The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has instructed
airlines to prohibit any liquids, gels, aerosols and powders in
carry-on luggage on all flights between the U.S. and Russia ahead
of the Olympics games.
The directive, which comes amid heightened concern about
terrorism related to the Olympics, follows a U.S. Department of
Homeland Security warning to airlines sending flights to Russia
that explosives could be hidden inside toothpaste tubes. The games
begin Friday in the Russian resort city of Sochi.
The new rules are an outgrowth of the same intelligence that
prompted Wednesday's warning, an official said. Passengers will
still be able to carry liquids in their checked bags.
Russian security officials announced last month they would ban
all types of carry-on liquids, in any quantity, from flights
arriving at the two main Moscow-area airports, as a precaution
heading into the games. But that prohibition wasn't widely enforced
at U.S. airports, which normally allow passengers to carry on
liquids in containers smaller than three ounces. Now, there will be
a secondary screening at the gates for Russia-bound flights, an
official said.
In a posting on its website, Delta Air Lines also said customers
traveling between the U.S. and Russia would need to "personally
check in with a Delta representative at the airport" rather than
using online, mobile or kiosks to check in for flights.
Earlier this week, Homeland Security issued a warning about the
potential for explosives to be hidden inside toothpaste tubes.
"Out of an abundance of caution, [Homeland Security] regularly
shares relevant information with domestic and international
partners, including those associated with international events such
as the Sochi Olympics," a Homeland Security official said. "While
we are not aware of a specific threat to the homeland at this time,
this routine communication is an important part of our commitment
to making sure we meet that priority."
A federal law-enforcement official said the alert is largely for
airlines operating flights that originate outside the U.S.
Write to Andrew Grossman at andrew.grossman@wsj.com
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