Restrictions lightened on liquid carry-ons
Published Sept. 26, 2006
Starting today, air travelers will have fewer restrictions on the liquids they can bring onto airplanes.
A news release from the Transportation Security Administration stated travelers will now be allowed to bring beverages purchased within secure areas of the airport onto the aircraft.
Also, travelers are allowed to bring liquid toiletries of 3 ounces or less through security, provided that the items will fit into a quart-sized plastic zipper bag.
"The new rules are for all flights originating in the United States, or an international flight originating in the U.S.," TSA spokeswoman Carrie Harmon said. "Now, when travelers are returning from other countries, we're urging them to check with their airlines because there might be other restrictions in those countries."
The original ban of liquids on aircraft was issued on Aug. 10 after law enforcement uncovered a terrorist plot to use liquid explosives to bring airplanes down over the Atlantic Ocean.
"The Aug. 10 ban was in response to the U.K. plot, and now we know enough from that investigation to know that small amounts of liquids do not pose a danger anymore," Harmon said.
Further security checks within airport infrastructure will keep liquids within the airport safe, the release states.
TSA does not plan to change the liquid regulations again soon.
"It is unlikely that further adjustments to the ban on liquids, gels and aerosols will be made in the near future," the release stated.
