Effective Tuesday, September 26, TSA Is Adjusting The Ban On Liquids, Aerosols And Gels
There are two major changes:
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.
In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening.
It is unlikely that additional changes in the liquid, aerosol and gel policy will be made in the near future.
This security regimen applies 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.
Travel Tips To Make Your Screening Experience Hassle-free
Items purchased in the secure boarding are for use on the immediate flight. If you must leave the secure boarding area and re-enter through the screening checkpoint, items exceeding 3 ounces that are not in the zip-top bag will again be prohibited.
The Transportation Security Administration implemented the following changes to airport screening procedures in August, 2006 (information includes links to TSA Website for additional information):
Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage (this restriction was revised and is noted above).
To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers the following items are permitted.
You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.
Only the items mentioned above are permitted in your carry-on bags. If you have questions or doubts on certain items, place those in your checked baggage.
TSA encourages everyone to pack gel-filled bras in their checked baggage. TSA recognizes the sensitivity of the issue and is reaching out to key women’s medical associations to assist passengers and make information available to them while respecting their privacy. Passengers with medical gel prosthetics will be permitted through the security checkpoint.
TSA asks travelers to keep in mind, that while they can not provide an exhaustive list of items that cover all eventualities.
TSA asks for your cooperation in the screening process by being prepared before you arrive. They 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.
In addition to liquids, gels, and aerosols numerous other potentially dangerous items are not permitted in carry-on baggage. TSA strongly encourages travelers to read more about previously prohibited items to avoid complications during screening. www.tsa.gov
To help you understand what you should or should not bring in your carry-on baggage, TSA provides the following list of common items you may be traveling with. Remember, liquids, gels and aerosols are prohibited. Please leave those items at home or pack them in your checked baggage.
Makeup and Personal Items
Aerosol spray bottles and cans
All creams and lotions including Neosporin or first-aid creams and ointments, topical or rash creams and ointments, suntan lotions, moisturizers, etc.
Bug and mosquito sprays and repellents
Eye drops (See exceptions below)
Deodorants made of gel or aerosol
Hair styling gels and spray of all kinds including aerosol
Hair straightener or detangler
Lip gels such as Carmex or Blistex
Liquid lip glosses or other liquids for lips
Liquid bubble bath including gel or liquid filled bubble bath balls or bath oils or moisturizers
Liquid foundations
Liquid, gel or spray perfumes or colognes
Liquid sanitizers
Liquid soaps
Liquid mascara
Make up removers or facial cleansers
Non-prescription liquid or gel medicines like cough syrup and gel cap type pills (See TSA's Website on Medications)
Mouthwash
Nail polish and removers
Saline solution (See exceptions below)
Shampoos and conditioners
Toothpaste
Food and Drinks
All beverages
Cheese in pressurized containers
Duty free alcohol and other items (Please see the TSA Website on Duty Free Items)
Gel based sports supplements
Jellos
Pudding
Whipped cream
Yogurt or gel like food substances
Other Items
Gel-type candles
Gel shoe inserts (See exceptions below)
Lighters (Read the TSA Website on lighters and matches)
Exceptions
Under certain circumstances, some items from the list above are permitted. To help you understand more about these items and the circumstances under which they are permitted please read below.
Eye drops - You are allowed to carry up to 4 oz., of eye drops with you. Volumes greater than 4 oz., are only permitted in your checked baggage.
Gel Shoe Inserts - Gel shoe inserts are not permitted, but shoes constructed with gel heels are allowed and must be removed and screened.
Prescription and non-prescription medications and other medical needs
Saline solution - You are allowed to carry up to 4 oz., of eye drops with you. Volumes greater than 4 oz., are only permitted in your checked baggage.
Baby formula and food, breast milk and other baby items