INSPECTION: Passengers get their carry-on items checked Tuesday at the security checkpoint at Salt Lake City International Airport. / Photo by Jennifer Lund

By Jennifer Lund

September 27, 2006 | New guidelines issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were put into effect this week after weeks of a total ban on all liquids, gels, and aerosols on U.S. commercial flights.

The two major changes now allow passengers to carry travel-size toiletries in their carry-on bags; it also allows items on board that are purchased from secure areas in the airport.

In order for items to pass through security they must fit into a quart-sized zip-seal bag. To be considered travel-size the item must be 3 ounces or less. The bag then must be screened through security, separate from all other luggage.

Security lines in Salt Lake City were backed up as passengers emptied their cosmetics into bags provided at the check-point. Items that were too large were thrown away into large plastic buckets.

In Bozeman, Mont., one woman had to empty a bottle for her young child but was able to re-fill it once she passed through security.

For passengers with special needs, items containing amounts larger than 3 ounces must be declared at security checkpoints. These items include prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments.

If passengers want to reduce the time it takes to get through security, the TSA recommends people bring only what is necessary for the flight and pack everything else in checked baggage.

For more information on the new guidelines go to www.tsa.gov

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