By GREG JORDAN and CHARLES OWENS
BLUEFIELD — Air travel is still safe, but keeping bottled drinks, hair products, and anything else in the liquid or gel class out of carry-one luggage will help get passengers through security more quickly, a TSA representative said Thursday.
Passengers flying from the Mercer County Airport were among the thousands affected by security measures taken when a terrorist plot to blow up multiple aircraft was announced. Security also was increased Thursday at the Tazewell County Airport in Claypool Hill. Investigators revealed that the plan called for using explosives smuggled in drinks and other liquids.
“There are two things passengers really need to know,” said Darrin Kayser, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration. “First, it’s safe to fly. Second, the TSA has highly-trained personnel who are able to handle this situation.”
Passengers need to remember that liquids, gels, and creams cannot be brought aboard an aircraft either on their person or in carry-on luggage, Kayser said. The items can be in check-in luggage that will carried in the luggage hold.
“This includes bottled water, soda, and hand creams,” he said. “We ask passengers to do their part and not bring these things. If they do that, they will get through security more efficiently.”
Two exceptions to this rule are medications and formula for small children, he said. The labels on the medication should match the owner’s passport or identification.
Buford Cordle, airport manager in Tazewell County, said although the facility is only a general aviation airport, security will still be strengthened. The airport doesn’t provide commercial service.
“I did receive an e-mail today from the Department of Aviation informing me of the heightened security,” Cordle said. “I was just advised to look for suspicious activity at the airport. The TSA isn’t based here. That’s typically only at your commercial airports. But we are always advised to be aware of suspicious activities. Now we are at an elevated level.”
Cordle said the Tazewell County Airport is utilized by corporate customers and private individuals. The facility also is used for aerial instruction and medical flights.
British authorities had been prohibited passengers from bringing electronic devices such as Ipods and calculators aboard aircraft, but this did not apply to local flights.
“For domestic flights we don’t have anything on that,” Kayser said.
When asked how long the new precautions will continue, Kayser replied, “We don’t have a timeline for that yet.”
