K-Y Jelly, yes. Desitin and Vasoline, no

[Carchar]

Could somebody tell me why a small tube of K-Y Jelly is now allowed in one's carry-on, but a small tube of Desitin or Vasoline is not?

I will be accompanying my daughter and her family to Europe in a few days and my 10-month old grandson, who is prone to painful diaper rash, will be with us. (OK, I know there will be somebody out there who is tempted to say that it's to discourage babies from flying.) It seems to me that a diaper rash preventive is far more practical to have on a plane than a sexual lubricant. After all, a baby with diaper rash is going to make everyone around him miserable. :angry:

Is it easier to demolish a plane with a petroleum based gel than with a water based one?

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Carchar @ Sep 3 2006, 10:17 PM) 36280</div>
Could somebody tell me why a small tube of K-Y Jelly is now allowed in one's carry-on, but a small tube of Desitin or Vasoline is not?...
[/b]
Well, one answer is that the list was probably devised by men. :rolleyes:

That being said, I would take the Desitin with you, and tell the people at security, if they ask, that it's an essential non-prescription medication for your grandson, which prevents painful diaper rash and the infection which goes with it. Under their rules, I think it's a perfectly legitimate product to take on the plane in carry-on. I would tell them further, that in case they aren't familiar with it, it's a similar compound to the permitted KY jelly, but for babies and infants. I think they'll let you take it, but it should be carried with all the other "baby things" you'll be taking on the plane with you. If they don't let you take it, it won't cost you much, and I would suggest it's very much worth the try.

[tdew]

And ... if they refuse to let you take it, have a small container of Amens or other Medicated powder for the time you are on the plane and the Desitin in the packed luggage.

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tdew @ Sep 4 2006, 06:50 AM) 36287</div>
And ... if they refuse to let you take it, have a small container of Amens or other Medicated powder for the time you are on the plane and the Desitin in the packed luggage.
[/b]
Exactly!

[Carchar]

Thanks for your advice, and we are planning to try to get the diaper rash cream through. However, due to the following specifically listed at the TSA website of what's not allowed in carry-on luggage,

"All creams and lotions including Neosporin or first-aid creams and ointments, topical or rash creams and ointments, suntan lotions, moisturizers, etc."

I think the words "rash cream" will trigger an immediate no-no from TSA. (The word "all" is in bold type on the site.)

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Carchar @ Sep 4 2006, 01:02 PM) 36298</div>
Thanks for your advice, and we are planning to try to get the diaper rash cream through. However, due to the following specifically listed at the TSA website of what's not allowed in carry-on luggage,

"All creams and lotions including Neosporin or first-aid creams and ointments, topical or rash creams and ointments, suntan lotions, moisturizers, etc."

I think the words "rash cream" will trigger an immediate no-no from TSA. (The word "all" is in bold type on the site.)
[/b]
I knew that statement was there, but TSA also says, "To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers the following items are permitted. ... Up to 4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly" I would submit, for example, that KY Jelly is a cream or lotion too.

The statement you quoted is TSA's starting point, in my opinion. First you prohibit everything. The statement I quote gives the exceptions to the rule. Second you say what you'll allow. This is a very logical way for TSA to state their rules. It's virtually impossible to list everything you prohibit. In fact, it's more difficult to prohibit than allow, so they prohibit everything and then give a general condition for what they will permit as an exception to the ban.

That being said, if asked I wouldn't characterize it as a rash cream. Characterize it as medicinal cream, meant to stop the blisters and sores which come from an infant wearing diapers, and that, as such, it prevents serious infection.

[susanliber]

Or else bring zinc oxide which is the prime ingredient in Desitin - it is also used for burns. That may fly - esp if someone wraps up a wrist with some gauze seeming like a burn.

Silly that they would allow KY jelly which has few medicinal uses and not allow antibiotic cream and Desitin. Just doesn't make much sense to me.

Throwing out the baby with the bath water...

I hope some of these restrictions loosen before I have to fly cross country in January. Can you imagine flying JFK to San Diego with only the water they give you and not chapstick or handlotion? I will be shriveled up on the outside and the inside. Good thing we are going 2 days in advance - gives me some time to rehydrate.

[jfrenaye]

If people think these restrictions are a pain in the ass, wait till they experience a diaper rashed baby--not that is a figurative and literal pain in the ass.

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(susanliber @ Sep 4 2006, 01:41 PM) 36302</div>
...I hope some of these restrictions loosen before I have to fly cross country in January. Can you imagine flying JFK to San Diego with only the water they give you and not chapstick or handlotion? I will be shriveled up on the outside and the inside. Good thing we are going 2 days in advance - gives me some time to rehydrate.
[/b]
With the recently announced failure of TSA's airport checkpoint automatic explosive detectors, causing TSA to suspend their installation, unless TSA comes to their senses, it would appear that the ban on liquids and gels, with perhaps a slowly enlarging exemption list, will be around for the forseeable future.

[Carchar]

'Nuff said, John. I couldn't have put it better myself!

[Michgal]

Another option is for the parents to call their pediatrician- explain that they are traveling & the ban on ointments that are non prescription. The pediatrician can provide a prescription for a diaper rash ointment that should pass muster with the TSA ( as it will have to come from a pharmacy and will have the poor little fellows name on it!). That way you won't have any worries about the child or fellow passengers discomfort!

I used to do childcare for a little fellow that was blistered all of the time - the pediatrician finally gave her a prescription for a diaper rash ointment that really helped the tyke out!

Jennifer P

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Michgal @ Sep 4 2006, 03:35 PM) 36319</div>
Another option is for the parents to call their pediatrician- explain that they are traveling & the ban on ointments that are non prescription. The pediatrician can provide a prescription for a diaper rash ointment that should pass muster with the TSA ( as it will have to come from a pharmacy and will have the poor little fellows name on it!). That way you won't have any worries about the child or fellow passengers discomfort!

I used to do childcare for a little fellow that was blistered all of the time - the pediatrician finally gave her a prescription for a diaper rash ointment that really helped the tyke out!

Jennifer P
[/b]
Jennifer, that's a great idea, but isn't it silly that someone should have to go through all this trouble, just to be able to prevent a baby's diaper rash when changing a diaper on a plane.

[Carchar]

Evidently, it's OK to be prepared to have sex on a plane or to be prepared to do some internal exams, but not to make a baby comfortable. Oh well, don't forget that insurance companies paid for viagra pills before they were ready to pay for oral contraceptives :rolleyes:

I thank everyone who gave me suggestions.

[candyharrington]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Carchar @ Sep 4 2006, 05:32 PM) 36329</div>
Evidently, it's OK to be prepared to have sex on a plane or to be prepared to do some internal exams, but not to make a baby comfortable. .
[/b]

Actaully KY jelly is an essential med supply for many of my readers. It's used to lubricate catheters for those who self-cath during the flight. I won't go into details as it usually makes the men cringe. But it's not just for sex!

Candy

[Kairho]

Jeeze, now we're just getting plain gross.

[jfrenaye]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(candyharrington @ Sep 13 2006, 01:08 PM) 36936</div>
Actaully KY jelly is an essential med supply for many of my readers. It's used to lubricate catheters for those who self-cath during the flight. I won't go into details as it usually makes the men cringe. But it's not just for sex!

Candy
[/b]

Too late!

[Carchar]

Just to let you know, the Desitin went through all flights because they never even checked inside the carry-ons, other than by x-ray. We did have a note from the pediatrician, just in case though. Actually, that's not true. our carry-ons were hand-searched in Brussels for the flight home, but the tube was not questioned.

[jfrenaye]

I was reading the thread on disposable underwear--and I am not sure why this came to mind, but would a dirty diaper be considered a threat to National Security? I mean it could be the consistency of....

[mtp51]

John,
OFF the subject - your girlfriend, Paris Hilton, is in the news AGAIN. The dirty diaper reminded me of her.
I'm concerned about your love for her. I just don't get it.
:huh: