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March 2008                                                                                              Volume 14 - Number 2

Perspectives...

Liquid restrictions on flights

By Brenda Madrigal

On Tuesday, September 26, 2006 TSA adjusted its restrictions on liquids allowed on airplanes, the change was welcomed from the previous complete bad on all liquids. Although as the general public cannot begin to understand the threat even though attempts have been made to help the public appreciate the threat level postings in airports, this begs to be reconsidered by some sound government entity. If one takes time to think about the policy implementation it's ludicrous. Not only can weapons be created by benign objects such as a blanket, broach, or even plastic parts, it does not make sense in any realm of target acquisition. If government officials chose to limit liquid articles, then a terrorist would consider other methods of reaching desired results. Luckily because there are layered defenses within the airport security structure it offers the assurance that flight travel is safe.

Alcohol is still served on flights along with being able to keep bottles purchased from duty free. How does it begin to make sense that a bottle purchased on the economy versus in the duty free shop any safer? But just for sound argument, if liquid is the issue then to think that terrorists are incapable re calculating an assault only underestimates the situation. If a hazardous liquid is the issue then a method at detecting such liquids should be devised.

Is this the fate of air travel for years to come? The acclaimed business traveler who thinks little of what's not allowed, versus the non-seasoned traveler including grandparents on a long awaited trip, standing in line with bags of banned items. Although the public should have a sense of awareness in these changing times, it only adds to the absurdity of how the extreme has overtaken reasonable judgment.  Can this be compared to exercises in the sixties when school children practiced hiding under their desk in the event of a nuclear attack? Or should the small market industry created virtually overnight of zip top bags or on site instant mail stations only a few steps back from the security line be seen as solutions to the new way that will stand for years to come.

What if you have a 6oz bottle but clearly half of it is already used? Well experience has shown me that even if you have approximately one ounce of liquid in a 6oz container, you will be ordered to dispose of the bottle. Again, reason is not demonstrated. Consideration to the environment is not a factor when TSA is serving as the line of defense in the battle of defending against hazardous liquids against accumulation of trash. What if it says you are carrying liquid medication on the prescription, but you actually changed the item in the bottle?  The entire policy stems on people telling the truth, that what is claimed to be in the container is actually in the container.  Truthfully, no one wants to stand in long airport security lines, no one wants to pull out their bags of toiletry items for all to see so given this questionable mandate, readdressing the restrictions are overdue.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm