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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

TSA likely to end liquids ban

USA Today has a story this morning, reporting that the Transporation Security Administration is likely to lift the ban on large bottles of liquids on airline flights next year. When I couldn't find any other similar news reports on this development, I Googled "TSA liquids" and found an Oct. 2 Wall Street Journal entry on its Middle Street Terminal blog with the same information. quoting TSA administrator Kip Hawley, as USA Today did.

 The USA Today story says Hawley mentioned the information on the www.tsa.gov Web site, but I don't find it there. We are still being reminded, first and foremost on the "infomation for travelers" page, about three-ounce bottles and quart-size clear plastic zip-top bags. Click over to the site and send me a message at tbelden@phillynews.com if you can find a specific statement from Mr. Hawley (TSA public affairs officers, this includes you) and I will link to it.

I think this is grreat news. I know why we have had these rules about liquids but they are among the more aggravating aspects of airport security. Several years ago, I decided to that when I fly, I would check my bags, with liquids in any size container I wished inside, so I had not thought much about the rules. All I had done was occasionally tell you, my readers, to go to the TSA site and do the research yourself. But last week, I thought I was going to be the one holding up a security line when headed out on a one-night trip with a small overnight carry-on bag. As the bag was disappearing down the conveyor belt, I realized I had not pulled my quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag from my toiletries kit and placed it separately on the belt. I was a security threat! When my carry-on bag sailed through, I thought, OK, that rule isn't being enforced. I discovered that night why I had escaped detection: I actually forgot to pack the entire toiletries kit, plastic bag and all. Until sometime next fall, that may be the only way to avoid the rules.      
Posted by Tom BELDEN @ 11:16 AM  Permalink | 3 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:20 PM, 10/28/2008
    I nominate Tom Belden for baseball commissioner...There is nothing to add to that statement.. it speaks for itself...
    — STEVE5444
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:32 PM, 10/28/2008
    Thanks Steve, but I won't apply for the jog. It would involve too much flying.
    — tbelden
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:35 AM, 10/29/2008
    Yes, but at least there would be a person with some smarts.. OR maybe we can get the TSA to put the Tampa Bay Rays on the "no fly list..YHS
    — STEVE5444


3 comments
About Tom Belden
Tom Belden has been reporting about Philadelphia International Airport and other air travel subjects for more than 20 years, writing columns for The Inquirer's Travel and Business sections. His reporting (with colleague Craig McCoy) on baggage handling problems in Philadelphia have been credited with helping to improve the system. His previous blog was called Road Warrior. He can reached at tbelden@phillynews.com.
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