Released: September 26, 2006

Airlines drop ban on liquids, gels

Source: By Thomas Frank, USA Today

Passengers will be allowed to carry liquids on airplanes under new security rules prompted by FBI tests that show it’s highly unlikely that terrorists could bring down a jet with a bomb made from small amounts of fluids, the nation’s airport security chief said Monday.

Travelers may bring liquids and everyday items such as shampoo, toothpaste and makeup through security, provided they’re stored in 3-ounce containers that fit in a 1-quart clear bag, Transportation Security Administration chief Kip Hawley said Monday.

Passengers also can carry on liquids and gels in any quantity that they buy in airport shops after passing through security, including at duty-free shops. Drinks and other items are screened before being sold in secure airport areas.

Testing by the FBI and at government labs showed that small containers of liquids “don’t pose a real threat,” Hawley said.

Jim Kapin, head of health and safety for the American Chemical Society, said small quantities of liquids could not seriously damage an airplane. Even if several terrorists smuggled liquid explosives on board, it is “practically speaking, impossible” to make a bomb on an airplane because of the equipment and expertise required, Kapin said.

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