January 28, 2010 12:09 PM

4 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

IphtashuFitz

It's not misleading nor is it outright lying. It's 100% accurate. From the TSA itself:

\"All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including lubricating jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes are permitted. You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed three ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of the security officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.\"

$\"user-pic\"$

dreamcatcher2

January 28, 2010 4:34 PM

Actually, no. The bottle is not itself compliant. The entire situation is compliant when the person carrying the oversized bottle announces it to the agent to subject himself to further inspection. In situations requiring specific compliant action by the user of a product, the product itself cannot be advertised as compliant.

That is why recordkeeping software can be advertised as DOD 5015.02 compliant (the standard defines the qualities a recordkeeping PRODUCT should have) but cannot be advertised as HIPAA compliant (HIPAA compliance requires an organization has certain policies and procedures in place, and follows them)

$\"user-pic\"$

squirrel

January 28, 2010 1:40 PM

Lubricating jelly?

AWESOME

$\"user-pic\"$

magic8ball

January 28, 2010 2:59 PM

Only if it's for medical purposes.

January 28, 2010 12:51 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

Lonetree

Try telling that to Chinese airport security which strictly enforces the 100 mL rule. They outright confiscated mine and had to file a mini-report.

$\"user-pic\"$

GinaLouise

January 29, 2010 5:00 AM

In Mexico they don't let you take ANY liquid onto the plane. I was pretty ticked off to find this out, since I had just used my last pesos to stock up on Mexican Coke at the airport gift shop.

January 29, 2010 10:42 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

MrWilly

Is Mexican Coke better than US Coke? If so, in what way?

$\"user-pic\"$

catastrophegirl chooses not to fly

January 30, 2010 2:30 AM

cane sugar instead of HFCS

$\"user-pic\"$

axhandler1

January 29, 2010 1:06 PM

It hasn't been cut as much as US coke. Closer to the source, = more pure.

/kidding

January 28, 2010 11:22 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

spongebue

I once traveled with a friend that carried on his contact lens solution, a pretty large container at that. It never caused an issue, (he went through security a total of 3 times) and in Toronto (which has ALL US customs and security rules) they specifically pointed it out and said that it was OK because it was medicinal. So yeah, it's misleading, but only because you shouldn't have to worry about it.

5 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

catastrophegirl chooses not to fly

January 30, 2010 2:33 AM

it's hit or miss though, depending on individual agents. i have heard a lot of stories about the medication i work for that needs to be refrigerated - the TSA says gel packs for cooling your meds are allowed. but dozens of people have told me their gel packs got tossed by the TSA.

January 28, 2010 12:06 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

jesusofcool

I wish I knew that. I use a special irritant-free contact solution that's nearly impossible to find in a TSA size and it keeps me from flying with just a carry-on.
I would never consider contact solution a medical supply though? Is there anyplace where the TSA mentions that it is?

$\"user-pic\"$

squirrel

January 28, 2010 1:07 PM

My wife and kid regularly travel overseas with full retail-sized bottles of over the counter cold and allergy medicines in their carry-ons. We pack them in a large ziplock and leave them in the packaging or with the security seals intact and dump them in a tray.

TSA looks but never says anything about them.

January 28, 2010 12:55 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

spongebue

Here's one place where it's specifically mentioned after a quick search. They didn't really do much (if anything) of additional screening for my friend like they warned about. http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/family_lane_expansion.shtm

January 28, 2010 12:03 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

calquist

My BF had his confiscated once. They also took my miniature Sea World snow globe because of it's deadly snowglobe juice.

January 28, 2010 11:22 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

Loias calls you out if you can't RTFA

That's not misleading, that's an outright lie. I see a lawsuit coming.

January 28, 2010 12:15 PM

4 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

aka_mich

What would he sue them over? The $2.50 he spent on the bottle? The emotional distress of having to figure out 4>3.4?

Or should he be compensated for his time spent researching that it is in fact correct since contact solution is exempt from the 3.4 fl oz limits?

January 28, 2010 12:10 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

IphtashuFitz

You might want to actually read TSA regulations before you decide to pursue your armchair lawyer career. From the TSA itself:

\"All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including lubricating jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes are permitted. You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed three ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of the security officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.\"

January 28, 2010 12:46 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

katstermonster

But then why bother buying a small bottle at all? Just bring a big one. They're selling the small bottle to the people who don't want to have to declare anything, so it defeats the purpose altogether.

January 28, 2010 12:53 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

johnva

Not if your purpose is to sell something for more money per volume.

January 28, 2010 11:48 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

regenerator

Really? A lawsuit over this? If I purchased the bottle and it was confiscated at security, I'd maybe put forth the effort to be refunded for my purchase, but I don't think this is lawsuit material.
(Of course, I'm sure plenty of lawyers would take the case, it would turn into a class action suit, and everyone would get a coupon for a free 4 oz. bottle of the solution.)

January 28, 2010 11:23 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

FatLynn

http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm

Saline solution is exempt from carry-on limits.

January 28, 2010 12:26 PM

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

JuliB

Let's not confuse anyone with the facts. It would be nice to see your link posted at the bottom of the article, with a recanting, but that won't draw in the viewers.

January 28, 2010 11:23 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

FatLynn

http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm

Saline solution is exempt from carry-on limits.

$\"user-pic\"$

johnva

I agree that this is misleading...BUT you can get larger containers of contact fluid through the TSA checkpoints if you \"declare\" them, have them outside of your baggy, and tell them it's for a medical reason (which it is). You're allowed to do this with contact fluid; I've done so many times. You just have to verbally tell the agents about it being there, or they may seize it.

January 28, 2010 11:31 AM

2 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

FredKlein

So, all a terrorist has to do is put their liquid explosive in a contact lens solution bottle. ::Sigh::

Security Theater at its finest.

January 28, 2010 11:38 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

johnva

To be fair, I believe they have testing machines that can analyze the composition of the fluid to see what it is (I agree that a lot of things TSA does are just security theater, though). Although it makes me wonder: why is contact fluid acceptable if say, water isn't? Is it purely just a matter of them not wanting to take the time to screen all the water bottles, or is it that they can't legally discriminate on the basis of a medical condition, or what?

January 28, 2010 11:44 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

jurisenpai

I think we can all agree that the \"no liquids\" policy is the stupidest TSA policy ever.

I am not a chemist, but aren't there many explosives that could be brought aboard a plane in dry, powered form and re-hydrated with water from the beverage cart?

January 28, 2010 11:53 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

johnva

Yes, plus there are plenty that don't require any sort of rehydration and can be used dry. The liquid thing came about as a purely reactive measure when some idiots tried to make a bomb out of liquid explosives on a plane. The TSA seems to always be chasing yesterday's threats, while still allowing enough loopholes and poor-quality screening that their regulations probably wouldn't be effective against someone determined.

January 28, 2010 12:07 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

FredKlein

The liquid thing came about as a purely reactive measure when some idiots tried to make a bomb out of liquid explosives on a plane.

I believe it was Great Britain who busted up a terrorist cell that was planning to bring liquid explosive onto a plane. No one ever got some onboard a plane. Besides, if you look at how to make a Liquid Binary Explosive, you need to:

\"First, you've got to get adequately concentrated hydrogen peroxide. This is hard to come by, so a large quantity of the three per cent solution sold in pharmacies might have to be concentrated by boiling off the water. Only this is risky, and can lead to mission failure by means of burning down your makeshift lab before a single infidel has been harmed.

But let's assume that you can obtain it in the required concentration, or cook it from a dilute solution without ruining your operation. Fine. The remaining ingredients, acetone and sulfuric acid, are far easier to obtain, and we can assume that you've got them on hand.

Now for the fun part. Take your hydrogen peroxide, acetone, and sulfuric acid, measure them very carefully, and put them into drinks bottles for convenient smuggling onto a plane. It's all right to mix the peroxide and acetone in one container, so long as it remains cool. Don't forget to bring several frozen gel-packs (preferably in a Styrofoam chiller deceptively marked \"perishable foods\"), a thermometer, a large beaker, a stirring rod, and a medicine dropper. You're going to need them.

It's best to fly first class and order Champagne. The bucket full of ice water, which the airline ought to supply, might possibly be adequate - especially if you have those cold gel-packs handy to supplement the ice, and the Styrofoam chiller handy for insulation - to get you through the cookery without starting a fire in the lavvie.
Easy does it

Once the plane is over the ocean, very discreetly bring all of your gear into the toilet. You might need to make several trips to avoid drawing attention. Once your kit is in place, put a beaker containing the peroxide / acetone mixture into the ice water bath (Champagne bucket), and start adding the acid, drop by drop, while stirring constantly. Watch the reaction temperature carefully. The mixture will heat, and if it gets too hot, you'll end up with a weak explosive. In fact, if it gets really hot, you'll get a premature explosion possibly sufficient to kill you, but probably no one else.

After a few hours - assuming, by some miracle, that the fumes haven't overcome you or alerted passengers or the flight crew to your activities - you'll have a quantity of TATP with which to carry out your mission. Now all you need to do is dry it for an hour or two.\"

...so, as you can see, it's not very practical to accomplish after all.

$\"user-pic\"$

jsl4980

This is very wrong please change this whole post - you are allowed as much contact lens solution as you need or any other medical supplies. From the TSA: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

\"You may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes.

Additional items you may bring include:

* Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
* Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
* Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
* Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.\"

January 28, 2010 12:47 PM

3 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

katstermonster

FYI, the editors prefer if you email them with corrections instead of putting it in the comments. It also gets done faster that way.

January 28, 2010 11:38 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

Loias calls you out if you can't RTFA

So, what, terrorists can just put liquid bomb materials in a saline bottle and not get caught? Stellar.

Thank you, TSA, for making flight restrictions logical and consistent...

January 28, 2010 11:26 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

Moosehawk

Exactly. Was just going to post this.

Just traveled in December and my sister brought with her a HUGE thing of contact solution.

$\"user-pic\"$

Rhizobium

A *little* misleading?

It's almost a scavenger hunt to find travel-size items that are 100 ml or less - I was surprised in December at how many were larger than that, given how long the anti-liquid rules have been in place when flying.

When I get 100 mL containers that can be refilled, I hold onto them like gold.

January 28, 2010 12:16 PM

5 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

TCama

I would never refill a contact solution bottle. That stuff's sterile. Well, okay, technically once you open it it's not sterile anymore. But still, the thought of putting something in my eye that isn't as clean as it can be is a bit disturbing.

January 28, 2010 12:43 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

Rhizobium

Uh, I don't refill contact lens solution bottles. Only other travel stuff - shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, etc. (I guess I could try to get an autoclave safe container ... but this is looking like *way* more work than necessary, especially as contact lens solution is apparently exempt from the 100ml limit.)

I've seen packages of the \"travel kit\" empty refillable bottles, running for ~$14 (2 stores carrying very similar items when I was looking in December). I'm not sure if that's a better deal than picking up a couple of travel-size shampoos, etc., and refilling them as needed.

$\"user-pic\"$

catastrophegirl chooses not to fly

January 30, 2010 2:38 AM

dollar tree sells a pack of several different shaped travel sized bottles/jars/containers in a ziploc bag for, of course, $1
i've also seen similar kits for under $3 at target

January 28, 2010 11:32 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

alseen14

You know, all you have to do is go to Walmart and they have multiple types of refillable bottles all at the 3oz mark. They are with the travel items in the Health and Beauty Aides area.

January 28, 2010 11:27 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

johnva

Technically the claim is true. ANY size of contact fluid is \"TSA compliant\", since it's not subject to the restrictions on volume. What's misleading is that this packaging implies that you have to buy this small size in order for it to be compliant, when in fact that's not true. So: true, but a little misleading.

January 28, 2010 11:37 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

PatrickIs2Smart

Exactly. And if I remember correctly, they charge a premium on this particular size. They market it as TSA compliant and feel justified in charging more for it. What better way to target the less-informed!

$\"user-pic\"$

PatrickIs2Smart

Ugh... due diligence... a beautiful thing.

From TSA website (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm):

You may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes.

Additional items you may bring include:

* Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
* Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
* Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
* Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.

January 28, 2010 11:25 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

nbs2

Maybe the interior bottle is labeled 3.0 ounces. While it might run afoul of some law or another, if it helps consumers get around an idiot policy who cares?

After all, it isn't like the mouth-breathers can tell the difference between a 4.0 or 3.0 oz.

January 28, 2010 12:13 PM

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

IphtashuFitz

Saline solution and other liquids, gels, aerosols, etc. for medical purposes are permitted in virtually any size as long as you properly declare them to the TSA at screening. Go read through all the other comments for the full text of the TSA regs.

January 28, 2010 11:25 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

El Chicharron

This seems like the perfect opportunity for the company to use the shrink ray. They could even charge more for the \"convenience\" of the smaller size.

January 28, 2010 12:47 PM

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

Rhizobium

In Canada, at least, I've seen at least 2 small (travel) sizes for this particular brand. IIRC, one was less than 100 ml, the other was probably the one shown in this story. Of course, both sizes cost nearly as much as the large one! (I guess the saline may be less expensive than the packaging.)

January 28, 2010 11:26 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

Kitamura

Don't worry, I'm sure the grocery shrink ray will hit it in a few weeks reducing it to an allowable size :p

:D besides it only says it's \"compliant\", it doesn't say what it's complying with. Maybe it's supposed to comply with the TSA's ability to confiscate it lol.

January 28, 2010 11:26 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

PatrickIs2Smart

Apologies for the repetitive commenting... I seem to be having some connectivity issues with the commenting system.

January 28, 2010 11:30 AM

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

johnva

Me too. Consumerist has been serious problems with rejecting my comments regularly for the last week or so.

January 28, 2010 11:28 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

oneandone

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

Technically it is TSA compliant - all contact lens solutions are. I was informed by TSA that they are 'medical liquids' and even though their website doesn't specify contact lens solution, it does list 'saline solution'.

However, you will have to declare it and get a special screening.

I wear contact lenses and had no idea about this until a few months ago. Haven't tried it since the screening seems like it might be a hassle, and because I travel with a small bottle anyway (to save space).

However, Opti-free is being a little sneaky, since the little bottles are much more $/oz than the regular ones, and they are implying that you need the little bottle to fly. Not true.

January 28, 2010 11:32 AM

2 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

johnva

The \"special screening\" typically has involved them looking it over briefly for me.

January 28, 2010 12:01 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

AlfredaCosta

For me, the special screening has, on a number of occasions, involved them using chemical testing strips, like those ph strips used in high school chemistry classes. They squeeze a bit out to test, then hand it back.

January 28, 2010 12:09 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

johnva

I've had that too. Either way, it's not really anywhere near the \"hassle\" associated with finding somewhere to buy contact fluid when I get where I'm going.

January 28, 2010 12:50 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

oneandone

Thanks - good to know. I'm usually running late at the airport as it is, so I haven't tried it yet.

I didn't realize so many other people posted when I put mine up. Comment glitches + informed consumerists = redundant comment, I guess.

January 28, 2010 11:36 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

CTAUGUST

This package is \"TSA Compliant\" as contact lens solutions are not restricted. This entire post needs to come down. Nothing was wrong with the product as sold.

January 28, 2010 11:43 AM

2 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

johnva

It's still a shady packaging claim, though, because they're labelling it that way specifically to try to get people to buy a smaller, more expensive per mL, size. So the post is legitimate as long as it's reworked to reflect the actual TSA regulations rather than imaginary ones.

January 28, 2010 11:42 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

pecan 3.14159265

What do you mean, nothing was wrong with the packaging? Most people don't actually know the TSA rule that you can have contact lens solution larger than the size mandated for other liquids because it falls under medical items. I certainly didn't know this, and I've been wearing contacts for years. If it's not exactly common knowledge (especially because the TSA website doesn't specify contact lens solution, only saline solution), the packaging is slightly misleading because it would indicate that 4 oz. is appropriate for placing into the appropriate baggie in checked luggage. People wouldn't realize that they have to declare a larger size, and it might get seized if it isn't under the limits.

January 28, 2010 11:37 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

Vanilla5

Nice try, Consumerist. Better luck next time.

January 28, 2010 11:44 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

chuckreis

There is a fairly net-famous article on security and the flaw that is saline solution. They let any size through. The writer of the article flew with someone with two big bottles with \"Saline Solution\" written on them and they went through without a hassle.

January 28, 2010 11:59 AM

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

speaky2k

I remember about that and was going to comment the same. If I remember correctly the guy had 2 large bottles and when questioned about it he said that he had 2 eyes, so 2 bottles. The let him go without any issues beyond that.

January 28, 2010 11:44 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

RedCatLinux

...Next up:

An article on the grocery shrink ray spotlights Opti-Free contact lens solution that went from 4.0 ounces to 3.4 ounces...

January 28, 2010 12:11 PM

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

JonStewartMill

Contact-lens solution for rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses has already been shrunk -- from 4 oz to 3.5 oz. Good thing it's apparently exempt from TSA regulations; I'd hate to have an argument with the screener because my contact solution bottle is one-tenth of an ounce too large.

January 28, 2010 11:45 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

OletheaEurystheus

was going to point out that like other medical related liquids, saline solution is exempt.

January 28, 2010 11:46 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

jurisenpai

Forget contact lens fluid: I care about my hair-care products. 100ml of conditioner would last me for about 1 shower, so I am resigned to checking my bags and paying the bullshit fees yet again.

January 28, 2010 11:57 AM

$\"user-pic\"$

AlfredaCosta

The larger size is permitted under the medical liquids exemption. It still needs to be tested, however, so if you bring it through security, you need to let them know. They squeeze a bit onto a chemical testing strip.

January 28, 2010 12:02 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

valthun

All contact solution bottles that are carry-on ready are too large. If you browse the travel size section at Target you will find this to be true. I think they are hoping that the TSA is too stupid to notice that the bottle is just slightly too large.

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

TCama

January 28, 2010 1:18 PM

Renu makes a 2-oz. bottle. Opti-Free makes one too, but I've only seen them in the sample packs that you get from the optometrist.

January 28, 2010 12:06 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

JanetCarol

I believe my husband just carried on this exact bottle. I saw that it was over the TSA amount in the store but bought it anyway and told him, what the hell, if they ask you to throw it away - throw it away.
They didn't say anything to him. I guess TSA just saw the TSA compliant on the label and failed to check the actual ounces.
worked out for him, his flight was 17hrs and he needed it!

January 28, 2010 12:08 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

IphtashuFitz

These boxes also have links to http://www.opti-free.com/ printed on them. If you go to that site there's a huge link on the front page that \"TSA Approved: Learn more about traveling with contact lens solution and soft contact lenses. It quotes a section of TSA guidelines:

\"All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including lubricating jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes are permitted. You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed three ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of the security officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.\"

January 28, 2010 12:18 PM

2 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

TCama

Right, so Opti-Free is well aware that their 4-oz. bottle is no more TSA compliant than a 16-oz. bottle. So why put \"TSA Compliant\" on it? Do they put that on their large bottles too?

January 28, 2010 12:22 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

pecan 3.14159265

Well, just because you can bring the full size bottle doesn't mean you want to. Chances are, they have the giant bottle at home and they don't want to take it with them. If they look at these little bottles and they're concerned that they don't comply, Opti-Free is saying \"yes, they do comply, here's why...\"

January 28, 2010 12:15 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

TCama

As other people have said, you can bring as much contact fluid in your carry-on as you want in your carry-on, as long as you declare it. I personally stick to the 2-oz. Renu bottles and put them in my bag. I'd use that much in maybe three weeks, and I couldn't imagine the hassle of trying to get a TSO's attention and explaining that I need to declare my solution. The TSO would probably that I can't do that, then he'll throw away my solution and I'd have none. Awesome.

But why would Opti-Free say \"TSA compliant\" in the first place if all contact solution is TSA compliant?

4 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

Anathema777

January 28, 2010 2:32 PM

Probably so people know that it's TSA compliant even though it's 4 oz.

$\"user-pic\"$

JonStewartMill

January 28, 2010 1:20 PM

For the same reason you can sometimes find surge protectors that advertise themselves as \"Windows-compatible!\". Just because it's meaningless doesn't mean it's false, right?

January 28, 2010 12:49 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

Rhizobium

Why do vegetable-based products proclaim \"cholesterol-free\"? ;-)

January 28, 2010 12:47 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

RedCatLinux

Why would Excedrin have a special Excedrin Migraine package when the ingredients are exactly the same as Extra Strength Excedrin?

Packaging sells to the unobservant.

January 28, 2010 12:50 PM

$\"user-pic\"$

defectiveburger

my boyfriend grabbed a stick of arm & hammer deodorant the other day which had a picture of a plane on it, and said airplane safe on the front label. wth?

$\"user-pic\"$

PicklePants

January 28, 2010 2:36 PM

I find that as long as my 4 oz bottles fit in the plastic baggie, the TSA don't bat an eyelash at them.

$\"user-pic\"$

Anathema777

January 28, 2010 2:39 PM

\"Update: Yes, as some commenters have noted, you can bring more contact lens solution on a plane if it's declared as a medical product and chemically tested. That's why this product is misleading--a contact lens wearer shopping for a travel-size bottle would be misled into buying it in order to save him- or herself the hassle of declaring the liquid.\"

I like how Laura tries to play off the fact that this post is bullshit by claiming that this was what she meant when she said the bottle was misleading, even though the original article gave no indication of that.

And really, the bottle still isn't misleading. Travel-sized bottles came about long before the TSA regulations on liquids were introduced. Having a smaller bottle to pack is convenient for people trying to pack only carry-on luggage. So yeah, you could stamp every bottle of contact solution as TSA-compliant, but the one bottle that probably really needs the stamp is the travel-sized bottle -- the one people are most likely to try to bring on an airplane.

$\"user-pic\"$

pantheonoutcast

January 28, 2010 2:53 PM

I carry contact lens solution in my pocket when I fly. This very size of contact lens solution. It's non-metallic, (so it doesn't set off the detector), doesn't' really make much of a bulge, and pretty much guarantees that I'll have my personal belongings when I get to my destination. I did it once by accident, and have been carrying it that way ever since. I'm not a big fan of declaring things, filling out forms, or subjecting my belongings to scrutiny by people not smart enough to get into barber college.

In fact, on my last flight to Spain, the crack TSA 'agents' didn't bother to open my carry-on (I would sooner puncture my eyeball with a red-hot butter knife than check a bag) after it was x-rayed, electing instead to ask me, \"Are you sure you don't have any liquids in there?\" I said, \"Nope, just solids and gases.\" I was waved through.

True story.

$\"user-pic\"$

NORMLgirl

January 28, 2010 3:09 PM

I traveled on Monday with one of these bottles! I noticed before I left that it was 4 oz, but didn't have time to buy a smaller one. TSA didn't say anything about it. I was wondering if I would see it posted on Consumerist!!

$\"user-pic\"$

Vermifuge

January 28, 2010 4:41 PM

And next week? \"Shrink-ray hits Opti-Free RepleniSH\" headline on consumerist.

$\"user-pic\"$

Winteridge2

January 28, 2010 5:11 PM

How about the FREE part? Now that is misleading.

$\"user-pic\"$

brianguyy

January 28, 2010 5:43 PM

I saw this in the store the other day and wondered how true it is, since I always need to travel with contact solution. I noticed it was 4oz and thought \"hmmmm I thought the max was 3\", though I've read things \"under\" 4oz are generally OK, I couldn't see how this was.

Anyway thanks for verifying.