Washington -- The federal Transportation Security Administration today banned air passengers from carrying nearly any liquids aboard flights within and to the United States, a reaction to today's foiled terrorist plot against commercial aviation in Britain.
In addition, effective immediately, all carry-on bags are prohibited on flights from the U.K. to the United States.
All liquid and gel products are not permitted in carry-on baggage through screening checkpoints or onto aircrafts, although they are allowed in checked baggage. Such items include drinks, perfume, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, and contact lens solutions.
Exceptions to the ban are baby formula, and prescription medications with the passenger's name on the label. Passengers must present those items for inspection at security checkpoints.
The ban is expected to be temporary but is in effect until further notice.
The Department of Homeland Security also today raised the threat level to high, or orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States; and severe, or red, for flights bound to the U.S. from Britain.
British authorities arrested 21 people who allegedly plotted to detonate liquid explosives on board several commercial aircraft departing from Britain and bound for the United States. The terrorists planned to carry the bomb components, including liquid explosive ingredients, disguised as beverages.
"There is currently no indication of any plotting within the United States; nevertheless, as a precaution, the federal government is taking immediate steps to increase security measures, with respect to aviation," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
"We believe that the arrests in Britain have significantly disrupted this major threat," Chertoff added. "But we cannot assume that the threat has been completely thwarted, or that we have fully identified and neutralized every member of this terrorist network."
For a list of banned items, visit www.tsa.gov.