TSA Announces Refinements To Security Measures - Agency Adjusts Liquid Ban, Aviation Threat Level Remains High

Press Office
Transportation Security Administration

September 25, 2006
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
announced today it is adjusting its total ban on liquids, gels and aerosols
effective Tuesday, September 26. There are two significant changes:
Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less)
that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through
security checkpoints. Travelers may also bring items, including beverages,
purchased in the secure, boarding area on-board the aircraft.

"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," said
Assistant Secretary for TSA Kip Hawley. "We have also taken additional
security measures throughout the airport that make us comfortable allowing
passengers to bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure area
onboard."

TSA will be enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment,
both visible and not visible to the traveling public. Examples of these
measures include: more random screening of employees, additional canine
patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity
verification standards and deploying more trained security officers in bomb
appraisal and screening by observation techniques. It is unlikely that
further adjustments to the ban on liquids, gels and aerosols will be made in
the near future.

The United States and United Kingdom (UK) have continued to work closely
together and have shared technical and threat information with partners in
Canada and the European Union (EU). These measures are being simultaneously
adopted in partnership with the Canadian government. The UK and the EU are
expected to consider similar changes in the coming weeks.

Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson said, "Today's
announcement represents a unified approach with our Canadian partners. These
are sustainable, common-sense adjustments that combined with additional
security measures throughout the airport will keep the traveling public
safe."

The U.S. Homeland Security threat level for aviation remains at Orange, or
high, and will not change at this time. 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 flights originating at non-U.S. airports.

Existing exemptions including larger amounts of required medications, baby
formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared to security
officers at the entrance of the checkpoint for screening. For additional
information and travel tips, please read our information for travelers. Our
Travelers

TSA first implemented the ban on all liquids, gels and aerosols on August
10, after U.K. officials uncovered a terrorist plot involving transatlantic
flights bound for the United States.

Video clips of these new procedures and Assistant Secretary Hawley's
statement are available