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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today
it is adjusting its total ban on liquids, gels and aerosols effective
Tuesday, September 26. There are two significant changes: Travelers
will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less) that fit
comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through security
checkpoints. Travelers may also bring items, including beverages, purchased
in the secure, boarding area on-board the aircraft.
"After the initial, total ban, we have learned enough from
the UK
investigation to say with confidence that small, travel size liquids are safe
to bring through security checkpoints in limited numbers," said
Assistant Secretary for TSA Kip Hawley. "We have also taken
additional security measures throughout the airport that make us comfortable
allowing passengers to bring beverages and other items purchased in the
secure area onboard."
TSA will be enhancing security measures throughout the airport
environment, both visible and not visible to the traveling public. Examples
of these measures include: more random screening of employees, additional
canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity
verification standards and deploying more trained security officers in bomb
appraisal and screening by observation techniques. It is unlikely that
further adjustments to the ban on liquids, gels and aerosols will be made in
the near future.
The U.S. Homeland Security threat level for aviation remains at Orange, or high, and
will not change at this time. This security regime will apply 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-U.S. airports.
Existing exemptions including larger amounts of required
medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared to
security officers at the entrance of the checkpoint for screening. For
additional information and travel tips, please visit www.tsa.gov.
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