TSA employee Frederick Anderson trashes products collected from passengers waiting in long lines to board flights at Terminal 2 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Thursday, August 10, 2006. The U.S. government raised its threat warning to the high [Click to enlarge]

Anton Gerasimov of Santa Clara drinks a bottle of champagne as his wife, Lorena, looks on while waiting at the security checkpoint line at the San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, California, August 10, 2006. The Gerasimovs, who are headi [Click to enlarge]

A passenger dumps medicine and toothpaste at DFW's Termianl C security checkpoint on Thursday, August 10, 2006. DFW International Airport visitors are alerted of heightened security measures after a foiled terrorist plot on 10 U.S. bound flights from Lond [Click to enlarge]

Since threats have seemed to calm down in the past few months, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released notice in September that the public will be allowed to bring liquids on board a plane once more.

There are a few drawbacks to these changes. Strict rules still remain. All liquids need to fit in a quart size plastic bag and be less than three ounces each -- no more than that. The rule also states there is only one quart size bag per person. This is what the TSA calls the 3-1-1 rule.

At the Sacramento International Airport, some travelers were prepared but many others were confused. At the bottom of the airport's entrance to the security checkpoint stands a security guard, not much older than the average college student. He spoke in a firm tone informing travelers of the 3-1-1 rule and distributing quart size plastic bags. Most holiday sojourner did not mind the extra stop.

"It is better than getting up to the security check point and having to throw it away," stated Natalie Baldwin, who was a holiday traveler on her way to visit friends in Arizona.

Not one threw a tantrum over having to toss anything away. However, one gentleman had to throw away his axe deodorant spray which was over the three ounce limit and his six ounce tube of Crest toothpaste. The security guard informed passengers that they were not allowed to bring oversized toothpaste due to the possibilities of what may be hidden inside.

The main carry on restrictions pertain to liquids, aerosols, and gels. Tweezers and nail clippers are allowed on the plane now as well as scissors that have blades shorter than four inches. This is great for those who carry cosmetics but no bats, golf clubs, or balls are allowed as a carry on item. And for those who play cricket, that bat is not allowed either.

Airport security changes as events happen around the world. No one knows where security precautions will be next year, but for this holiday season, remember TSA?s 3-1-1 rule. So keep the KY Jelly in a quart size bag to ensure a safe flight. If any other flight safety information is needed visit www.tsa.gov or call 1-866-289-9673. Remember, enjoy the holidays and arrive for each flight early.

Angela Cavazos can be reached at features@statehornet.com

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