Finally, some good news for travelers: today the government announced it plans to partially lift its ban against carrying liquids and gels onto airplanes. (Even if you aren’t a frequent flier you probably know that a total ban on liquids and gels was instituted last month after a plot to bomb jets flying into the United States was foiled.)
When I heard the news the first thing that came to mind was “baby steps.” (Regular readers of my Travel blogs know that I have been following this carry-on issue closely.) Officials elaborated by saying that passengers can bring liquids and gels on board as long as they are purchased from secure airport stores or are travel-size toiletries brought from home.
Government officials told reporters the new procedures are a “common sense” approach that would “maintain a high level of security at airports but ease conditions for passengers.”
Here are a few additional details on the government’s new rules regarding liquids and gels:
Once you go through airport security checkpoints you can purchase liquids at airport stores and take them onto planes.
If you are toting items such as baby oil, lip gloss, or hand lotion (previously, those liquids have been confiscated at security checkpoints) in your carry-on, you must now limit the containers to 3-ounce sizes and all of the items must fit in a clear, 1-quart size zippered plastic bag. You will then be asked to hand the bag to security personnel who will then screen the items and return them to you to reinsert into your carry-on bag if it is cleared. (When I heard that officials were requiring all passengers to use Ziploc-type bags to store their toiletries, I thought: Hmmm… I wonder how Ziploc stock will end the day on Wall Street?)
Officials say the new security rules will be in place for an indefinite period and will take effect Tuesday morning.
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Travel Alert: New Airline Carry-On Restrictions