The September 11th attack
Air travelers limited to one carry-on bag
Advertiser News Services
WASHINGTON — Airline passengers are now limited to bringing only a single piece of carry-on luggage, in addition to another small bag, like a purse or briefcase, under security rules issued yesterday.
The change is expected to allow airport screeners to more thoroughly examine bags at security checkpoints.
The new directive also:
• Requires more searches using hand-wand metal detectors at airport checkpoints, especially of passengers who fit a certain description that is being kept confidential, according to those who have seen the document.
• Says security workers should conduct a search of a passenger at all times at every checkpoint.
• Allows passengers to carry nail clippers, tweezers, safety razors (including disposables), syringes (with documented proof of medical need) and eyelash curlers aboard. Such items had been confiscated since Sept. 11 amid fears that they could become weapons.
Though it comes a day after U.S.-led retaliatory strikes in Afghanistan, the Federal Aviation Administration said the new policy is one of a series of airport security precautions taken since Sept. 11.
Most airlines previously let passengers bring two carry-on bags, not counting pieces such as purses, briefcases and camera bags.
Under the new policy, passengers will be allowed one standard carry-on bag and one "personal item," such as a purse, camera bag, shoulder bag or diaper bag.
"A laptop computer would probably qualify," said FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown.
Anecdotal information from travelers and flight crews suggests that new security policies are being applied unevenly around the country. The current security system is a blend of federal regulations with private and local government responsibilities. Later this week, Congress is expected to act on legislation to put aviation security under direct control of a new government agency.
"This whole process is going to be revamped," said Brown, who added that the FAA is receiving complaints from people who think screening is still too lax as well as some offended at having their personal belongings picked through.
Airlines traditionally set their own policies for carry-on baggage. Most allowed passengers to take two bags, plus additional personal items such as a coat or purse.
"One carry-on bag per person would decrease the volume of bags that screeners are responsible for looking at," said Gerald Dillingham, head of aviation issues for the General Accounting Office. "They would have more time to do a thorough job."
