After an increase in the terror-threat level and the recent liquid ban enacted in airports, some UA students found it difficult to travel back to Tucson, while others said the process was easier than expected.

Molly-Ford Leibowitz, a junior majoring in English, traveled from Seattle to Tucson Aug. 12, two days after the terror threat increased from elevated to high, and said she was shocked to see wait lines extending past the airport doors.

“”I waited in line for two hours to get through security,”” Leibowitz said. “”The line that I thought was for curbside check-in was actually the end of the wait line to check in with my airline.””

Dozens of people, including Leibowitz, were forced to throw away makeup, shampoo and deodorants at security checkpoints.

“”I have never seen anything quite like it,”” Leibowitz said of the hundreds of confiscated items lined up against the wall. “”I personally had to throw away about $50 in face wash and makeup.””

According to students traveling more recently, however, airport security appears to have returned to normal.

Albert Kamkhagi, a psychology senior who traveled from Houston to Tucson Aug. 14, said he got through security points “”really quickly.””

“”I was expecting to see bins of liquids at the airport, like those on the news, but there weren’t any,”” Kamkhagi said. “”Either the situation has calmed down, or the entire situation got blown out of proportion on the news.””

Kate Petrie, a junior majoring in art history and Spanish, also said the security process was quick and easy when she traveled Thursday with her dog.

“”I think by now people have heard about this on the news, and they know what not to bring,”” Petrie said.

Petrie said she was worried about carrying certain pet medications, but she was later relieved to learn that small amounts of prescription medicine are not on the prohibited-item list.

The only items prohibited in carry-on luggage are those that are aerosol-based or contain liquid, gel or lotion. Exceptions include solid lipstick, small doses of liquid medications and baby food, according to the Transportation Security Administration’s Web site, www.tsa.gov.

Denise Milne, a public information officer for Tucson Airport Authorities, said items confiscated at Tucson International Airport are being recycled and destroyed by the custodial and airport staff.

So far, the influx of items coming from the airport has not caused problems for Pima County disposal.

“”Nothing out of the ordinary has happened, as far as I know,”” said Christina Polsgrove, public information officer for Pima County Solid Waste Management. “”But we hope that people are recycling all they can.””

With the terror threat level remaining at “”high,”” traveling students should expect to have liquid items in their carry-on luggage confiscated and be prepared for waits while mandatory security measures are enacted, such as the removal of footwear, hats and jackets.