TSA Corrects Media on New Airport Screening Policies
Thursday August 10, 2006
The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) has corrected early media reports on two requirements of the new airport screening polices implemented Thursday:
- Laptop computers, cell phones and other small electronic devices can still be carried on board.
- Passengers at U.S. airports are NOT being required to sample baby formula, milk or beverages during the screening process. This process is being required only at foreign airports. However, baby formula must be submitted for inspection to a TSA security officer by passengers traveling with a baby.
Also still allowed to be carried on are prescription medicines that match the passenger’s name and essential non-prescription medicines such as insulin.
TSA is also maintaining an updated set of Questions and Answers on the new screening requirements.
Also See:
Air Travel Terrorist Threat Levels Raised
Foiled Plot Disrupts UK Flights
Comments
I flew inside the USA yesterday on Horizon Airlines, from Portland OR to Reno. Lines were very short in Portland. The check-in agent, baggage handler, TSA checkpoint folks, and gate agents all advised about the liquid/cream/gel restrictions and travelers all seemed to be “in the know” about it. We arrived at about 10 am PDT at the airport and it was probably the fastest check-in I’ve had in years.
After entering the gate to board, they were hand-checking carry-ons for about 1 in 5 people.
The restrictions on having your own water are a problem as our flight encountered turbulence and drink service was suspended.
Also - now we can’t buy any cheap booze here to carry home!
Robert,
I actually emailed the TSA yesterday morning after David Gregory kept saying on the NBC Today show that laptops, PDA etc are now banned.
As you know, our local news here in Philadelphia showed a woman having to taste her bottled breast milk.
Hopefully everybody is on the same page now.
Same thing has been reported today by at least one passenger arriving at Sacramento International. Like other cops, TSA agents are allowed some latitude in how they enforce the regulations. That, and some of them see things like this as opportunities to take a little power trip.