What's Banned at the Airport (WHNT News story)

Aug 10, 2006

Click here to view the original article at Huntsville, Alabama Channel 19 WHNT.

NewsChannel 19's Janine Reyes Reports

All airports across the nation are at an orange security alert and Huntsville International Airport is no exception.

A handful of flights were delayed Thursday night as travelers got used to the new security measures.

There is a strict no liquid and gel rule whenever you fly for now. That means shampoos, lotions, sports drinks, hair gels and even toothpaste are restricted from your carry on luggage.

Passengers flying into Huntsville say once you get used to the rules, they aren't that bad but some travelers like Marylin Johnson did have to leave stuff behind to get here.

"I had to fly without an essential oil that I use, lavender, for travelling, but they wouldn't let me and I knew that and I didn't want to throw it away so I packed it in my check in baggage," she said. Johnson and her son are from Los Angeles, they were flying to Huntsville to get her son ready to attend UAH. She told us what should have been a five hour flight turned into 12, but she didn't mind giving up the extra time for safety.

There are a few exceptions to the no liquid rule, but not many. Baby food and formula will be allowed along with prescription medications matching the travelers name. The TSA suggests this rule of thumb: if you're unsure, don't try to take it on the plane. No word on when or if these new guidelines will change.

So why exactly are things like shampoo and sports drinks not allowed?

Patrick Anderson, an explosives expert with Huntsville's EOD Technology Incorporated, told us its not because they're typically used for explosive bombs.

"Its not likely someone's going to make a bomb out of shampoo itself or lotion itself but there are substances, explosive substances, that can be placed into these containers that could appear to be the shampoo or the lotion," Anderson said. He said even with a very small amount of liquid explosive, extensive damage can be done on a plane full of passengers.

Both Anderson and Johnson agreed, the headaches of travelling liquidless are worth the security.

"If people should have to give up a few freedoms to be safe, I think that's a responsibility we should accept," said Anderson.

"This is how is should be from now on," Johnson told us, "we took a precaution and its a good thing."

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