US Eases Ban on Liquids on Airliners

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a partial lifting of its recent ban against passengers carrying liquids and gels aboard commercial airliners.

Under the revised policy, travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less) that fit comfortably in one, quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through security checkpoints. In addition, travelers will be allowed to bring liquids and gels purchased inside the secured areas of airports onboard planes.

"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," said Assistant Secretary for TSA Kip Hawley in a press release. "We have also taken additional security measures throughout the airport that make us comfortable allowing passengers to bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure area onboard."

The ban on liquids and gels was put in place after British authorities foiled a terrorist plot to blow up US-bound planes using liquid explosives that could be combined and detonated once smuggled onboard.