What's changed in US and British flying restrictions
US airline operations continued to get back to normal yesterday, even as security authorities on both sides of the Atlantic made small changes in what passengers are -- and aren't -- allowed to bring on airplanes.
Logan International Airport and other US airports reported no major disruptions and few canceled flights. But Logan management still urged passengers to allow an extra hour to get through security for domestic flights and two hours for international. One reason: all US passengers, starting yesterday, must remove their shoes and have them run through airport scanning machines.
Here are some questions and answers about air travel:
Q. What am I now allowed to bring onto US flights that had been banned since last Thursday?
A. If you are diabetic and carry glucose gel or liquids to treat low blood sugar, they are now authorized for carry-on bags, but no more than 8 ounces of diabetes medicine per container.
The new rules allow up to 4 ounces of other nonprescription medicines, subject to review by a Transportation Security Administration screener. The name on the prescription medicine must match the passenger's name.
The TSA reiterated that baby formula and breast milk are allowed, only for passengers traveling with small children. But they will be physically inspected, and security officers will require you to taste them in their presence to prove they are not bomb ingredients. Also, baby teethers with gel or liquid inside are banned.
Q. Are there new items the TSA is banning?
A. Any aerosol sprays. These had not been specifically included in last Thursday's announcement of banned items. Mascara joined the list of banned items Saturday.
Also, the TSA said yesterday that security officers will have discretion to decide to forbid passengers from bringing on board solid or powdered cosmetic items. Officials urged travelers to pack all cosmetics in their checked baggage to avoid problems.
Q. What about flights leaving or connecting through the United Kingdom?
A. British authorities banned all carry-on luggage Thursday. Beginning today, you can carry on one bag. But it can't be bigger than 17 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 6 inches deep -- the size of a laptop case.
Electronic devices including cellphones, computers, and music players are allowed on flights leaving UK airports, but they must be removed from the bag and screened separately. All cosmetics, toiletries, liquids, and drinks remain banned on British flights, with exceptions similar to US rules (baby food, medicine). Check British Airways' website, ba.com , for more information.
Q. How are delays at Logan?
A. ``Everything's real smooth," said Logan spokesman Phil Orlandella . ``The message has gotten out" about not bringing liquids on board, Orlandella added. By late afternoon, the average wait time at Logan's 12 security checkpoints was four minutes, and the worst backup in any hour was 22 minutes, TSA spokeswoman Ann Davis said.
Q. Are airlines still letting you reschedule flights without penalty?
A. It varies. American, United, and US Airways are waiving their usual $50 to $100 fees for changing flights if you reschedule for some time between now and Sept. 1. But Delta and JetBlue are continuing to charge the normal fees for changing a booked flight.
Continental Airlines won't waive the cancellation fee, but will let you check a third bag for free instead of the usual two (and a fourth if you're flying first or premium business class) through Sept. 1 as a way of helping passengers deal with carry-on restrictions.
Peter J. Howe can be reached at howe@globe.com. 
