Travel rules relaxed? Bless you, Mr. Chertoff

Rob Lovitt Travel writer • E-mail

I could kiss Michael Chertoff.

OK, maybe not, but after Monday's announcement that the Transportation Security Administration is easing the ban on liquids and gels on airplanes, I’m feeling a little more affection for the homeland security czar and the legions of TSA screeners at my local airport.

The changes, which go into effect Tuesday morning, mean liquids and gels will once again be allowed in carry-on luggage.

Well, some anyway. According to the new regulations, we’ll now be allowed to carry on “travel-sized” toiletries (three ounces or less), provided they’re placed in a single quart-sized, clear-plastic, zip-top bag. Beverages and other liquids purchased in the secure boarding area beyond security will also be allowed.

Is this a good idea? As a frequent flyer, I have to say, absolutely. Is this as good as it’s going to get? I sure hope not. If nothing else, though, it’s a step in the right direction toward bringing common sense back to the world of airport security.

What’s at risk?
Flying between Seattle and San Francisco a week after the August 10 restrictions went into effect, I was pleasantly surprised to find the security lines no worse than usual. Most folks, it seemed, had already stashed their liquids in their checked luggage. None of us liked the situation — the few who hadn’t gotten the message really didn’t like it — but we went along, accepting the argument that the inconvenience outweighed the impending risk.

Now, the TSA has determined that small quantities of liquids are safe to bring on board. This includes most toiletries, including lotions, gels, and aerosols, and the medicines and baby foods already allowed. Furthermore, if you buy a bottle of water or tall mocha grande after going through security, you won’t have to guzzle it when you get to your gate.

And that’s a good thing — although I sometimes wonder if it misses the bigger issue. Despite the potentially catastrophic effects of box cutters, shoe bombs, and liquid explosives, is prohibiting items in carry-on bags the best way to ensure we’re safe?

The fact is, the risk of terror attacks is hardly limited to carry-on bags — or even air travel, for that matter. Port facilities, city water supplies, nuclear power plants — all are potentially in the crosshairs, and when we step up security in one area, terrorists immediately start looking elsewhere. As a result — and pardon the morbid pun — airplane security will always be a moving target.

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