The TSA Is Now Telling Travelers Not to Bring Powders onto Planes

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is adopting a stricter policy starting June 30 that will make it difficult for international passengers to carry baby powder, protein powder, dry spices, and more through airport security.

Any passenger on an inbound international flight with 12 ounces or more of powder, whatever the powder may be, might now be subject to additional screening at security. If TSA agents can’t identify the powder, then it may be confiscated and thrown away.

The TSA reportedly made the change because of security concerns that rose from past incidents, most notably a foiled Australian terror attack from last July where someone tried to blow up an Etihad Airways flight with a powder explosive, thought that incident wasn’t the only reason for the change, it said.

According to the agency, most international airlines started voluntarily screening for powder after that incident. The TSA said it will request foreign airports with flights into the U.S. all adopt the same policy.

The Canadian government added powder and granular material to its list of prohibited flight items in November 2017, though it still allowed baby formula, protein powder, tea, and coffee in any quantity.

Powders of more than 12 ounces, including babay formula, will now be subject to further screening by the TSA. Photo: Shutterstock.com.