Prescription medicine that matches the passenger’s name. (
http://www.tsa.gov/press/where_we_st..._measures.shtm)
all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquid, gel, and aerosol), including
KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medicinal purposes;
liquids (to include water, juice, or liquid nutrition) or gels for passengers with a
disability or medical condition;
life support and life sustaining liquids (bone marrow, blood products, transplant
organs);
items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons (e.g. mastectomy
products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells) containing gels, saline solution, or other
liquids; and
gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by
persons with disabilities or medical conditions.
Passengers with disabilities and medical conditions can choose to put their small
bottleslitems of liquid medication in the one quart sealable bag (mixed with toiletries)
without the need to declare these items. However, if the liquid medications are in
volumes larger than 3 ozs each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be
declared to a Transportation Security Officer. A declaration can be made verbally, in
writing, or by a person's companion, caregiver, interpreter, or family member.
Declared liquid medications and other liquids for disabilities and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening.
(
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...eds/index.shtm)
Bottom Line,
If she had followed the rules, kept the material separate, she would have had no problems. If it was prescription medicine, she should have had the prescription on the label or with her. If she travels with a medical condition, it makes much sense to have a doc's note and to allow extra time.
I have been on a hyjacked plane - luckily I had a "fake" Swiss passport. One of my fellow Americans was not so lucky. I now try to fly only El Al if I am going overseas. NONE of their planes has ever had a problem and you never see someone complain about their extra security. I - and apparently most Americans - would rather be inconvenienced by extra security than be blown out of the air.