1. THE ZIPLOC BAG: The TSA now requires all your carried-on liquids and gels to be placed into one clear, quart-size, zip-top bag. That doesn't mean just Ziploc disposable bags. You can use any quart-size clear bag with a zip-top. Look at your local drug store, travel store, or closet for a thick one that's much more durable and stylish.

2. THE 3 OZ. CONTAINER: Carry-on liquid and gel containers can't be any larger than three ounces now. Pitotubes makes chic fill-it-yourself, leak-proof, aluminum and plastic, pump containers that come in three sizes, the largest still well under the 3 oz. size. Your old stolen hotel bottles might be the right size, but these are a sure thing, have stylish labels you can personalize, and are much more elegant overall. $10 each or 6/$52, www.pitotubes.com.

3. WATER: Water's a no go at security checkpoints now, but empty water bottles aren't. Save a few bucks: bring an empty bottle and fill it up at a water fountain once safely on “the other side” of security.

4. THE DRY ALTERNATIVE: Ever heard of “Instant Toiletries?” This new product line from Travelon consists of toothpaste, shaving gel, and mouthwash created by mixing water with a pill, mixing cup included. Revolutionary and security-worry-free. $6.99-7.99, www.travelonbags.com.

5. THE WET-NAP ALTERNATIVE: “Towelette” manufacturer La Fresh offers more security-safe toiletry options, but in wet-nap form. No water, no mixing. Just rip open the little package to find one-time-use deodorant, lotion, make-up remover, lens cleaner, a “dental finger mitt,” or female hygiene, anti-bacterial, or shoeshine wipes. $3.99-4.99/6, www.lafreshbeauty.com.

6. YOU STILL FORGOT: If you're always Ms. Forgetful, plan ahead for times you might still screw up the rules. Stick two things in your carry-on right now: 1) A large, self-addressed, padded envelope (or 2) with a couple bucks postage on it; and 2) A sealable fold-flat travel bag. If you catch yourself at security with prohibited items, stick them in your extra bag and go check it in. If lines are too long, throw the items in the envelope and look for the nearest airport mailbox. If you mail your banned stuff home (or to your destination, if there for a few days), you'll still have to buy new products when you land, but at least you won't have to incur the cost of losing your really expensive items completely.

7. FORGET THE WORRY ALL TOGETHER: If you have the bucks to spare, forget the carry-on hassle all together, and Fed Ex your stuff to your destination. Beats carrying any bag!

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About the Author: A former Hollywood producer and now 2nd-generation travel professional, Susan Michelle travels the planet as the “face” of the fashion-forward Compass travel lifestyle brand. For more articles, tips, and hot spots from Susan, and community with fellow Cosmopolitan Travelers, visit http://www.CompassTravel.info. You can see all the above products up close and personal in video podcasts that will be on the site in June.

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