Few UT students call Tampa home, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, most are already making flight reservations for the holiday. Thanks to the newest ban on liquids in carry-on luggage, they stand to face even longer delays than in years past.
On Aug. 10, the Department of Homeland Security raised its advisory system to the most severe risk of terror attacks for the first time in history. All flights departing London and heading to the United States were grounded. Nineteen potential terrorists were taken in to custody from Hawthorne International Airport.
From August until the end of September, persons boarding an aircraft were not allowed to bring on any liquids or gels. All liquids or gels in carry-ons were thrown in the trash. Such items included chap-stick, make-up, bottled beverages, fragrances, food, and toiletry items.
Many people found this frustrating because they had spent money on these items. People such as Nick Roy forgot to take out valuable fragrances before the security check point. “I had a few bottles of expensive cologne,” said Roy. “I wasn’t about to just throw them away. I had just forgotten to check my liquids in my bag.”
Besides Roy, who only had a few bottles of cologne he could save, some women had to throw away their entire make-up bag. Recent flyer Erica Giannoccaro, explained her story.
“I flew two days after August 10, so I didn’t bring anything in my carry-on,” Erica said. “But the lady in front of me had about $60 worth of make-up that she had to throw away. She wasn’t very happy.”
Not being able to bring liquids and gels on planes caused problems. Trash receptacles were filled constantly the first day of regulations. The increase in the number of bags being checked caused backups in airports. More luggage was reported missing because of mishandlings at airports.
There are some things travelers can do to make flying easier and more convenient. To prevent loss of baggage, have only carry-on bags. Remove any straps that may get caught on the conveyer belt. Making bags easier to inspect can cut down on time at the airport. Those who have laptops will have to take them out before security check points.
Pre 9/11, regulations of carry-on objects were lenient. Knives of three inches or less were allowed on planes. Even today, firearms are still allowed on planes if they are unloaded and are in a locked case.
As of September 26, the ban on liquids and gels was adjusted. There are only a few objects that passengers can bring from home. Travelers can take travel-sized toiletries of three ounces or less in a clear plastic bag. The only beverages allowed on planes are those purchased in the gate area. People with medical needs can bring their medicine to ensure their well-being. Baby formula is permitted for families with infants.
Some people were indifferent about the situation after August 10. Nick Roy thinks it was both adequate, but at the same time too strict. “Some things that were dry, like deodorant weren’t allowed on,” he said. “I can see why alcohol based liquids weren’t allowed due to their flammability. So in some cases I can see why they did it. I mean, I don’t want to die either.”
In fact, there are over 40,000 deaths per year as a result to car accidents. The amount of people who die from airplane crashes barely fills a 737 (189 passenger capacity). Statistically, flying is still the safest way to travel.
Another benefit of flying is the cheap airfare. Increased gas prices at gas pumps are incentives that lure customers into flying. For UT senior, Rachel Slavinski, the cost of waiting in security lines is a small price to pay. “It’s probably cheaper both money wise and time wise if I fly home, and definitely cheaper than driving out West.”
There are some things travelers can do to make flying easier and more convenient. To prevent loss of baggage, have only carry-on bags.
Remove any straps that may get caught on the conveyer belt. Making bags easier to inspect can cut down on time at the airport. Those who have laptops will have to take them out before security check points.