On August 10, 2006, British authorities arrested a number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.  Currently, there is no indication of plotting within the United States. We believe that these arrests have significantly disrupted the threat, but we cannot be sure that the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted.

For that reason, the United States Government has raised the Nation's threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States.

TSA continues to allow laptop computers, cell phones, and other electronic items as carry-on items. 

In addition to already prohibited items, due to the nature of the threat revealed by the U.K. investigation, on August 10, 2006, TSA banned all liquids, gels and aerosols at airport screening checkpoints and carried onboard aircraft.  This ban has now been modified.

There are two major changes:

1. Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

2. After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.
At the checkpoint, travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it on the conveyor belt.  X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

In addition, amounts larger that 3 oz. of prescription liquid medications, baby formula, breast milk, and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening.  If the passenger fails to make this declaration, the item will likely be removed barring extenuating circumstances.  Passengers should only carry-on medications that are required to be available during their itinerary.  This includes items like gel filled freezer packs or non-prescription liquid or gel medications, such as saline solution or KY-Jelly, required for medical necessity.

It is unlikely that additional changes in the liquid, aerosol and gel policy will be made in the near future.

This security regime will apply 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 ounces that are not in the zip-top bag will again be prohibited.

The ban on liquids, aerosols and gels was implemented on August 10 after a terrorist plot was foiled.  Since then, experts from around the government, including the FBI and our national labs, analyzed the information we now have and conducted extensive explosives testing to get a better understanding of this specific threat  and security risks associated with liquids, aerosols, and gels.

TSA will also be enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment - more random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity verification, deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal, and screening by observation technique.

With that said, every flying passenger has the responsibility to be alert and report suspicious activity to authorities.  TSA employees at airports across the Nation are dedicated to the mission of protecting aviation security - one of the fundamental freedoms in our Nation.  The American public should have confidence in, and patience with, our highly trained security staff during this time of elevated threat.

We encourage 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.

Sincerely,

TSA Contact Center