Airports keep security tight over holiday

Forget bringing mom an apple pie and be sure to pack the suntan lotion into checked bags when traveling by air this Memorial Day weekend, say Department of Homeland Security officials.

With the terrorist threat level at orange, or “high” for all domestic and international flights, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials continue to crack down on what can, and cannot, be packed in carry-on bags.

During the Christmas holidays, snow globes were verboten, as they contain more than 3 ounces of liquid.

The same restrictions apply to suntan lotion, sunscreen and even foods that contain liquid.

Homeland officials predict a high number of passengers and say travelers should either check their baggage or follow the 3-1-1 rule of carry-on luggage — 3 ounces of liquid in one quart-size clear plastic bag, and only one bag per passenger.

“We are fully staffed and prepared to handle the greater volume of passengers this year,” said Kip Hawley, TSA administrator. “Travelers can control the length of their own wait time by being prepared when they reach the security checkpoint.”

Liquids were completely banned last August after it was revealed that terrorists in London planned to use liquid explosives to bring down trans-Atlantic airliners.

The ban has since been eased, but many restrictions are still in place.

Items allowed in carry-on luggage include gel-filled bras, bubble bath balls, cigar cutters, scissors, cuticle cutters, nail polish, nail clippers, nail files, knitting needles, crochet needles, tweezers, umbrellas, walking canes, toy transformer-robots, toy weapons, plastic or butter knives, safety razors and disposable razors.

Firearms must be declared and packed in checked luggage.

Items that must be 3 ounces or less in carry-on luggage include bath oils, bug and mosquito sprays, deodorants, eye drops, hair styling gels and sprays of all kinds including aerosol, lip gels such as Carmex or Blistex, liquid lip-gloss, liquid foundation, spray perfumes and colognes, soap, mascara, makeup removers and facial cleansers, mouthwash, nonprescription liquid or gel medicines such as cough syrup and gel cap pills, personal lubricants, saline solution shampoos and conditioners.

Passengers are also asked not to wear clothing with metal, and will be required to remove their footwear for X-ray screening.

Screening procedures vary from airport to airport, but a government-issued identification card is required to travel in the U.S. at every airport.