Chatting With the TSA: Installment 2

Remember a few months ago, when I started this? Well I emailed the Transportation Security Agency last weekend. Here's what I said:

Hi there! If you remember correctly, I emailed you guys about this matter several months ago, but I was kind of unsatisfied with your response. Specifically, I was wondering why liquids must be in a 3.4 ounce container. And what would it take to have the limit upped to, I dunno, 8 ounces. If that won't work I understand. If you would please reply posthaste, as I intend to post your response on my blog, http://thecheeseface.blogspot.com to answer any questions for readers wondering about these things. Also, I kinda promised readers that I'd email you again and post your response as a segment I call, "Chatting With the TSA".




Sincerely,
The Outside-the-Box Thinker; blogger

And here's what they said:

Thank you for your e-mail regarding traveling with liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on baggage.


In response to the threat to aviation posed by liquid explosives, TSA has a policy affecting the liquids, gels, and aerosols that passengers can bring through security checkpoints.

The policy allows that:

. Travelers may carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries, in containers 3.4 ounces or smaller. All of these must fit comfortably in and be placed in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

. After clearing security, travelers can now bring onboard aircraft the beverages and other items they purchase in the secured boarding area beyond the security checkpoint.

At the checkpoint, each traveler is asked to remove his or her zip-top bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols and place it on the conveyor belt. X-raying the items separately allows TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

Containers larger than 3.4 ounces of prescription liquid medications, baby formula, breast milk, and diabetic glucose treatments are allowed through security checkpoints. These must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening. If the passenger fails to make this declaration, he or she is unlikely to be allowed to bring the item through the checkpoint, barring extenuating circumstances. Passengers should only carry-on medications that they need to have available during their itinerary. Passengers are permitted to carry non-prescription liquid or gel medications, such as saline solution or KY-Jelly, required for medical necessity. Frozen items are also allowed so long as they are solid and in a "frozen state" when presented for screening. If frozen items are partially melted or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, the ice/liquid container must meet 3-1-1 requirements.

This security regime 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 information about security regimes at non-U.S. airports.

Travel tips to make TSA screening hassle-free:

 De-clutter your carry-on bag. This lets our Transportation Security Officers get a clear, uncomplicated X-ray image of your carry-on.

 When possible, keep packing liquids in checked baggage. You will get through security faster.

 Limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight.

 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 3.4 ounces that are not in the zip-top bag will again be prohibited.

TSA's policy on liquids, aerosols and gels originates from the August 10, 2006, arrests in the United Kingdom of extremists who plotted to use liquid explosives to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. Since then, experts from around the government, including the FBI and our national labs, conducted extensive explosives testing to get a better understanding of this specific threat. Our policy is intended to enhance security and balance human needs based on our understanding of the threat and security risks associated with liquids, aerosols, and gels.

TSA encourages you to visit our website at www.tsa.gov for additional information about TSA. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the website frequently for updated information.

We hope this information is helpful.

TSA Contact Center

Now if they could put that in Layman's terms.

Cheese Face out.