Article Travel Leisure Tip

One of the primary goals of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is to provide the highest level of security and customer service to all who pass through our screening checkpoints. Our current policies and procedures focus on ensuring that all passengers
regardless of their personal situations and needs
are treated equally and with the dignity
respect
and courtesy they deserve. Although every person and item must be screened before entering each secure boarding area
it is the manner in which the screening is conducted that is most important.

In order to achieve that goal
TSA has established a program for screening of persons with disabilities and their associated equipment
mobility aids
and devices. Our program covers all categories of disabilities (mobility
hearing
visual
and hidden). As part of that program
we established a coalition of over 70 disability-related groups and organizations to help us understand the concerns of persons with disabilities and medical conditions. These groups have assisted TSA with integrating the unique needs of persons with disabilities into our airport operations.

Since the initial total ban on liquids
gels and aerosols took effect we have learned enough from the UK investigation to say with confidence that small
travel size liquids are safe to bring through security checkpoints in limited numbers. We are confident in our increased security measures throughout the airport. Therefore
passengers can purchase drinks in the secure boarding area and bring them aboard their flights.

TSA's checkpoint security screening procedures for persons with disabilities and medical conditions have not changed as a result of the current threat situation. All disability-related equipment
aids
and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.

Additionally
we are continuing to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. This includes:

* All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids
gels
and aerosols) including KY jelly
eye drops
and saline solution for medical purposes;
* Liquids including water
juice
or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
* Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow
blood products
and transplant organs;
* Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products
prosthetic breasts
bras or shells containing gels
saline solution
or other liquids; and

* Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

However
if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3 ounces each
they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to the Transportation Security Officer. A declaration can be made verbally
in writing
or by a person's companion
caregiver
interpreter
or family member.

Declared liquid medications and other liquids for disabilities and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening.