Fliers who are able to travel in part because of cheap traveloptions, including cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages, aresometimes frustrated by the rule restricting them from carrying liquids on planesin excess of 3.4 ounce containers.
In what is regarded as a first of a possible series ofmoves to relax restrictions on carrying liquids in carry-on bags, Europe willsoon allow passengers to bring larger bottles of liquor or perfume from dutyfree shops with them on carry-on luggage.
If security officials find that this change does not openthe door to terrorists smuggling explosives on board, the European Commissionis expected to eventually allow all passengers to keep all sizes of liquids,aerosols, and gels with them.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has saidthat it is monitoring Europes experiment and would like to end liquidrestrictions sooner rather than later in order to focus on more serious threatsbecause over than half the time passengers are just carrying water bottles.
The TSA says that it has been working with airline securityindustry and expects in a very short time to be able to allow fliers to leaveliquids in their bags.
Before the liquid restriction can be lifted securityofficials will have to confirm that their scanning machines are able toidentify liquid explosives effectively without giving off too many falsepositive results, which could cause serious delays at security checkpointlines.
Manufacturers of airport security scanning machines claimthat their explosive liquid tests are brisk and reliable.
Restrictions against carry-on liquids were instituted inAugust 2006 after British authorities thwarted a plan to destroy a plane withliquid explosives. A month after placinga total ban on carry-on liquids, TSA changed its policy and stated it wouldallow as many 3.4 ounce containers of liquid that could fit in a clear onequart plastic bag in carry-ons.
This restriction has been found frustrating by many passengers. An average of 12 percent of leisure travelerscited restrictions on liquids as one of the most frustrating parts of screeningaccording to a 2012 survey. About 25 percentof fliers admitted to smuggling restricted size liquids through security checkpointsin a 2011 survey.
Effective January 31st, passengers connectingthrough European airports are able to carry duty free bottles from othercountries through checkpoints in special bags called security tamper evidentbags.
If a liquid sets off an alarm while going throughscreening, the liquid will be placed in a second machine that will send a lowpower radio frequency pulse which distinguishes flammable liquids from waterand soda. Another test uses ultrasoundwhich gauges the liquids density and compressibility.
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