I must admit it’s a little too slow for my tastes, but all of these countries are relaxing restrictions for travel that were put into place during August.
Let’s start with the US which has some very good news for travelers. The TSA announced that beginning tomorrow (Sep 26), there will be two changes in security policy. Here it is, straight from the website:
- 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. At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
- After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.
That’s great – now I won’t have to check a bag anymore, but those with lots of makeup may still be out of luck. They do caution that there probably won’t be any more changes soon.
Meanwhile, up in Canada, the Aviation Daily Airports blog reports that you can now buy drinks past security and bring them onboard (no that doesn’t include duty free bottles of alcohol). This doesn’t apply on flights to the US, but I wonder if today’s announcement from the US will change that.
And lastly, our good friends over in the UK haven’t touched the liquid ban, but they have increased the size of permitted carry-on luggage. Previously, you could only bring one small bag, but ATW tells us that now you can bring a normal sized carry-on of 56 cm x 45cm x 26cm. You can still only bring one unless your second one fits in the first one. That’s helpful, huh?