Packing for business travel

Keeping track of the maze of rules governing carry-on luggage is a daunting task. With airlines making extra money on checked bags, they've tightened up considerably on what you can take into the cabin with you. That big roller bag you used to be able to sneak on board will likely get caught before you even make it to security. For the most up-to-date rules and to check the extensive prohibited items list, visit the Transportation Security Administration site at tsa.gov.

The Basics
Actual luggage size requirements can vary a little depending on the airline. When in doubt, visit the airline's web site before you fly. 22” x 14” x 9” is a common maximum size, though some airlines make their rules based on linear inches. Most also allow you to carry a computer, briefcase, tote bag or purse on board in addition to your official carry-on. Airlines are increasingly setting limits on carry-on weight as well. 35 to 40 pounds is typical, but some international airlines may limit you to just 26 pounds. Keep that in mind when you're packing up all of your electronic equipment. A lightweight laptop might just help you squeak in under the limit.

Liquids
Few carry-on rules are quite so confusing as those governing liquids. Here's a rundown of the major points.

1. All liquids, including gels and aerosols, must be kept in containers that are 3 ounces or smaller. You can't just put less liquid in a bigger container; the container itself has to meet the requirement.
2. You're allowed one quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag to keep all of your liquids in. You'll need to pull it out of your carry-on to run separately through the X-ray screening.
3. There are some exceptions for medicines and a few other types of liquids, but you'll need to alert the security officer if you plan to carry them on board.
4. You can still take larger amounts of liquids on your business trips by packing them into your checked luggage.

Traveling With Your Laptop
To ensure your laptop makes it through security smoothly, be ready to remove your laptop from its case so that it can be screened separately. The TSA recommends taping your name and contact information onto your laptop due to the number of laptops that are inadvertently left at screening points. New checkpoint-riendly laptop bags are reaching the market. These will allow business travelers to leave their notebooks in the case through the X-ray machine. In the meantime, business travelers who concerned about their laptops getting jostled can look into purchasing a computer with shock resistant features.

Obscure Carry-on Rules
Here are a few of the more obscure carry-on rules that you need to be aware of.

• Spare lithium batteries are allowed in your carry-on bag, but must be kept in their original packaging or packed in a protective bag or case that will prevent contact with any metal items or other batteries. These batteries are not allowed in checked baggage at all.
• Gel inserts in your shoes are prohibited through the security checkpoint. If you need to have them, send them through checked baggage. Gel heels that are already built into shoes are allowed.
• Early adopters are looking ahead to fuel cell technology arriving in 2009 to power their electronic devices. The U.S. Department of Transportation says that travelers will be allowed to take approved methanol fuel cells and up to two extra fuel cartridges in carry-on bags.