Statement To The Public By Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration
News & Happenings
August 12, 2006
The terrorist threat to aviation remains elevated, meaning we must continue the stringent new screening procedures that were implemented Thursday.
Transportation Security Officers have been working hard to keep wait times at airport checkpoints reasonable. That effort, coupled with the excellent cooperation we’ve had from air travelers, has minimized lengthy delays – and done so without sacrificing security.
I can’t stress enough how helpful it is when passengers approach the checkpoint with their carry-on bags free of liquids and gels, which is the biggest change we found it necessary to implement. That means no beverages or creams, no shampoo or suntan lotion, no tooth paste or hair gel or other items of similar consistency.
Once through the checkpoint, if you purchase a beverage in the sterile area, drink it there because you won’t be allowed to take it on board your flight.
An exception to the liquid-gel ban is baby formula and breast milk, but only if a baby or small child is traveling. Similarly – and contrary to some reports – are exceptions for prescription medicine if the name matches the passenger’s ticket and for insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines.
Your airport experience will also go more smoothly if you pack light, leave plenty of time to get through ticketing and security, and – because security concerns may differ from airport to airport – cooperate with unexpected requests by Security Officers. Thank you for your continued cooperation.
