Changing security: small amounts of liquids, sprays, and gels now okay

The state of airport security in this country remains a fluid situation - literally and figuratively. In a move that makes sense for travelers and airlines alike, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is allowing small amounts of liquids, gels, and aerosols aboard aircraft. They've got to be travel-size (three ounces or less), and fit comfortably inside one quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

Fliers can also bring beverages on board providing they purchased them in the "sterile", "airside" part of the airport (that section past the security checkpoint).

The ban on certain fluids was imposed in the wake of an apparent terrorist plot this summer to destroy as many as eleven airliners bound from the United Kingdom to the United States. The alleged plotters purportedly wanted to accomplish the feat by mixing together binary fluids in flight.

“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,” says Kip Hawley, TSA's Assistant Secretary.

The Air Transport Association applauds the move. “It is clear that TSA has performed deliberate and careful risk analysis to identify which items passengers can safely bring on board,” says James C. May, ATA President and CEO.

One reason the airlines are so happy about the change: unable to bring toiletries on board, passengers were checking bags in record numbers. That slowed down the system at some key airports.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler