We live in a heightened state of stupidity. Threat level orange I believe they call it.
If you've been living under a rock, the UK thwarted a terrorist plan to "blow up multiple airliners traveling between Britain and the United States and cause 'mass murder on an unimaginable scale.'" Now I think that quote is silly because I can imagine the number of people on 10 airliners. Even if they were the A380 (which isn't flying yet), that would be 5-6000 people.
In the UK, they are not allowing carry on (or "hand baggage" as they call it there) luggage on any flights with the exception of wallets, travel documents, various sundries (baby products, feminine products, etc.)--if they are unboxed--and keys without electrical keychains.
Here in the glorious US, the lovely TSA is allowing carry on baggage, but that baggage cannot contain anything that is in a liquid or gel state. This includes suntan lotion, pop, water, toothpaste/gel, shaving cream/gel, hair care products. Of course, like every TSA regulation, there are exceptions that no terrorist would ever think of using--breast milk, baby formula, prescription medication (in any form) and juice for small children.
I heard on the news this morning, but haven't seen anything to substantiate it in the TSA documents that LCDs (such as those found in cellphones, laptop computers, digital wristwatches, etc.) would either be prohibited or subjected to higher levels of screening.
I wouldn't have as much of a problem if I trusted the TSA to keep these as short term restrictions until we find out more about the plot. However, according to the news reports I heard, these are intended to go on for a long time.
I feel sorry for the people that are travelling today that had to throw out their toothpaste, etc. because this was just sprung on them this morning. I know that unless I absolutely have to (which I'm not expecting to for work), I won't be flying commercially until they figure this out.
UPDATED: Bruce Schneier found an interesting and timely article monday.
