When you know TSA’s rules better they do - who wins?

So aside from the basic 3 oz rule, there are a few other exceptions that the TSA allows for:

TSA: Our Travel Assistant

In the event a Security Officer identifies a prohibited item in your baggage, you will be required to either place that item with your checked baggage or dispose of it at the checkpoint.

We suggest that you pack all liquids and gels including shampoo, toothpaste, perfume, hair gel, suntan lotion and all other items with similar consistency in your checked baggage to minimize any delays at the screening checkpoint.

While we can not provide a comprehensive list of items you may be carrying, to ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers the following items are permitted to bring:

• Small amounts of Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling
• Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket
• Up to 5 oz. (148ml) of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment
• Up to 4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly
• Gel-filled bras and similar prostethics
• Gel-filled wheelchair cushions
• Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons

So what happened when I tried to bring a 4 oz bottle of contact solution through security 20 minutes ago?

(Remember, you can’t generally buy one that’s less than 4 oz - and it’s specifically stated as being allowed above and on flyers at SJC…)

Why of course, the TSA screener (Ms Haidee) insisted that I throw it out or check it in. Too bad the flyer that proved I was right was 10 feet away from her.
Classic.

Now I have to take a cab to Rite Aid when I get to Baltimore.
On the other hand, I now have the contact info for the “Customer Support and Quality Improvement Manager” for San Jose & Monterey Airports. Let me know if you need it.

Update: At 9:55am, the Manager emailed me back to let me know that the agent was indeed mistaken. Vindicated! She also emailed me 5 pdfs containing forms to file a claim. Wow… I’m very impressed with the responsiveness!