Northwest Airlines Reminds Customers of Updates to the TSA Security Requirements

November 10, 2006 - Northwest Airlines is reminding its customers of updates to the new requirements from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) affecting all airline passengers.

Summary of Security Directive Changes for Flights departing from and within the U.S.

• Effective November 10, 2006, the TSA has advised that travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3.4 ounces/100 ml or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic re-sealable bag. At the security checkpoint passengers will be asked to remove the clear plastic re-sealable bag from their accessible baggage and place it in a separate bin or on the conveyor belt for screening. X-raying these items separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items. In addition, prescription liquid, gel and aerosol medications, baby formula/milk/food, and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening if they are not included in the ONE QUART clear plastic re-sealable bag.
• Mothers flying with or without their child are permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint. There is no upper limit to the amount they can check. TSA will apply a "reasonableness check". This policy applies to breast milk only and does not include baby formula.
• Effective August 4, 2007, The TSA will no longer ban common lighters in carry-on luggage. Torch lighters remain banned in carry-ons. Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those of common lighters. Passengers traveling internationally may be subject to different restrictions based on that country's laws.
• Passengers who attempt to bring undeclared liquids, gels, or aerosols into the sterile area without providing to the TSA for separate screening may be subjected to secondary screening.
• Passengers who purchase liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in the sterile area are now allowed to take them onboard the aircraft.
• Duty Free liquids, gels, and/or aerosols purchased inside the sterile area may be brought onboard the aircraft by passengers, and no longer must be delivered to the aircraft.

Summary of Security Directive Changes for Flights departing from outside the U.S.

• Effective November 10, 2006, the TSA has advised that travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3.4 ounces/100 ml or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, LITER-SIZE (quart size), clear plastic re-sealable bag. At the security checkpoint, passengers will be asked to remove the clear plastic re-sealable bag from their accessible baggage and place it in a separate bin or on the conveyor belt for screening. X-raying these items separately will allow security officers to more easily examine the declared items. In addition, prescription liquid, gel and aerosol medications, baby formula/milk/food, and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening if they are not included in the ONE LITER clear plastic re-sealable bag.
• Mothers flying with or without their child are permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint. There is no upper limit to the amount they can check. TSA will apply a "reasonableness check". This policy applies to breast milk only and does not include baby formula.
• Effective August 4, 2007, The TSA will no longer ban common lighters in carry-on luggage. Torch lighters remain banned in carry-ons. Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those of common lighters. Passengers traveling internationally may be subject to different restrictions based on that country's laws.
• Passengers who attempt to bring undeclared liquids, gels, or aerosols into the sterile area without providing to security for separate screening may be subjected to secondary screening.
• Passengers who purchase liquids, gels, and/or aerosols (including Duty Free items) in the sterile area are now allowed to take them onboard the aircraft if:
  • Liquids, gels, and/or aerosols are not carried into the sterile area through the screening checkpoint AND
  • Passengers do not mingle with other passengers who have not been screened to enter the sterile area.
  • If both of the aforementioned points cannot be ensured, liquid, gel or aerosol Duty Free items must be delivered to the passenger onboard the aircraft or as he/she boards the aircraft.
• Per British Airport Authority regulations, only one piece of carry-on luggage is allowed through the screening checkpoint at London's Gatwick Airport. Once past the screening checkpoint, Northwest allows you to carry one piece of luggage on board the aircraft plus a purse or briefcase or laptop computer or small backpack. For example, if you have a piece of luggage and a purse, the purse must be placed in the briefcase to go through the security checkpoint; but once past the checkpoint, the purse can be removed from the luggage. Find more information at http://www.gatwickairport.com/.

Security Restrictions on liquids and gel type substances at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the Philippines

Security Restrictions on liquids and gel type substances and lighters and matches in People's Republic of China

For a full list of Permitted and Prohibited items, visit the TSA's web site.

As additional information on changes to the TSA security requirements become available, it will be posted on the TSA's Web site at www.tsa.gov, and Northwest will continue to provide current information on www.nwa.com.

To check in for today's flight, click here

All passengers should check flight and gate status prior to leaving for the airport.