Airport Security Measures Relaxed

[Al and Kate's Mom]

From Yahoo News:

WASHINGTON - The government is relaxing its ban against carrying liquids and gels onto airliners, instituted after a plot to bomb jets flying into the United States was foiled, an administration official said Monday.


A Homeland Security Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made, said that most liquids and gels that air travelers purchase in secure areas of airports will now be allowed on planes.

That means that after passengers go through airport security checkpoints, they can purchase liquids at airport stores and take them onto their planes, said the official. Announcement of the new rules was being made at an 11 a.m. EDT news conference at Reagan National Airport.

The tougher airport screening procedures were put in place in August after British police broke up a terrorist plot to assemble and detonate bombs using liquid explosives on airliners crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Britain to the U.S.

At the time, the Homeland Security Department briefly raised the threat level to "red," the highest level, for flights bound to the United States from Britain. All other flights were at "orange" and will remain at orange, the second-highest level, for now.

New procedures also were being announced for products like lip gloss and hand lotion that passengers bring to the airport. Previously, those liquids have been confiscated at security checkpoints. Now, the official said, those products will be put in clear plastic bags at the checkpoint, screened and returned to the passenger if they pass screening.

 

[thedarksyde]

That would be awesome if it is true, I hope it happens in the next couple of days.

 

[Poohbear123]

What prevents someone from putting something IN the Airport Purchased Gels etc, BEFORE they get on the plane?

 

[kimberh]

I fly on Wedneday. Where can I go to see what is allowed? I have not flown since all this has started.

 

[scrappinmom]

I fly on Wedneday. Where can I go to see what is allowed? I have not flown since all this has started.

Go to your airlines website...they should have it listed there

 

[pbnjrockette]

TSA Announces Refinements To Security Measures - Agency Adjusts Liquid Ban, Aviation Threat Level Remains High
Press Office
Transportation Security Administration

September 25, 2006
Media Inquiries Only - (571) 227-2829
All Other Inquiries - (866) 289-9673

WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 United States and United Kingdom (UK) have continued to work closely together and have shared technical and threat information with partners in Canada and the European Union (EU). These measures are being simultaneously adopted in partnership with the Canadian government. The UK and the EU are expected to consider similar changes in the coming weeks.

Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson said, “Today’s announcement represents a unified approach with our Canadian partners. These are sustainable, common-sense adjustments that combined with additional security measures throughout the airport will keep the traveling public safe.”

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.

TSA first implemented the ban on all liquids, gels and lotions on August 10, after U.K. officials uncovered a terrorist plot involving transatlantic flights bound for the United States.

Video clips of these new procedures and Assistant Secretary Hawley’s statement are available at www.tsa.gov.

 

[pigletforever]

Works great for most Airports except mine. IN Kansas City there are no shops once you go thru security. It is just a giant waiting area. Guess I am SOL.

 

[kimberh]

TSA Announces Refinements To Security Measures - Agency Adjusts Liquid Ban, Aviation Threat Level Remains High
Press Office
Transportation Security Administration

September 25, 2006
Media Inquiries Only - (571) 227-2829
All Other Inquiries - (866) 289-9673

WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 United States and United Kingdom (UK) have continued to work closely together and have shared technical and threat information with partners in Canada and the European Union (EU). These measures are being simultaneously adopted in partnership with the Canadian government. The UK and the EU are expected to consider similar changes in the coming weeks.

Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson said, “Today’s announcement represents a unified approach with our Canadian partners. These are sustainable, common-sense adjustments that combined with additional security measures throughout the airport will keep the traveling public safe.”

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.

TSA first implemented the ban on all liquids, gels and lotions on August 10, after U.K. officials uncovered a terrorist plot involving transatlantic flights bound for the United States.

Video clips of these new procedures and Assistant Secretary Hawley’s statement are available at www.tsa.gov.

Thank you!!!