US and Canadian air travelers were from yesterday to be allowed to pack small quantities of shampoo and other toiletries in carry-on bags, but a ban on other liquids was to remain indefinitely.
Authorities on both sides of the border on Monday eased strict security measures hurriedly introduced after Britain foiled an alleged plot to blow up trans-Atlantic airliners using liquefied explosives last month.
But the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said the "orange" or "high" alert level for aviation would stay in force, and warned liquid explosives were still part of the terrorist "playbook."
Passengers boarding domestic and international flights at US airports will be able to take travel-sized toiletries like shampoo or toothpaste through security in containers smaller than three ounces (90ml).
The items must be held in one, clear, quart-sized (950ml) zip-top plastic bag.
Passengers will also be permitted to buy items including beverages and duty-free items in new "sterile" areas of the airport after passing through security.
Canadian authorities on Monday announced similar measures on travel-sized toiletries, after easing restrictions on beverages bought from retail outlets in secure areas of airports last week.
Kip Hawley, assistant secretary of the TSA, said the ban on other items, like soft drink cans, bottles of water and perfumes in larger containers originating from outside airports would stay in place.
"We are keeping the current arrangements in place for an indefinite period of time," he told reporters at Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport.
"After the initial total ban, we have learned enough from the UK investigation to say that small travel-sized liquids are safe to bring through security check points in limited numbers," Hawley said.
Total bans on liquids, gels and aerosols in hand baggage were imposed last month after Britain foiled an alleged plot by suicide bombers to smuggle volatile chemicals onto trans-Atlantic flights designed to trigger explosions.
The new rules were drawn up following talks with European and Canadian aviation security experts, and intensive testing by explosives teams.
The three-ounce limit was "well within the comfort zone of what we need to protect the public," Hawley said.
He declined to say what quantity of liquid explosive would pose a threat, but said authorities were confident that potential terrorists would not be able to combine liquids held in small containers to fashion a bomb.
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