David Kriso3-1-1, 3 numbers which airline passengers are not fond of. Cruise guests aren’t fond of 3-1-1 at all. It’s surprising to see that some don’t recall how this rule came about. Travelers must turn back the clock to August 2006. Al Qaeda terrorists were piecing together a massive plot to blow up ten airplanes while in flight over the Atlantic Ocean. They were going to use a variety of gels, fluids, pastes, and even thirst quenchers. In addition, they were going to use digital camera flashes to as detonators. The plot was immediately foiled. Severe security measures were put in place. All passengers were then required to place all toiletry items including gels, fluids, and pastes in a 1 quart bag. All toiletry items were not to exceed 3 ounces. Each and every passenger had to present this bag to the TSA staff. The 3-1-1 rule was born.
When it comes to cruising, this rule proves to be a nuisance. Cruise guests do eventually fly to their port city. They are known to pack a lot. Some cruise guests need to pack enough toiletry products to last them the entire length of their voyage. Some cruises last 9, 10, or even 15 days at the most. For cruise guests, 3 ounces doesn’t cut it. Shaving gel, tooth paste, mouth wash, skin moisturizer, and even aftershave are packed. All of these bathroom necessities have to be packed in cruise guests’ luggage. On a 5 or 7 day cruise, guests can make do with 3 ounces. With longer cruises, 3 ounces is undoubtedly inadequate. What can cruise guests do to cope with the 3 ounces which the TSA cuts them little slack? It’s all about planning accordingly.
When cruise guests need to fly to their port city, they should write up a shopping list. The shopping list should include all of the toiletry items they have packed in their carry-on baggage. Yes, cruise guests must abide by the 3-1-1 rule. It’s 3 ounces, 1 quart plastic bag, one per passenger. The TSA staff are absolute sticklers with this. Upon arrival at their destination, cruise guests should do away with taking a transfer bus to the cruise terminal. What cruise guests must do is take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft vehicle to a major pharmacy store. Whether Rite Aid, Duane Reade, or CVS, having the shopping list out and ready is a must. At the pharmacy store, cruise guests should load up on all toiletry items that are over 3 ounces. Toiletry items on board ship are expensive. On long cruises, having more than 3 ounces makes the world a difference. Once out of the store, guests can stash their toiletry load away in their carry-on baggage. Cruise guests need not to worry about pier security. Pier security are not TSA staff. They are of a local private transportation security company.
Yes, the 3-1-1 rule is here to stay. The 3-1-1 rule is a strict safety measure for all domestic and international passengers. Despite how excited cruise guests are about stepping aboard ship, still, flying to their port city poses as a huge obstacle. If cruise guests can think about the matter in a positive state of mind, all it takes is some strategic planning. Keeping a detailed shopping list of toiletry items is a must. Further, cruise guests must make a habit of doing so often. Of course, the 3-1-1 rule has a negative effect on cruise guests. Again, it’s about being ahead of the game. 3 ounces is not the end of the world. Planning accordingly makes a huge difference. Being prepared goes a long way. Maintaining a detailed shopping list is the deciding factor between a cruise being memorable and being downright contemptible.
