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10 Most Frustrating Air Travel Rules &

Regulations

 By Jennifer Paull | Inc – Wed, Apr 11, 2012 11:00 AM EDT 

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Some air travel rules come across as confusing, frustrating, or even worthy of a Liz Lemon-style

meltdown. Here are ten edicts that raise eyebrows and blood ressures.

!n "anuary #$%#, the &eartment of 'ransortation launched several airline regulations with a

strong consumer-rotection bent. Passengers heaved a sigh of relief, as the new arameters

re(uire airlines to limit tarmac delays and to (uic)ly notify travelers of schedule changes orflight cancellations. Still, some air travel rules come across as confusing, frustrating, or even

worthy of a Liz Lemon*style meltdown. Here are ten edicts that raise eyebrows and blood ressures.

1. The Federal Aviation Administration still bans the use of electronic devices, including e-

readers and smartphones, during taeoff and landing. Switching iPads or smarthones to

+airlane mode+ doesnt fly, even though their fre(uencies dont interfere with a lanes signals.

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rews want them stowed/ 0eth 0lair, a writer and flight attendant, e1lains, 2little devices can

turn into ro3ectiles if something goes wrong.4 0ut wouldnt you rather be hit by a 5indle than,

say, a 6reedom hardcover 'heres a glimmer of hoe that this rule may change, though. !n8arch, the 699 indicated that it lans safety tests for some ersonal electronic devices,

including e-readers and tablets but not cell hones or smarthones.+

!. "espite tantali#ing rumors that travelers $ould soon be able to eep their shoes on at

securit% checpoints, %ou still have to shuc off %our foot$ear for scanning. :nless, that is,youve hit your 7;th birthday or are eligible for Prehec). !n 8arch, the 'ransortation Security

9dministration started testing modified security chec)s for eole age 7; and u, letting them

)ee on shoes and lightweight 3ac)ets and sweaters.

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5. 3f %ou(re bringing bac a sno$ globe for reat-Aunt 6elda or 7ephe$ 8harlie, be sure

to pac it in %our checed luggage. >o matter how small, those innocent-loo)ing souvenirs are

still on the 'S9s list of otentially dangerous carry-on items. Even if the snow globe is in itsoriginal ac)aging with documentation, it will get confiscated.

9. 'ports e)uipment protocol is a bit of a riddle $rapped in an enigma inside a golf bag. S)i oles, golf clubs, ool cues, and lacrosse stic)s must be chec)ed.