The Transportation Safety Administration did travelers around the country a massive favor by getting rid of the rule requiring the removal of shoes, but new guidelines may have fliers rethinking what they place in checked luggage.
The much-maligned 3.4-ounce liquid limit is still in effect, forcing many passengers to throw away expensive skin care products or other items before they pass through the mandatory security checkpoint at their airport of choice.
On Wednesday, the TSA revealed three new items that have been banned from checked bags – and they’re common enough that you may mistakenly forget to put them in your carry on.
Which Items Are Banned?
The TSA is focusing on cordless hair devices, as they say many contain gas cartridges and butane – harmful materials that aren’t allowed on flights.
Cordless curling irons or flatirons containing gas cartridges, butane-fueled curling irons or flat irons and gas refills (spare cartridges) for curling irons or flat irons are all banned, effective immediately. If travelers’ luggage contains the banned items, it will be thrown away.
The ban doesn’t mean you’ll have to go without your favorite cordless hair item, however. The TSA says that passengers will be able to keep the devices in their carry-on bags, provided that they’re covered to prevent activation during the flight.
The TSA’s Effort To Improve
In the message announcing the end of the “shoes off” policy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem noted that the organization is seeking to “modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports.”
“We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience,” Noem said in the announcement.
“As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards.”
The TSA has also extended more benefits to military members and their families in recent months. In July, the organization announced the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program.
The initiative aims to make travel seamless for uniformed service members, providing them and their loved ones with TSA PreCheck discounts and offering more expedited lanes at airports and terminals.
Earlier this week, the organization announced that, in partnership with CLEAR, it will establish biometric “eGates” at airports around the country.
According to Axios, the new gates will be available at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Washington DC’s Reagan National (DCA) and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) before the end of the month.
The company says the gates are being installed with the goal of expediting travel before next year’s FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations.
