tsa bins

Travelers Can Take Larger Bottles of Hand Sanitizer In Carry-On Luggage, TSA Announces

In response to the growing concerns around the spread of coronavirus in the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration said that passengers can bring hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces in size.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Mar 17, 2020

A new policy announced by the Transportation Security Administration on Friday allows travelers to bring hand sanitizer containers that are up to 12 ounces in size -- quite an increase from the usual 3.4 ounces that are usually allowed.

“TSA understands that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is at the forefront on the minds of travelers, as health officials are encouraging that individuals wash their hands frequently,” the TSA said in a published post on its website. “With that in mind, TSA is allowing passengers to bring liquid hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces in carry-on bags until further notice.”

The change only applies to hand sanitizer, which has flown off the shelves across the country in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Over 4,000 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., which health officials say is a massive undercount of how many Americans have been infected due to people not having access to tests or not reporting symptoms to medical personnel.

Dollar sales of hand sanitizer in four weeks ending on March 7 surged 228 percent in comparison to the same time period in 2019, CNN reported. While airlines have reported a huge drop in the number of passengers boarding flights, those travelers can carry larger containers in their carry-on baggage.

At the same time, TSA agents said that those containers will be subject to additional screening, which could increase wait times. That caveat, along with the limited availability of hand sanitizer, has The Verge advising passengers to ask “How much sanitizer do you need with you?” before heading to the airport.

Airports across the country have also set up hand sanitizer stations, making it easier for passengers who do not want to carry large bottles on the plane with them.

Agents have also expressed concern about inadequate protection for security screeners who are coming into contact with hundreds or thousands of travelers per day. A union representing about 45,000 TSA officers demanded that the Department of Homeland Security provide more masks for agents to protect them from contracting the coronavirus, leading to some changes in CDC guidelines.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Live From ISC West 2024: Post-Show Recap

    ISC West 2024 is complete. And from start to finish, the entire conference was a huge success with almost 30,000 people in attendance. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • ISC West 2024 is a Rousing Success

    The 2024 ISC West security tradeshow marked a pivotal moment in the industry, showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to address evolving security challenges. Exhibitors left the event with a profound sense of satisfaction, as they witnessed a high level of engagement from attendees and forged valuable connections with potential clients and partners. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3