New Rules on U.S., British Flights

In the wake of yesterday's bust-up of a massive terror plot to blow up a number of planes flying from the U.K. to the U.S. and the subsequent raising of the Homeland Security level, officials have cracked down again on what we can take on flights.

The new rules include (and are effective immediately) the following restrictions to carry-on luggage:

• No liquids or gels. That includes drinks of course, as well as hair gel, lotion, shampoo, and even toothpaste.
• Shoes off at the checkpoint. Airports have been inconsistent about this rule, but now everyone has to lose their shoes.
• Going to the UK? We've saved the best for last: No laptops, no cell phones, no electronics. (Check your laptop at the counter to ride in the cargo hold? Good luck with that.)

Needless to say, you're expected to anticipate additional security delays (the recommendation is to arrive two hours early... sounds fun) no matter where you're flying. If you're planning a trip overseas, you might as well cancel it. No toothpaste and no laptop? That's pretty much all I ever take on a trip.

While checking luggage will work for the toiletries issue, I'm short on advice on how to deal with the electronics ban. I suppose you could invest in a rugged laptop like a Panasonic Toughbook, but spending thousands of dollars on a lark just so you can get your laptop to London seems foolish, especially if the public outcry reverses these rules in the next few weeks.

UPDATE: The UK restrictions are more severe than I'd originally thought. Essentially it boils down to no carry-ons at all. You can carry a wallet, medication you need for the flight, and baby food (though mom will have to taste any of the milk she's bringing). Bruce Schneier has the lowdown.