"Exemptions to fluid ban eyed"

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Exemptions to fluid ban eyed
BY GLENN THRUSH
Newsday (NY)


WASHINGTON -- The restrictions on carry-on liquids are likely to be in
effect for the foreseeable future, but some restrictions could be eased
soon, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says.

The restrictions, imposed after Britain announced that it had foiled a
terrorist plot that would have detonated explosives hidden in fluids, have
caused interminable waits at airline terminals.

The ban on carry-on beverages, hair gel, toothpaste and contact lens
solution may become a fixture at airports -- but the Transportation Security
Administration is trying to see if some items are safe enough to exempt from
the ban.

"In due course, TSA is going to announce some changes," Chertoff told
reporters Friday after touring Reagan National Airport in Washington. "I
don't want to suggest that they're going to be earth-shattering. But we're
going to move to try to make this as simple and as easy as possible."

Chertoff said federal authorities still need to "analyze the nature of the
devices" terrorists planned to use. TSA director Kip Hawley said that his
agency will continue to employ a second security check at flight gates, a
step taken after Wednesday's terror arrests.

"Our security process involves random inspection at the gate area ...
partially because we are not prohibiting the sale of liquids and beverages
in the secure area," he said.

The dual inspections won't necessarily be used across the U.S., but are
taking place in New York-area airports.

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