If you are planning to bring something to eat or drink non the airplane, please check the following list before arriving at the airport.

Requirements for Food & Drinks

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:

• Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
  
• As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

Travel Documents for U.S. Citizens Under WHTI

Under the proposed implementation plan, the following documents will be acceptable to fulfill document requirements:

Background

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other document, or a combination of documents, that denote identity and citizenship when entering the United States.  Congress amended portions of the Act in 2006.  The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the Administration’s proposed plan to implement this mandate.

The goal of the Initiative is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized, secure and reliable documentation which will allow the Department of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably and accurately identify a traveler. 

Agency Adjusts Liquid Ban, Aviation Threat Level Remains High

On Tuesday, September 26, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Adjusted the Ban on Liquids, Aerosols and Gels

1. Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
2. After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.

At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening.

It is unlikely that additional changes in the liquid, aerosol and gel policy will be made in the near future.

This security regimen applies to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for flights originating at non-U.S. airports.

For more details on how these measures affect you read our questions and answers on the new measures. Security Measure Questions and Answers

Travel Tips To Make Your Screening Experience Hassle-free

• The secret to getting through security smoothly is to de-clutter your carry-on bag. This lets our Transportation Security Officers get a clear, uncomplicated X-ray image of your carry-on. 
• When possible, keep packing liquids in checked baggage. You will get through security faster.
• Limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight.

Items purchased in the secure boarding area are for use on the immediate flight. If you must leave the secure boarding area and re-enter through the screening checkpoint, items exceeding 3 ounces that are not in the zip-top bag will again be prohibited.

Last Updated: August 10, 2006, 9am EDT

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has determined that there is a high risk of terrorism against U.S. civil aviation, and the need for extra restrictions to assure the security of air travel.

New Security Measures

    In order to address the higher risk, the Department of Homeland Security has implemented the following new security measures until further notice.

    No liquids or gels are permitted to enter the sterile area through the screening checkpoint or be in accessible property or on one’s person except:

• Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is traveling
• Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket
• Insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines

Examples of liquids and gels included in these security measures include:

• Beverages
• Shampoo
• Suntan Lotion
• Creams
• Toothpaste
• Hair Gel
• Other items of similar consistency

Also, you will not be allowed to bring any liquids or gels purchased after passing through the security checkpoint onboard the aircraft. Any beverages you purchase in the airport will have to be consumed before you board.

• Travel light—minimal clutter will expedite the screening process.
• Arrive three hours early, and expect delays within the airport. TSA screening lines will be longer than usual and additional screening is being conducted at the gate.

We'll do everything we can to give you the information you'll need to minimize your inconvenience during this heightened-security period.

According to new U.S. government restrictions on handbaggage, the following applies immediately:
Passengers may not have liquids or gels of any size at the screening checkpoint or in the cabin of the aircraft. This includes beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency. Such items may be transported in checked baggage.

Passengers may have:

Effective today, the TSA has informed Northwest that travelers are not allowed to transport any liquids, gels, lotions or similar items in their carry-on luggage. This includes items such as beverages, hairspray, toothpaste and shampoo. Customers are advised to transport these items in their checked luggage. The TSA will remove these items from customers' carry-on luggage at airport security checkpoints. These items must now be placed in checked luggage or they will be discarded.

• Baby formula, prescriptions and medications will still be allowed as carry-on items, but they must be presented for inspection at the security checkpoint.
• Expect to be asked to remove all shoes at security checkpoints.  While this is a common occurrence, you can expect these checks to be nearly universal.
• Follow all directives from Transportation Security Administration personnel.  This is a developing situation and protocols may change as new information becomes available.
• Leave extra time. These new security procedures will require travelers to allow more time to transit the airport. For future travel, we encourage domestic customers to arrive two hours prior to departure; those flying to international destinations should arrive three hours prior to departure.

The airline is suggesting that customers consider checking all of their luggage, in an effort to minimize delays at airport security checkpoints.

As additional information on this new TSA security requirement becomes available, it will be posted on the TSA's Web site at www.tsa.gov, and Northwest will post information to its Web site at www.nwa.com