More Than 12 Ounces May Lead To Enhanced Screening At Checkpoints

If you carry more than 12 ounces of a powdered substance in your carry-on luggage when passing through airport security, you could be subjected to enhanced screening by TSA under rules that go into effect June 30.

CNN reports that if TSA cannot identify the substance, a passenger might be required to throw it away or place it in checked luggage.

TSA says that there are multiple reasons for the rule. The agency says explosives are still a major concern, and some substances such as pepper spray can cause serious issues if released in flight. The agency announced in April said that powdered substances in carry-on luggage can "clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine." The agency warned that "items that cannot be identified and resolved at the checkpoint are prohibited from entering the cabin of the aircraft."

TSA Spokesman Michael England said that the rule on powders will also be enforced on international flights that have destinations in the U.S. beginning June 30. "TSA is communicating with our international partners to ensure last points of departure airports align with pre-clearance requirements and our domestic procedures as part of our efforts to raise the global aviation security baseline," he said.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report