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U.S. air threat level raised to red
By UPI Staff
United Press International
August 10, 2006

WASHINGTON (UPI) -- In light of British police breaking an airline bombing plot, U.S. officials Thursday raised the threat level for air transport to the highest, code red.

The Transportation Security Administration said in a statement passengers on all domestic and international flights would be banned from transporting any type of liquid or gel in their carry-on luggage. The ban applies to all types of beverages, shampoo, toothpaste, hair gels and other items of a similar consistency, the TSA announced.

Britain imposed similar bans with the exception of baby formula, which the traveler would have to prove safe by drinking some.

The move came after Scotland Yard announced the arrests of 21 people in London and Birmingham late Wednesday. They said intelligence indicated they were involved in a plot to simultaneously down as many as 10 U.S.-carrier flights from Britain to the United States using explosive liquids in carry-on baggage.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said officials had no indication that the plot included attacks inside the United States.

The U.S. Air Transport Association issued a statement asking passengers to be patient with the "temporary measures" that would result in intensified searches and considerable delays.

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