There is more evidence that the system is adjusting to this brave new post-September 11 world, even if that adjustment is imperfect. The Transportation Security Administration has approved tamper-evident bags for the transportation of duty-free liquids such as liquor, wine and perfume.
These bags are for passengers departing the United States, those who’ve bought those items in secure (post-security) sections of the airport.
The critical distinction is that tamper-evident bags will not be accepted in the United States at security checkpoints. TSA says international travelers arriving in this country are reunited with their checked luggage upon arrival. That way they have the opportunity to store duty-free items in those bags before their next flight.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the same opportunity exists on the other end of the line, however. TSA says: “Travelers exiting the United States, arriving at a non-U.S. international airport, and continuing on to a final international destination may not be provided the same opportunity, as their bags go directly to their final destination.”
The idea behind TSA’s move is to align United States policies with those of the European Union, and reduce the number of passengers who have to surrender duty-free liquids when transferring to European or other international airports.
Look for these new tamper-evident bags to begin appearing in duty free shops in the coming weeks.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler
