TSA issues new rules governing powders on international flights to the United States
I recently read an article on Conde Nast Traveler by Devra Ferst entitled TSA Food Rules: All the Tricks You Need to Fly. She summed it all up into this one perfect sentence:
If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, you may need to rethink it.
Well now TSA has added POWDERS to the rethink it list.
According to an American Airlines press release entitled TSA to Implement New Restrictions on Powders in Carry-On Bags, TSA will implement new rules regarding powders in carry-on bags for international flights to the United States beginning June 30, 2018. The press release says this:
On June 30, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement new requirements regarding powders in carry-on bags for international flights to the United States. Here are five things you need to know regarding this new policy:
- Because of new TSA requirements, American Airlines encourages customers to place powder-like substances over 12 oz./350 mL — approximately the size of a standard U.S. can of soda — in their checked bags. Powders in carry-on bags may require secondary screening, and if the powder cannot be cleared by security officials, it will be prohibited from the cabin of the aircraft.
- Powder-like substances are described as fine dry particles produced by the grinding, crushing or disintegration of a solid substance (i.e. flour, sugar, ground coffee, spices, powdered milk and cosmetics). Aviation security authorities outside the United States will use their discretion and training to determine what is considered a powder-like substance.
- To reduce the chance that aviation security authorities will require the disposal of powder-like substances over 12 oz./350 mL at the checkpoint and/or gate, American recommends that customers place these items in their checked bags.
- Certain powders will be exempt from secondary screening, including baby formula, medically necessary powders and human remains.
- This policy does not apply to flights departing from the United States or United States territories, as the TSA has already implemented enhanced procedures at their security checkpoints.
Think of how many items are powder based – from makeup to baby powder to spices to protein shake and sport drink mixes and even coffee.
But, honestly, I don’t think this will be a big change. Moreover, I think that TSA has already been checking powder (I remember TSA once sifting through a container of baby powder I had in my toiletry bag).
More importantly, if banning or limiting powders increases safety, then so be it!
What are your thoughts?
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
I agree but isn’t funny how we don’t mind this restriction because it’s likely due to some terrorism intel but we all yell and scream if it was say a laptop or cell phone, etc.