TSA Issues New Security Measures

On Tuesday, September 26, 2006 TSA Adjusted The Ban On Liquids, Aerosols And Gels

There were two major changes:

Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.

At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

Liquids in containers of 3 ounces or less may be carried in your carry-on bag so long as they are placed in a clear, one-quart plastic bag.

In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening.

It is unlikely that additional changes in the liquid, aerosol and gel policy will be made in the near future.

This security regimen applies to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for flights originating at non - US airports.

Due to enhanced security measures, except for the items described above, larger amounts of liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.

Exceptions to this general rule for use on the plane:

Prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments in excess of 3 ounces, if these items are declared to Transportation Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics worn for medical reasons
Gel-filled wheelchair cushions
Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons

Non liquid or gel medications of all kinds such as solid pills, or inhalers are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Please make sure your medications are labeled.

2. The excepted items will be manually inspected at the security check point.

3. All passengers are now required to remove their shoes, which will be x-rayed with their carry-on bags.

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

5. Laptop computers, cellular phones, iPods, and other portable electronic devices are still allowed on board an aircraft. These items must still be screened at the security checkpoint.

6. For an exhaustive lists of what is banned or approved for either carry-on or checked luggage, click this link

Need help with Luggage and Packing issues? Read our Travel Planning Guide on the topic.

If you will be flying to the United Kingdom from any destination, your ability to board with hand luggage will be impacted by the U.K. rules described below. We suggest that you check with your airline directly for the latest information on luggage policies.

New Security Rules for the United Kingdom and European Union

Below we present the "relaxed" security changes for flyers in the United Kingdom announced on August 13, 2006 and amended November 6, 2006. These same rules have been adopted by all member states of the European Union.

Cabin Baggage

Each passenger is permitted to carry ONE item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point. The dimensions of this item must not exceed: a maximum length of 56 cm, width of 45 cm and depth of 9.8 (22" × 17.7" × 9.8" approx.) (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc.). Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. Note: a laptop bag will be regarded as the one item allowed in the cabin unless it is packed within a suitcase of the dimensions mentioned above. All items carried by passengers will be x-ray screened.

Liquids

Some liquids will be allowed once again through airport security check points. There will however be restrictions on the quantity of liquids that can be taken through:

Passengers may carry small quantities of liquids, but only within separate containers each of which with a capacity not greater than 100ml (100ml equals approximately 3.38 ounces).

These containers must be brought to the airport contained in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which itself must not exceed 1 litre in capacity (approximately 20cms x 20cms. - 1 Litre is 2.11 pints or a standard plastic quart bag in the US). The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the bag sealed. Each passenger may carry only one such bag of liquids

The bag must be presented for examination at the airport security point.

Liquids that can not be placed inside the re-sealable bag must be packed into the hold luggage and checked in. Liquids of any amount can still be carried in luggage checked into the aircraft hold.

Remember that 'Liquids' includes:

All drinks, including water, soup, syrups
Creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara etc
Sprays and pressurized containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants
Pastes, including toothpastes
Gels, including hair and shower gel
Any other solutions and items of similar consistency

Medicines

Essential medicines and baby food may be permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit (3.38 ounces), but will be subject to the authentication that is already currently required.

All laptops and large electrical items (e.g. large hairdryer) must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray so that such items neither obscure nor are obscured by the bag.

Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. Wheelchairs are permitted but must be thoroughly searched.

Cased musical instruments will be allowed as a second luggage item on flights, but subject to additional restrictions. See www.dft.gov.uk for more information.

The Department for Transport will work closely with operators to introduce these new arrangements, seeking to keep disruption to passengers to a minimum. The Department will keep these measures under review.

Check with the UK Department of Transport at www.dft.gov.uk for more information.

Personal use toiletries allowed in carry-on by country (November 6, 2006)

Where

United States
(9/26/06)

Canada
(9/26/06)

United Kingdom and European Union

Allowed through Security Checkpoint

Allowed: Travel-size toiletries of 3 ounces (90 ml / 90 grams) or less that fit comfortably in ONE, quart-size (1 liter), clear plastic zip-top bag. (Only 1 quart sized bag per traveler.)

Allowed: Travel sized toiletries of 100ml size (approximately 3.38 ounces) or less that fit comfortably in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which must not exceed 1 litre (approximately 2.2 pints or the size of US quart bag).(Only 1 litre sized bag per traveler)

Inside Secure Boarding Area

Items purchased after clearing security may be brought on-board

Items purchased after clearing security may be brought on-board. Most duty free or similar purchases will be given to you in a special sealed bag. Do not open this bag until you have reached your final destination. You should also retain your proof of purchase throughout your journey. You will be required to show it at all transfer points.

Table based on information provided by ASTA, TSA and DFT

We urge you to read the complete description of policies provided above.