New hand-luggage rules a scoop for the plastic industry

On 6 November 2006 the EU is introducing new hand luggage restrictions on all flights departing from any EU airport.

The rules

As a consequence of the liquid scare at British airports on 10 August 2006, you will now only be allowed to bring liquids in your hand luggage if you follow the following rules:

• All liquids and gels must be carried in containers of no more than 100 millilitres (3.52 fluid ounces (UK), 3.38 fluid ounces (US)).
• All containers must fit in a transparent plastic bag of no more than 1 litre
  (1.76 pints (UK), 2.11 pints (US)).
• The transparent plastic bag must have a re-sealable mechanism, e.g. a zipper.
• A passenger is only allowed to carry one liquids bag.
• The liquids bag must be presented separately at screening points.

Liquids and gels?

Included under the term liquids and gels are (not a full list):

• Water, juice, soup and syrup.
• Perfume and after shave.
• Shampoo and toothpaste
• Oils and lotion, e.g. hand lotion or sun block.
• Deoderant and shaving foam.

Exemptions

Exempt from the above rules are only:

• Medicines needed during the flight.
• Dietary requirements needed during the flight, e.g. baby food.

Where do I get these bags?

While the new rules are very clear, it is not that obvious where you are going to get these transparent, re-sealable 1-litre bags. So if you’re in the plastic industry there’s your niche. Anyone who comes up with a durable, environmentally friendly bag gets my vote (and money).

For now many airports are gearing up to be able to hand them out to passengers who arrive at the airport without them. But I can’t see them take on that extra cost for very long.

What about the environment?

It shouldn’t come as a big surprise that no one has talked about, what impact these discarded freezer bags will have on the environment.

So while freezer bags probably comply with the new rules, please consider joining me in my durable, environmentally friendly bag request above.

What about my duty-free shopping?

You will still be able to buy liquids and gels after you have passed security. However any such purchases will be handed to you in a sealed bag. The seal is not to be broken until you reach your final destination.

More rules

If the above rules aren’t enough for you, the new rules also make official the long-standing requirement at most airports to screen coats, jackets, laptops and other large electrical items separately.

But it doesn’t stop there. In 6 months time a new size restriction for cabin luggage will be introduced. From then your carry-on can not exceed 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm. Musical instruments and cameras may be exempt.

Where do the rules apply?

All of the above rules apply for all EU airports and in Norway, Iceland and Switzerland.

Happy travel!

Source: Aviation security: the EU acts against new threats from liquid explosives

Technorati Tags: luggage, safety, airport, EU, airlines