The TSA has decided that liquids aren’t really a threat any more on airplanes. Or, not as much of a threat. Or not as enforceable a threat to be mitigated. Or something. Who knows?
Effective Tuesday, September 26, TSA Is Adjusting The Ban On Liquids, Aerosols And Gels.
- 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.
Which makes one wonder whether there’s been some Grand Scientific Determination by the wonks at TSA HQ that an amalgam of 3-oz. toiletries are, in fact, insufficient to blow up a plane. Unless, of course, you have enough of them. Or there are multiple co-conspirators on the plane. Or something.
And now it’s okay to bring that Starbucks coffee or McDonalds Big Gulp onto the plane, after all. Is security in all those restaurants really that great? If we can’t keep baggage from being robbed, how can we be sure we’re keeping Dangerous Chemical Explosives out of the hands of restauranteurs?
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.
Um … are X-rays really going to prove that’s shampoo, not Something Evil?
In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening.
Because nobody would ever figure out a way to fake such things.
In addition to the above changes, the following guidance is provided to ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers the following items are permitted.
- Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling;
- All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
- Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
- Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
- Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
- Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.
You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.
Again, there are enough loopholes here to drive a truck through. Even a truck full of explosives.
You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids.
Because lip balm and gelignite look so different …
Please keep in mind, that while we cannot provide an exhaustive list of items covering all eventualities, all liquids, gels, or aerosols of any kind are prohibited at security checkpoints, in airport sterile areas, and aboard aircraft. You can pack these items in your checked baggage.
Fair enough — if you’re confident your checked items won’t get lost or stolen, or if you don’t mind checking a bag for an overnight trip.
We ask for your cooperation in the screening process by being prepared before you arrive. We also ask that you follow the guidelines above and try not to over-think these guidelines. Please pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in your checked baggage even if you do not normally check a bag.
“Try not to over-think these guidelines.” (“Because they don’t make any sense anyway.”)
The Brits are also loosening things a bit:
Meanwhile, British officials are also relaxing restrictions on carry-on luggage. Passengers are now allowed to bring on board essential liquids and musical instruments. They are also allowed a carry-on bag that is bigger than what was previously allowed.
My point isn’t that these security guidelines should be stricter — but that they represent silly half-way measures. If there’s a real, significant danger from people being allowed to bring liquids on a plane, then keep the ban in place. If there isn’t, take it off. Opening holes in it, granting exceptions, and having just a kinda-sorta ban doesn’t seem to make us any safer, nor does it make a traveler’s life any easier.