The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) and the Canadian Alliance of Business Travel praised the announcement made by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Transport Canada respectively that it  will loosen the ban on liquids and gels in carry-on luggage.

This announcement indicated that effective Tuesday, September 26 travellers will be allowed to pass through Canadian airport security checkpoints with “liquids, gels and aerosols…provided that the items are packaged in containers with a capacity of 90 ml / 90 grams (3 oz.) or less, and that the containers fit comfortably in one clear, closed and resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). One bag per passenger will be permitted.”

Additionally, the announcement expanded a change made regarding liquids, gels and aerosols purchased in the sterile area inside of airport security checkpoints. As of Tuesday, September 26, those items will be permitted on board all flights where the airport has met additional security requirements for these items, including flights to the United States.

In US, the modified liquid rules, effective Tuesday, September 26, will allow travelers to pass through security checkpoints and carry on travel-size toiletries in containers of three ounces or less “that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag” and enable them to carry on items purchased once inside security, such as beverages.

In a press conference at Washington National Airport, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary for TSA, Kip Hawley, noted that the agency had completed significant research into the threat posed by liquid explosives and acknowledged the need to make travel as easy as possible for passengers within the framework of securing the air travel system. Hawley said, “We now know enough to know the total liquid ban is no longer needed from a security point of view.”

NBTA President & CEO, Suzanne Fletcher said, “While the business travel community understood the need for addressing the threat posed by liquid explosives, many business travelers have been challenged by the total ban on carry-on liquids. They often had to check bags on short trips for which they would not normally check bags, in order to bring toiletry items. NBTA has worked closely with TSA and DHS to ensure the agencies understand the particular challenge the ban posed for business travelers, and we are pleased to see the this adjustment of the rule. The change shows that TSA is listening to passengers and basing its policies on a true risk-management approach to security.”

Canadian Alliance President Tanya Racz said, “Canadian business travellers understood the reason for the total liquid ban, but they also felt the inconvenience of checking bags on short trips where they normally would have carried everything on board. These changes are a welcome adjustment to the policy based on a solid approach to security and an understanding of passenger needs, and Transport Canada is to be commended.”