US relaxes ban on liquids, gels and aerosols
The US government has lifted its total ban on liquids, gels and aerosols on board flights to the country, with immediate effect.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced passengers travelling from the US to the UK can now carry travel-size toiletries (three ounces or less) that fit comfortably in a ‘quart size’ clear plastic zip-top bag, through security checkpoints. They can also bring on board other items, including beverages, purchased in the shops beyond security.
But anyone making the westbound trip from the UK cannot while the restrictions imposed by the Department for Transport remain.
A spokesman for the DfT said the restrictions could change again following a meeting today (Wednesday) in Brussels between European Union governments and the aviation industry to discuss how to bring all countries in line over security.
TSA assistant secretary Kip Hawley said: “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.”
“We have also taken additional security measures throughout the airport that make us comfortable allowing passengers to bring on beverages and other items purchased in the secure area.”
The US Homeland Security threat level for avaition remains at ‘orange’ or high.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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