departures area handling all flights (international or domestic).
However due to UK security rules, all transfer passengers must be re-screened unless they arrive from another UK airport. This is about not trusting the security of airports in other countries.
I love the quart sized bags that are readily available at LHR. They are durable and seem more spacious that most quart sized bags. My wife and I always collect an extra bag or two there for future use.
Just because St. Kitts and other Caribbean countries are heavily dependent on tourism does not mean the people who are actually providing the services to the tourists are entirely happy with the current economic model they live in. I have noticed various levels of deep-seated disdain toward tourists in many of these countries, and I personally find that to be well-justified.
Wow, whole lot of anti-Western traveler hate coming from a reader of a Western travel blog.
At Barbados Airport, my partner was forced to put his flip flops through the X Ray machine. A similar level of obnoxious behaviour?
I had to go through the same in ZRH and VIE this summer.
Imaging being a blogger and not knowing the regulations . In the first instance toiletries LAGs ( liquids and gels) should be in containers no more that 100ml in a transparent resealable bag 20x20cms. They shouldn’t be in a wash bag therefore it should have come as absolutely no surprise and then you blame security . Moreover I always carry lots of
resealable bags in my cabin bag
Luton used to have a machine by security. Simple, really.
Classic blame the victim...
Because it was entirely his fault and he goes on a rant. He travels all over the world and yet doesn’t carry resealable bags. The items were in a wash bag which he knows full well he should not do.
The bitterness you exude in your comments is getting tiring.
“Blame the victim”? What victim? It’s not like they tazed him. He (almost) had to suffer a moderate inconvenience for failing to comply with a well-known (if silly) regulation that everyone else complied with. Seems a fitting consequence.
TSA Regulationa state that the items need to fit in a quart size bag, not that they must be contianed in one. There is a difference as this is merely a point of reference for flyers to gauge their overall amount and to make it easier for screeners to do so as well. TSA is very clear that this is meant as a convenience measure.
Icarus, could you please point us all to where the St. Kitts regulations are published? Correct me if I'm wrong but what you cite seems to be your own country's regulations, not St. Kitts'.
I'm honestly not sure where else you're going to buy one? How many airports do you see any shops at all between immigration and security? I always put several of these bags in my carry on anytime I travel. Not only for a country like this but they're also very convenient to toss pocket items into while going through security. I've always found plenty of uses for them during the course of a trip, never hurts to have them handy.
Once at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International, I got pulled out of line by a TSA agent for having too small a bag. I don't carry much more than toothpaste and deodorant, so I often use a sandwich baggie. I just tossed the baggy and contents and chalked the expense up to the cost of an amusing TSA "Florida man" anecdote.
This may be the stupidest security theater incident I've heard of. It's right in there with the security officer at CDG who patiently rummaged through my toiletries kit to remove every small (less than one inch) safety pin in it.
Probably some form of a kickback/revenue generating scheme. Security forces you to the shop, you overpay for the bag, the agent takes a cut of the profit.
Iberia was doing this kind of shady stuff last year when they were the only airline left requiring masks. No warning when you booked, nothing in the check-in notification email, and zero mention at the check-in counter
Only upon scanning your boarding pass were you told masks...
Probably some form of a kickback/revenue generating scheme. Security forces you to the shop, you overpay for the bag, the agent takes a cut of the profit.
Iberia was doing this kind of shady stuff last year when they were the only airline left requiring masks. No warning when you booked, nothing in the check-in notification email, and zero mention at the check-in counter
Only upon scanning your boarding pass were you told masks were mandatory. At that point, you’re flight is boarding and you’re panicking. GA’s didn’t have masks to supply. They instead directed you to a specific shop. Only masks were hidden behind/under the counter, price made up as they pulled out a 10 pack.
Was such an obvious scam but you have no choice in that situation. I offered the other 9 masks to the GA for other passengers to use and she declined my gesture. Would mean less of a cut from the shop
Iberia wasn't doing that as a scam. Spain had its mask requirement on public transport (including planes) rule in place until this February.
All Spanish-flagged airlines had to enforce mask wearing on its aircraft regardless of the flight origin.
Reminds me of flying LIM to FLL on Spirit, where the secondary security line at the gate confiscated all bottles of water in the name of “national security” (but really smacked of forcing travelers to plop down $5 for a bottle from Spirit).
So experienced travelled knew the rules, decided they did apply to him, and willingly decided not to follow them. But blames the airport.
Time for a privilege check.
Agreed, and calling it "draconian" seems a bit of an exaggeration. "Punitive" perhaps, but not sure if intentionally so. However, in my opinion, an unnecessary inconvenience to put people through at the most harried moment in the unpleasant process of getting on a plane.
Bob, you just don't get it. Or you prefer to blame the victim, which is sadly commonplace on this site.
Bob, please share with us all how anyone would "know the rules" before arrival at at every random airport in the world. Because what Ben described is most certainly not what happens at most airports, nor is there a World Security Police to consult.
You don't have to know them all. Just Google the one you're going to.
Think about all of the perfumes, shampoos and other liquids that are now shared amongst the security people and their friends courtesy of those who just "abandon" them....at the security checkpoint.
I took a bunch of Le Labo from the PH and I had to throw away a bunch of them because of this same thing. That hurt.
Here's a solution. Don't travel.
Seriously what? Did half the commenters get out of the wrong side of bed this morning?
Scott, here's another solution. If you don't want to read about travel experiences, don't read travel blogs.
I always carry extra bags, just in case some TSA type doesn't like how I've Consolidated my toiletries.
Had one who didn't like my creams(medical) being in same bag as my liquid (slow medical). No problem, just Whipped out another bag. Problem solved.
To date, not had a single security checkpoint offer me anything...except grief
I would like to thank Patti for offering helpful advice rather than the randos who are raging hate on Ben for (how dare he!) sharing a travel experience on a travel blog. I've never thought to carry extra bags nor needed one but this is good advice and I will now.
I do agree that 1 liter bag is rarely enforced but this summer I’ve visited like 3 or 4 airports in Europe that require that (and the bag is properly closed and has no holes in it. And for example in Nice airport it was hard to even find that to be bought.
I have even worse experience from I think it was Tegucigalpa airport where all my liquids were tossed into trash because...
I do agree that 1 liter bag is rarely enforced but this summer I’ve visited like 3 or 4 airports in Europe that require that (and the bag is properly closed and has no holes in it. And for example in Nice airport it was hard to even find that to be bought.
I have even worse experience from I think it was Tegucigalpa airport where all my liquids were tossed into trash because one container did not have visible 100 ml indicator (I think, there was language barrier and no questions Policy) so I had violated their security Policy. There was Also no option to go back through immigration and saying no would have put me into jail. (Based on the officer there)
That does sound like TGU, I am sorry to say. I'm even sorrier to say that when TGU was replaced with XPL they did not replace those horrid security people, they merely moved them to the new airport.
Welcom to the third world...
I always have one or two extra ziplock bags in my carry-on just in case. Somehow I assumed that every frequent traveller would.
C’mon.
As much as you travel, and you don’t carry a quart bag, even as backup for when you might need it?
@ Never In Doubt -- It has literally never been an issue anywhere, so I'm not sure what to tell you...
It is an issue in Europe. Just flew through Italy and France and they handle you clear quarter size bags at security. They don’t let you use your own toiletry bag if it is not transparent or a quarter size. Annoying but it happens to me all the time at least in those two countries.
Sounds like you’re just a low-risk version of the father who had been skiplagging for years and threw a fit when his son got caught. You know the rules, you recognize the rules are ridiculous, you decide not to comply, and then complain about the (in this case very minimal) consequences and say it was never a problem before…
The insistence on having all your toiletries fit inside a quart size bag is also enforced at LHR. The difference is that those bags are made available readily either by ground staff facilitating connections thru security or there are extras hanging near the security belts.
When we have TSA pre-check we are lulled into a sense of casual-ness as we do not have to remove our computers or liquids etc etc. So when we have...
The insistence on having all your toiletries fit inside a quart size bag is also enforced at LHR. The difference is that those bags are made available readily either by ground staff facilitating connections thru security or there are extras hanging near the security belts.
When we have TSA pre-check we are lulled into a sense of casual-ness as we do not have to remove our computers or liquids etc etc. So when we have to do it - it is an annoyance. It is something to keep in mind and as Justin points out - for foreigners visiting USA (who dont have Pre-Check) going thru security and having to deal with TSA is a not too pleasant experience.
As for your experience at St Kitts - it is a shame. Execution of the rules leaves a lot to be desired and a lack of information prior to going into security creates unpleasant-ness that can be avoided. One cannot legislate common sense. Signage in the airport PRIOR to going thru Immigration and Security would solve this.
The casual laid back Caribbean vibe is taken leave off when Security enforces rules that are never made clear to passengers. BUT... this is a universal phenomena as we recently experienced a somewhat similar situation at ARL on our travel to LHR.
Reminds me a bit of the Toronto airport when masks were mandatory.
They had a security guard sitting at the airport entrance, and would deny you access if you weren't wearing a mask. If you didn't have one, he'd point to the PPE vending machine next to him.
Not sure what they charged for a mask, but I can't imagine anything at the airport being reasonably priced.
That sounds like a good thing! The solution is right next to the area where the problem is identified.
I always carry extra quart sized zip lock bags on trips. If asked, I could probably get one out for a fellow traveler. Complaining about a common requirement makes you sound entitled. I am glad that a fellow traveler was able to help you out.
Common requirement? Did you read the article? Did you read the comments? The whole point is because of how uncommon it is.
Frequent traveller's should know about the rules going through security. As someone else mentioned TSA has a stricter enforcement for other countries in sticking to the policy and the airport could be lose their status. We should also remember this whole situation with putting the items in a ziploc was not implemented by St Kitts. Blame whoever came up with the idea and call them "draconian".
Bonaire Flamingo Airport (BON) confiscated all sunscreen bottles (8 oz).
Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize (BZE) "lost" an expensive belt when scanning my luggage. "No sir, no belt here..."
If you travel enough, there will be plenty of stories... When it comes to security, there is no common standard. Computers need to be removed from luggage in Europe but not shoes. Luggage gets x-rayed incoming in Caribbean but not in US. I have traveled...
Bonaire Flamingo Airport (BON) confiscated all sunscreen bottles (8 oz).
Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize (BZE) "lost" an expensive belt when scanning my luggage. "No sir, no belt here..."
If you travel enough, there will be plenty of stories... When it comes to security, there is no common standard. Computers need to be removed from luggage in Europe but not shoes. Luggage gets x-rayed incoming in Caribbean but not in US. I have traveled allover the world with a cheap wine opener (the little free ones you often get as commercial/hotel gifts) but was removed in Honduras. My family was pulled aside in Zaventem, Belgium (BRU) because I forgot I had a Letterman tool in my backpack, but probably had 20 flights on it. Zurich Airport Switzerland (ZRH) pulled me aside because I have a law enforcement badge "appearing like japanese throwing stars and considered a forbidden weapon"... etc...
You've never heard of the cut the center of a book and stash stuff in it trick? Caribbean is a known Narcotics smuggling point and I'm sure they were working on "island time"
I think all readers of this post will appreciate the "heads-up" info. The complaining commentary is not necessary. When traveling to foreign countries, always expect some different procedure and just "go with it". Travel is always an adventure.
@ Rebecca -- Totally fair, though I think my point here is to also provide feedback, because maybe authorities don't know how this is perceived. This experience leaves a worse impression in my mind from this trip, all over a two cent bag (when we spent a lot more than that during our trip).
Ironically, when I went through this airport and had the same issue, the policy was described as “for US-bound flights” so I don’t think the “different countries are different” argument works here. Pretty sure the policy wasn’t in place for flights to other destinations at least when I went through.
Highly praise you for traveling with a new child and not checking any bags in …. That’s a win right there as for the bags I guess each airport has its own guidelines … however on the airports site it’s not mentioned so I guess you could have argued but I’d not recommend that
Hand Baggage :
https://scaspaair.com/before-you-fly/safty-and-security/
Not more than 100 ml of liquids, aerosols, and gels, is permitted.
Sharp items...
Highly praise you for traveling with a new child and not checking any bags in …. That’s a win right there as for the bags I guess each airport has its own guidelines … however on the airports site it’s not mentioned so I guess you could have argued but I’d not recommend that
Hand Baggage :
https://scaspaair.com/before-you-fly/safty-and-security/
Not more than 100 ml of liquids, aerosols, and gels, is permitted.
Sharp items such as metallic, replica weapons and articles with the potential to cause interference with Civil Aviation operations are not permitted. Such items may be confiscated by the authorities.
@Ben - I love your blog but it's a bit funny when an American is complaining about security or immigration experience in a foreign country. What about US airports where everyone is asked to remove shoes? I am yet to see a sock shop before the TSA security and I definitely do not see seeing any warnings at check-in. I was in an immigration line in a foreign country yesterday and there was a group...
@Ben - I love your blog but it's a bit funny when an American is complaining about security or immigration experience in a foreign country. What about US airports where everyone is asked to remove shoes? I am yet to see a sock shop before the TSA security and I definitely do not see seeing any warnings at check-in. I was in an immigration line in a foreign country yesterday and there was a group of Americans loudly complaining about the wait. I am pretty sure anyone from this foreign country would be waiting much longer to enter heaven, aka the USA.
“ What about US airports where everyone is asked to remove shoes? ”
You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. Everyone is not asked to remove their shoes at US Airports.
I think @Justin's point is that, to my knowledge, the US is the only country where everyone without precheck or Clear is required to take off their shoes. It is all TSA theater.
I've still have to do this every time from NY area. Maybe not if you have Pre-Check, but the normal lines still do.
So you start off with a diatribe on how experienced of a traveler you are and yet you still don't have your own quart-sized clear bag for your toiletries by default?
"But everyone else lets me get away with it!"
Ok Karen
“ you still don't have your own quart-sized clear bag for your toiletries by default?”
I travel every week, sometimes to multiple cities and I’ve never put my toiletries in a quart sized bag and it’s never been an issue.
Most airports are plain stupid. And it starts with the US airports. I can take my full bottle of water in AMS but I have to pay $5 for one at US airports. Of course someone is making money of this stupid policy. It is not about security. It is always about money!!!
Having traveled through this airport as well as many international airports, there are different rules and regulations. Respectfully, you are denigrating this airport because you were not properly prepared. This is on you...it is rather disingenuous for you to shift blame for your failure to follow rules.
As noted above their website doesn’t mention it.
Peter, could you provide a link to the airport or official St. Kitts government website where this information was available for Ben to see beforehand? If it is posted, then you are right, but if not then it's a gotcha and Ben is right to inform others about it.
All I can offer is this: ALWAYS ask others in line if they have an extra bag. Obviously the lady in your line had one; I always have -five extra with me, so I imagine many others have extras they’ll happily give to those who need some.
Sorry this happened to you. Flying is stressful enough, least of all with a toddler, and then confronting a security theatre goblin…
Sounds great, please you had a great first trip with Miles. Hoping we’ll get a review of the FS, I’ve been thinking about a trip there and haven’t found any good reviews. You seem to be spending more time in luxury hotels and less time in points hotels so keeping fingers crossed
Well, it is security theater, after all. What would theater be without drama?
Don't fly to SLU or UVF (both in St. Lucia). Liquids will be your smallest problem. All the shouting and barking from the security makes people feel more than just upset. It is as if they wanted to trigger passangers to say something wrong, so that they can then show you their god powers. Tiny SLU is the worse one.
When I visited Bantam, Indonesia via ferry from Singapore I read many reviews by travelers who were denied entry for talking in the arrivals hall. Surprises happen, it could have been worse.
Ben,
Would you be up for reaching out to airport management and sharing their response?
https://scaspaair.com/management/
That's completely normal all over Europe and especially in the UK. Having toiletries in a clear bag is always enforced, and at airports that specialise in low cost carriers and charter flights, it's standard to be made to buy a bag if you don't have one.
It is absolutely not 'always enforced' in 'Europe'. In LHR and ATH, they usually enforce the rule, but they have free bags for you. In AMS, you don't need to remove liquids at all and you can even have big water bottles. And as someone who flies fairly frequently in Europe, I have never been asked to buy a bag.
@ David -- Not questioning you, I'm just curious which airports? UK airports are indeed strict about liquids, but all the UK airports I've been to have special stations with extra bags that travelers can take.
And like I said, I wouldn't even be bothered by this if it were easy to buy a bag. But you literally not only have to leave security, but also have to even exit immigration.
Germany. Everywhere. Strict enforcement and you have to pay for bags if you don't have one. BER, FRA, MUC, STR just a few examples.
@ Betty -- Different folks, different strokes, I guess? I travel through Germany constantly, and have never had to purchase a bag.
No it’s not. I’ve never ever been asked to use a separate bag in dozens of flights across Europe. No clue why you’d make this false claim
No false claim. Don't know where you were, but only airports with the new scanners don't enforce it anymore. I fly a lot within Europe, always had to put everything in a Quartsize bag.
Just in the last three months in Spain, Sweden, Denmark, UK, Germany and Switzerland.
I've flown extensively in Europe, over 200 flights in 2019 (I've since moved to Canada) and not once was I required to buy a bag in Germany. Always had the TSA sized reusable bag and had no issues.
AMS and other European airports have the newer ultra sound scanners which is why you do not need to remove liquids. They are popping up in a few US airports but still relatively rare. Only seen in ORD T2, MCO and the new LAX terminal.
Free bags all over the place at Stansted
@David- Not at any EU airports I have used in the past several years to include those in Switzerland, France and Italy.
Was just in CDG and ZRH this summer and both required quart or similar sized plastic liquid bags. CDG was giving them out for free. It was not optional to use a liquid bag. Everyone needed one.
Did you even read the post? He’s asking that there be a sign while travelers still have access to the gift shop or bags available or available for sale at security.
You should really read the post before you comment.
@ John -- Thanks for the idea, I plan to do that.
I had the same experience in MUC in 2011, gift shop and all.
I’m not surprised, it’s the Caribbean. The rough truth is that the locals on many Caribbean islands resent our presence and put up with it only because they need the tourism money. That attitude is evident on many islands, and it can manifest itself in the way you’ve described.
Exact same experience 5 years ago. I almost lost it on them, as we would definitely have missed our flight if we did have to go back to the “gift shop.” In our case the only liquids we had were medical supplies, and they still wouldn’t budge. Luckily someone a few people behind us in line heard the commotion and gave us a bag. Only place in the world I’ve ever had an issue with security procedures.
This is the definition of User Error
confused how just dropping it in a bin is an alternative you would seek.
After that happened to me once, I’d start using a bag.
Since 9/11 I always keep it in a bag — especially in intl flights where they seem to always ask you to take it out