Originally Posted by bambi47
So, this restriction is not a TSA restriction, its an FAA restriction. Just wanted to make sure I'm reading it right.
Nope. It was enacted by the FAA about six weeks prior to the legislation creating the TSA. Just like nearly all FAA rules concerning screening, the TSA assumed responsibility for this one once it was up and running.
Here's an example of the TSA's language on the one carryon plus one personal item policy (in an exception to the rule):
You may carry one (1) musical instrument in addition to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. This is a TSA Screening Policy. Air carriers may or may not allow the additional carry-on item on their aircraft. Please check with your air carrier prior to arriving at the airport.
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/e...orial_1235.xml
Note the language "This is a TSA Screening Policy."
I'll post more links if it would assist in understanding the policy. But "redundancy" comes to mind.
As I posted before, screeners don't routinely attempt to enforce the policy. But it's a government rule, not one enacted by the airlines of their own volition. AA employees have recently been cracking down on carryons, and employees have said that the airline was recently fined for allowing passengers to violate the one plus one rule.