Holy water: miracle or security threat?

Surprised pilgrims discovered holy water is banned from their flight – even though the Vatican chartered the plane.

The Vatican recently launched its Boeing 737 charter flight service for pilgrims starting with Lourdes, France. Lourdes is home to the famous grotto where Catholics believed the Virgin Mary appeared almost 150 years ago, and many believe that water from this grotto has healing properties. Consequently, the water is available for purchase.

However, bottled water – holy or not – is not permitted on flights because it exceeds the three ounce (100 mL) security restrictions currently in place. Surprised pilgrims quickly found out that security officials would not make an exception. Any amount of liquid that exceeds the restrictions can be considered a threat.

According to various media reports, one woman had eight bottles of water – shaped like the Madonna – confiscated while another man drank his bottle on the spot rather than surrender it.

Reportedly, the Vatican predicted this problem would occur and offers complimentary bottles on board.