Subscribe to the paper Rose in bloom IKEA charges for plastic bags "No matter how much planning and distributing of material we do, we still have people who come to the airport and say, 'Well, we didn't know that,' " McGowan said. Many travelers, especially business travelers, have adapted to the 3-1-1 -- which requires travelers to put all liquids and gels inside a 3-ounce container in one quart-size zipped bag and only one bag per passenger -- but travelers who haven't been to the airport since last summer need to be prepared, McGowan said. Liquids and gels in carry-ons were banned Aug.
10 after officials in Britain arrested 24 people in a suspected terror plot to use liquid explosives to blow up jets between the United Kingdom and the United States. The ban later was eased, allowing travelers to put a specific amount of liquids in a plastic bag. Kim Wagner, customer service manager for TSA at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, said TSA is working with the airport on ways to advise and remind passengers about carry-on restrictions.
She said although summer months bring out the once-a-year travelers, many fliers seem to be doing some research before they come to the airport. "Passengers really are trying to educate themselves, which is a big difference from even a year ago," Wagner said. "We are seeing a better-educated passenger.
" The TSA office at Will Rogers gets about 75 calls a week from travelers inquiring about what they can and can't bring on the plane, Wagner said. She said items such as suntan lotions and oils may slow down lines if passengers forget to place these items in their checked luggage. It's still unclear how long the ban on liquids and gels will last.
To better prepare for threats, TSA is launching new security systems and practices that the agency hopes will help detect dangers. Phase one of the new systems will begin this summer in Phoenix, McGowan said. Backscatter, a machine that does whole body imaging, is one of the technologies TSA will use in Phoenix and eventually nationwide.
McGowan said Backscatter will allow TSA to better serve customers who have metal plates that set off the alarm on the current system.
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