The War on Lip Gloss

Posted on August 10th, 2006 by April.
Categories: Homeland Security, Ignorant, Politics, Security, Stupid, Terror, Travel.

TSA Crackdown

If I can’t fly with lip gloss the Terrorists have won!

I understand the TSA is just trying to protect the traveling public. I can snack on my mini bag of pretzels without fear. Safe from crazed fundamentalists wielding nail clippers. Pinching fellow passenger and breaking their skin, possibly causing a bad infection.

Yes, I’ll be safe knowing passenger 22A (I’m watching you) will be busy doing the crossword puzzle with a sharp pencil and not planning to take over the plane using a sharp nail clipper.

- sarcasm off

I want REAL security not window dressing!

The aviation Threat Level was elevated today in response to the events in the UK. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implemented several security measures to protect the traveling public.

Quoting from the TSA press release:

"Passengers are not allowed to have gels or liquids of any kind at screening points or in the cabin of any airplane."

"This includes beverages, food, suntan lotion, creams toothpaste, hair gel, or similar items. Those items must be packed into checked luggage. Beverages bought on the secure side of the checkpoint must be disposed of before boarding the plane."

There are a few exceptions. Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling for example.

The TSA statement does not mention if the breast milk or formula is required to be "taste tested". New measures in the UK require contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger.

My initial reaction to these new measures?

Nonsense.

We don’t want any improvised Diet Coke & Mentos explosive devices (ICDMEDs) on aircraft, so the restriction preventing passengers from boarding with any beverages purchased in the boarding area (past the security checkpoint) I fully support. [tounge in cheek]

But let’s be real…

The plot in the UK involved binary explosives - two "safe" liquids that when mixed explode.

The restriction only covers CARY ON items. Liquid (including explosives) may be packed in your checked baggage.

If there is really a threat from carry-on binary explosive liquids… why would TSA personal have passengers pour their illicit liquids into a common container?

Even if unopened, why risk combining the two binary liquid explosives in a common trash can?

Look at the above picture. If there’s any risk two liquids poured into the above container could explode… shouldn’t the bomb squad be handling this?

If a terrorists is in the airport with an explosive… that’s the real failure.

I see it like this… either the TSA is clueless, the TSA thinks passengers are clueless and just need to "feel" better, or this is an attempt to further scare the public.

UPDATE: After reviewing the TSA web site, I see you can now board with nail clippers but cattle prods must still be checked.

Suggested Reading:

     BBC News
     The New York Times
     TSA Press Release
     Schneier on Security
     Educated Guesswork

Editors Note: This article was originally published here.  It has been republished on this site to preserve continuity.

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