A few days ago, the British Police discovered a plot by a terrorist group to blow up multiple passenger airplanes using liquid explosives. Volatile substances would have been smuggled onto the airplanes as harmless looking liquids that the terrorists would mix to form powerful explosives. Fortunately, the attempt was foiled and the terrorists arrested.
As a precautionary measure, the US Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) immediately implemented a new policy prohibiting the carrying of any liquids, pastes or gels onto any aircraft. Since there was no advance warning to the traveling public, it caused immediate confusion and delays at every airport. Travelers were ordered to remove all liquids, pastes and gels from their carry-on baggage and either pack them in their checked luggage or discard them. This caused many air terminals to be littered with thousands of discarded bottles of shampoos, hand creams, perfumes, toothpastes, shaving creams, hair gels, contact-lens solutions, mouthwashes and numerous other cosmetics and sundries.
Now that the immediated confusion has subsided, the delays are slighly diminished and the new rules are generally known to most air travelers.
For all flights within the USA or overseas, you may not carry any liquids, creams or gels onto the aircraft. You can still carry such items in your checked baggage, but you cannot pack them in your carry-on luggage or anywhere on your person. Exceptions will be made for medications and for baby formula. You may be required to show a prescription for medication. You may be required to drink a taste of the baby formula.
You can still purchase water or soft drinks in the departure terminal, but you must consume them before you board the aircraft. You may be subjected to random searches of yourself or your carry-on baggage either during initial security screening or immediately before boarding the aircraft.
All of these extra precautions are causing longer security delays at most airports. It is now advisiable to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow enough time to clear all of the security checks.
