Security Measures for Flights to the U.S.

Last Updated: November 9, 2006, 8am EDT

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has determined that there is a high risk of terrorism against U.S. civil aviation, and the need for extra restrictions to assure the security of air travel.

New Security Measures

In order to address the higher risk, the following new security measures have been implemented until further notice.

Passengers are prohibited from taking liquids, gels, and/or aerosols past the boarding gate area or the boarding gate except:

One clear transparent resealable 1 quart-/liter-size plastic bag (slightly larger than a sandwich bag) containing liquids gels, and/or aerosols in containers of 3 oz. (90ml) capacity or less per container. The contents of the plastic bag must fit securely in the bag and subjected to inspection separate from the passenger's carry-on bag.

You may also have the items below, but you must declare them at the boarding gate hold area or boarding gate (or at the security screening checkpoint if that is where liquid/gel/aerosol screening occurs) if they are not contained in the plastic bag described above. You will not be allowed to carry on quantities that appear excessive for your trip.

• Baby formula, breast milk, or baby food in small containers if a baby or small child is traveling
• Medication (liquid, gel, and aerosol)
• Necessary liquids or gels (including insulin and juice) for diabetic passengers

If there appears to be any suspicious activity or suspicious items, you and all carry-on property must be subjected to screening.

You will be permitted to take liquids, gels, and/or aerosols, including Duty Free items, onboard the aircraft if these items were purchased within the sterile area if you are in an airport where:

• Liquids, gels, and/or aerosols are not permitted to be carried into the sterile area through the screening checkpoint, AND
• Passengers are not allowed to co-mingle with passengers who have not been screened to prevent prohibited items from being brought beyond security checkpoints.

If these conditions cannot be ensured, then liquid, gel, or aerosol Duty Free items must be placed in a bag with a special seal by the vendor or delivered to you onboard the aircraft or as you board the aircraft.

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Other Travel Tips

Here are some more suggestions to help minimize your inconvenience:

• Travel light—minimal clutter will expedite the screening process.
• Check all of your bags.
• See Check-in Requirements for info about when to arrive at the airport.
• Check with local airport authorities for additional requirements for flights to the U.S. from that country.
• Store any prohibited duty-free items you have purchased onboard or in the airport in your checked bags before you recheck them following your customs clearance at your gateway city. (Unfortunately, we cannot assume any liability for damage to your duty-free items or other items damaged as a result of breakage or leakage of prohibited duty-free items.)

We'll do everything we can to give you the information you'll need during this heightened-security period. Check back here for updates.