(rubber) snakes on a plane

[lauradi7dw]

We haven't yet decided whether to see the movie, or whether to just enjoy
http://www.allyoursnakesbelongtous.com/
and let it go at that.
The real concern is whether to take a rubber snake in my carry-on bag when we fly overseas next week. I often have done so in the past* (as opposed to my towel which I *always* take, at the advice of Douglas Adams) but I don't want to make anybody queasy in the current climate of worry.
What I can't imagine is 7 or 8 hours on a plane without any lip balm, but maybe I'll get butter with my meal, and can smear it on my lips.


* This habit began when Florence was little. Travel columnist Eileen Ogintz had asked readers to send in suggestions for easing the kid ennui that can occur during long trips (I don't think she put it quite like that). I was quoted in the column for submitting the idea of taking little Matchbook cars that can be raced up and down armrests (or anywhere else, really). One of the other people said "I never go anywhere without my rubber snake." No further explanation, but it made sense to me. The Globe stopped running Ogintz's column years ago, but this is her web site.
http://www.takingthekids.com/

Comments

[annag.livejournal.com]

chapstick counts as a gel? phooey.

[lauradi7.livejournal.com]

The TSA opinion seems to be evolving daily. First they said no make-up, then no liquid makeup or lipstick, then lipstick was OK. They seem to have decided that lip balm with the same texture as lipstick must therefore be OK, but I'm not sure if chapstick (tm) would count. I think I'll try it. They still veto stuff like the little tubs of Blistex by brand name, and I'd think that would go for the little tubs of Bert's Bees stuff as well.

[annag.livejournal.com]

so, that probably means little tubs of sunscreen or deodorant are also questionable. hmm... maybe they have drugstore funding.

[lauradi7.livejournal.com]

They still are being very specific about no sunscreen (fluids or lotions are still out). There is some dispute about deodorant - no roll-on or spray stuff for sure; it may be vague about the stick stuff. That's not a problem for me - I use one of these
http://thecrystal.com/pages/603/body_rock.html