The Transportation Security Administration tomorrow will relax security rules for air travelers, allowing passengers to board with travel-size toiletries that fit into a quart-size clear plastic bag as well as beverages "purchased in the secure, boarding area." The move follows a tightening of security rules that, following the thwarting of an alleged U.K. bomb plot last month, placed a ban on all liquid items.
"After the initial, total ban, we have learned enough from the U.K. investigation to say with confidence that small, travel-size liquids are safe to bring through security checkpoints in limited numbers," Department of Transportation secretary Kip Hawley said today. "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."
Travelers will be able to bring liquid toiletries of up to three ounces apiece, but containers must fit into a quart-size clear bag for screening.
Exemptions include larger amounts of required medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments that must be declared to officers during screening. TSA today said further adjustments to the liquid ban are unlikely in the near future.
British transport officials last week also relaxed carry-on luggage restrictions introduced after an alleged mid-air bomb plot was foiled on Aug. 10
(BTNonline, Sept. 22). While the United Kingdom is holding to its ban on liquids, the amended baggage rules now fall in line with the standard international maximum, allowing passengers to board with one bag measuring 56 cm. x 45 cm. x 25 cm.