Passengers Urge TSA to Drop Ban on Liquids on Flights

Passengers are urging the TSA to drop its liquid ban on flights. The Association for Airline Passenger Rights, (AAPR) urged the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to get rid of the liquid rules.

AAPR calls the TSA's liquid rule, "security theater," meaning "security measures that make people feel more secure without doing anything to actually improve their security," and they're fed up with the charade, eTurboNews reports.

"The current policy banning passengers from bringing liquids onto the plane is probably one of the least effective security screenings being employed by the TSA at our nation's airports," Brandon M. Macsata, Executive Director of the Association for Airline Passenger Rights said according to eTurboNews. "FBI tests have demonstrated terrorists could not bring down a plane with small amounts of liquids, and for years leading security consultants have questioned the effectiveness of the liquid ban, so it is time to end it. Ending the ban would allow TSA agents to better focus on more pressing potential security threats."

Mascata made a point that the TSA's 3-1-1 liquid policy does allow some liquids on a plane and those with specific medical/prescription issues are exempt. He thinks its silly that the first thing passengers are forced to get rid of this their 20 ounce bottle of soda or water, but they're allowed to buy them again once inside the gate. He also says there are new technologies available to test liquids, which is already being used in the European Union.

Currently, the TSA has a 3-1-1 rule in effect for liquids in carry-ons. Passengers can only have 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottles or less (by volume) in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag and there's 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.

The TSA has been trying to change some policies. They recently expanded its quick PreCheck program and earlier this year the agency tried to lift its ban on pocketknives and sporting equipment but that didn't go over so well.