The US Transportation Security Administration plans to add another item to the gels, liquids and laptops requiring additional scrutiny for U.S.-bound airline passengers – powders.
Passengers carrying more than twelve ounces (340 grams) of powder – the size of a regular soft drink can – will be subject to additional screening starting on June 30, TSA spokesman Michael England said. Such items include certain cosmetics, spices and powdered drink mixes.
Similar rules apply to passengers departing from Australian international airports from June 30.
Under the new policy, all powders must be presented separately for inspection at the international security checkpoint. This includes everything from cosmetics – such as powdered foundation, blush and other similar items – through to baby formula, ground or powdered coffee, sugar, spices and more.
The policy was enacted partly in response to a foiled bomb plot on an Etihad Airways plane flying to Abu Dhabi from Sydney in July, England said. He added that “improvised devices containing powder explosives have always been a concern of TSA’s.”
In order to avoid authorities disposing of the powder-like substances, England recommended that passengers place any powder products inside their checked baggage. Powders in carry-on bags will be discarded if screening procedures are unable to effectively resolve them.
