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Politics & Government

HALLELUJAH! Tourists Can Bring Those Snow Globes On Airplanes Now

TSA allowing snow globes in carry-on luggage provided that they contain no more than a tennis ball's worth of liquid -- and fit into a requisite 3-1-1 bag.

In perhaps another sign that yes, the skies are truly safe to travel again, the Transportation Security Administration is now allowing passengers to carry snow globes through airport security.

However, there's a catch: They must "appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces (of liquid)," which is the size of a tennis ball.

And there's more, a TSA spokesman said: "But only if the entire snow globe, including the base, is able to fit in the bag."

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Meaning that if you really want to bring that snow globe home from Disney World or your Carnival Cruise, you don't also get a quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag full of 3-ounce lotion and toothpaste. It's one or the other.

Still, it's an exciting change to the TSA's rules during the summer tourism season. Previously, snow globes were not allowed aboard commercial flights in anything but checked baggage. The change will be fully in effect in U.S. airports by mid-August.

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While the TSA will not use actual tennis balls to determine the size and volume of snow globes, officers will apply discretion in their evaluation of the item being transported, the agency said.

As a general rule, if a snow globe is the size of an average fist, it should get through.

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