UP-IN-THE-AIR: TSA Relaxes carry-on liquids policy for STEBs on inbound international flights
0As of yesterday, the U.S. Transportation Security Agency (TSA) has altered its policy for international flight passengers flying in to allow for the carry of liquids in excess of 100 mL in carry-on baggage, as long as they were purchased in duty-free shops and placed in Secure, Tamper-Evident Bags (STEBs).
While this doesn’t necessarily mean you can go bringing bottles of wine or spirits from foreign countries via carry-on, you are permitted to purchase them in airports as long as it is placed in a STEB. It would be interesting to know how many airports around the world actually have the STEBs that the TSA are requiring, and to see a price comparison between airport duty-free purchases and purchases made outside the airport. Naturally, you would imagine purchasing a spirit or wine in the airport would be incredibly inflated.
Here is the specific text from the TSA 3-1-1 carry on page for this new policy:
Inbound international changes
Beginning January 31, 2014, passengers traveling internationally into the United States with a connecting flight will be permitted to carry liquids in excess of 100 mL in their carry-on baggage, provided they were purchased in duty-free shops and placed in secure, tamper-evident bags (STEBs).
Technological advances may allow passengers to keep these liquids in their carry-on baggage, provided they are presented in a STEB and are able to be screened and cleared by Transportation Security Officers at the checkpoint.
Liquids that cannot be screened and cleared will not be allowed to remain in a passenger’s carry-on baggage. Passengers may elect to place these items into checked baggage, if available, or forfeit them prior to entering the secure area of the airport. This may include liquids in opaque, ceramic, or metallic bottles, or other containers that cannot be effectively scanned.