TSA's Latest Weird Rule Change

OK, so here's the new deal as of Tuesday, Sept. 26th.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that its total ban on liquids, gels and aerosols isn't going to be all that total.  In fact, it'll be slightly confusing.

Did you expect anything different?

Beginning Tuesday, you may now purchase liquid and gel items on the gate-side of security and bring them on the plane.  Which means all of us who have been wilting awaiting drink service in coach may now purchase a bottle of Evian in the airport for consumption on a flight.  And if moisturizer was once part of your routine, you can buy some from an airport outlet and carry it on, as well.  Of course, what you'll do with it on your return flight is another question.

But if it's small enough, you may be able to check it through security . . .

. . . if it's three ounces or less and can fit inside a one-quart sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag.  Please parse those words carefully, especially the part about the plastic bag beign a zip-top one.  And the three-ounce requirement.

You'll have to place that plastic bag on the conveyor belt seperately, just as you do laptops in the U.S. 

Got that?

Oh, and Canadian rules will change at the same time, and the TSA predicts European Union countries will also soon adopt the same rules. 

Get ready for debates at security checkpoints as to what is three ounces and whether your plastic bag is quart sized or not.

Footnote: The TSA says it doesn't expect these rules to be altered in the "near future."  Want to read the fine print yourself?  Click away.