New Airport Regulations: A Costly Convenience

— -- For the past six weeks, airport retailers have been finding creative ways to sell and promote their liquid and gel products, which were banned from carry-on luggage.

Cosmetics-maker Lush offered customers at its airport stores in Orlando and Toronto free shipping on all liquid shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and cleansers.

Crest and Avis teamed up to offer free toothpaste and mouthwash to car renters.

Now that the Transportation Security Administration has relaxed the ban, which includes allowing passengers to carry on liquids and gels purchased past security checkpoints, many retailers are relieved.

"Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in one quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through security checkpoints," the TSA said in a press release. "Travelers may also bring items, including beverages, purchased in the secure, boarding area on-board the aircraft."

"[Storekeepers] can now go back to business as usual," said Scott Krugman, spokesperson for the National Retail Federation.  "Suffice it to say, there certainly was an impact."

Most passengers seemed to take the ban in stride but grew weary of pitching bottles of water and other items before boarding.

"I actually bought less at the airport because I didn't want to deal with throwing anything out," said traveler Amber Miller.  "One time I bought breadsticks, but I couldn't bring in the sauce.  I was annoyed because it's just not good without the sauce."

Retailers were generally reticent about how the ban affected their sales, but overall food and beverage sales for retailers at Chicago's O'Hare airport actually increased 12 percent in August compared to the same month one year ago.  At Chicago's Midway Airport, that figure rose 15 percent.

Lush said its overall sales have not dipped significantly since the ban -- even though one-third of Lush's products are in liquid or gel form.  "We had an increase in people coming requesting solid products specifically for their travels," said spokesperson Brandi Halls.