TSA Security Procedures Changed

[Kairho]

New procedures include ALL shoes are now to be X-rayed. Certain non-prescription medications (eg insulin) are now permitted.

Most significantly, US domestic rules now apply for flights TO the UK. That is, you can now take laptops, books, and other electronics TO the UK although UK screening rules may still prohibit them onboard when returning to the US.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ass...procedures.shtm (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/new-procedures.shtm)

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kairho @ Aug 13 2006, 05:01 PM) 34422</div>
New procedures include ALL shoes are now to be X-rayed. Certain non-prescription medications (eg insulin) are now permitted.

Most significantly, US domestic rules now apply for flights TO the UK. That is, you can now take laptops, books, and other electronics TO the UK although UK screening rules may still prohibit them onboard when returning to the US.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ass...procedures.shtm (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/new-procedures.shtm)
[/b]
My wife thanks you for the update. Finally there's a "definitive" answer about lipstick and other non-liquid/non-gel makeup. Of course they do say, immediately after saying they're permitted that, "Some solid or powdered cosmetics items are permitted past the checkpoint; however, this is left to the discretion of the Security Officer. To minimize delays and hassle, we recommend that you pack all cosmetics in your checked baggage."

Why can't they stop using "doublespeak" and just say it's ok or it's not ok.

[Ned]

One thing there's no doublespeak about any more is shoes. There won't be any inconsistencies with this now. Everyone must remove their shoes and put them in one of the bins to go through the x-ray machine.

TSA Policy now states, "You are required to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector. All types of footwear must be placed on the X-ray machine to be screened. If you do not comply with Security Officers, you will not be allowed to board your flight."

You can read TSA's new addendum to the Prohibited List at: TSA: Prohibited Items (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/new-items.shtm). This list is really helpful at this time.

I just saw the below article on CNN.com this morning. One of the items mentioned clears up another type of item. No aerosols are now permitted in your carry-on. So the typical shaving can of shaving cream must be stowed in your check-in luggage now. It can't be in your carry-on along with any other aerosol can such as hair spray.

TSA 'tweaks' list of banned carry-on items
Passengers, airlines cope with latest terror threat

Originally posted by by CNN.com - August 14 2006
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Three days after banning fliers from carrying liquids, gels and lotions past security checkpoints and onto airplanes, the Transportation Security Administration announced Sunday several "tweaks" that would allow passengers to board with small doses of liquid medications.

In addition, the agency said it will now demand that all passengers remove their shoes so they may be X-rayed.

Under the new rules, travelers can take up to four ounces of non-prescription medicine, glucose gel for diabetics, solid lipstick and baby food, the agency said.

All aerosols are prohibited.

"The refinements we are announcing are based on feedback from our security officers, the public and our partners," said TSA Assistant Secretary Kip Hawley in a written statement. "We are maintaining the same level of security while clarifying interpretations in the field. These tweaks are aimed at making a smoother process at the checkpoint."

TSA first ordered the ban on liquids, gels and lotions after the overseas arrests of people allegedly involved in a plot to blow up planes flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.

[mtp51]

TSA defends shoe X-rays
http://www.airportbusiness.com/article/art...n=1&id=7636 (http://www.airportbusiness.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=7636)

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mtp51 @ Aug 16 2006, 04:06 PM) 34648</div>
TSA defends shoe X-rays
http://www.airportbusiness.com/article/art...n=1&id=7636 (http://www.airportbusiness.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=7636)
[/b]
TSA has to defend their policy, but their defense doesn't make sense. TSA used the Richard Reid defense to justify the policy. So how come the Richard Reid justification wasn't used for all the x-raying of shoes that hasn't been done since his shoe bomb was discovered. I'm flying this weekend. When they x-ray my shoes then, it will mark the first time it's been done in about 20 flights.

TSA can say what they want, but x-raying shoes with their current procedures haven't much of a chance, if any, to discover liquid or gel explosives. They should be hand examining the too and using their explosives test equipment as well.