DHS relaxes on-board liquid transport restriction
Starting tomorrow, passengers can carry-on items purchased in secure airport areas; home products okay if less than three ounces, capable of fitting in a one quart plastic bag
Readers will recall we reacted skeptically to the DHS decision this summer to add liquids and gels to the list of banned on-board items. Without any evidence that the ban would increase security enough to justify the inconvenience, delay, and business losses suffered from airport concessionaires, we worried that the government was once again reacting blindly to an unknown threat. Now it appears that DHS has come to its senses. After slowly loosening the rules to permit contact lens solution and “personal lubricants,” DHS will soon allow onboard most liquids and gels that have been purchased in secure areas of the airport. Passengers will also be permitted to bring onboard liquids and gels in containers of three ounces or less, provided they can fit in clear, one quart plastic bags that DHS will provide (and then screen) at security checkpoints. The new rules will go into effect tomorrow. Similar action from Canadian airport authorities is expected soon as well.
-read more in Josh Holusha’a New York Times report
