Cosmetics, coffee, spices banned on RJ flights to US

AMMAN — Passengers heading to the US on board Royal Jordanian are from now on required to place powder-like substances, such as cosmetics, ground coffee or spices, weighing over 350 grammes in their checked bags, recent regulations by the American Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stated.

As of June 30, US security officials will require more screening of powdered substances in carry-on bags on international flights headed to the United States.

Passengers carrying larger amounts of powders including food, ground coffee or cosmetics could have their bags opened and the powder subjected to a test for explosives, the TSA indicated, noting that it already requires the extra screening before domestic flights.

American Airlines is telling international passengers who have more than a soda-can amount of powder to put it in checked baggage, which undergoes more sophisticated scanning to detect explosives, the AP reported.

In a statement sent to The Jordan Times on Wednesday, Royal Jordanian urged its passengers traveling to the United States to abide by these instructions to facilitate their travel.

Examples of powder-like substances are flour, sugar, ground coffee, spices, powdered milk and cosmetics among others, whereas customers travelling with baby formula, medically necessary powders and/or human remains will be exempt from screening, RJ said.

The new TSA regulations stated that if the powder cannot be cleared by security officials, passengers’ bags will be prohibited from the cabin of the aircraft. This decision becomes effective on June 30, 2018.

“This enhanced security measure applies to all flights coming from abroad to the US, including Royal Jordanian services flying from Queen Alia International Airport to RJ’s stations in New York, Chicago and Detroit, in addition to Montreal, as it is served by a combined flight with Detroit,” RJ said in the statement.

“The directive does not, however, apply to flights from/within the United States,” it said.