Post by The March Hare on Nov 6, 2006 14:32:26 GMT 1
Hand luggage rules relaxed
Airport baggage rules have been changed to allow small amounts of liquid in hand luggage.
The new regulations - applicable at all UK and EU airports - permit passengers to carry on board such items as shampoo, toothpaste and shaving foam as long as they do not exceed 100ml.
British Airways and other airlines have been emailing customers informing them of the new regulations.
Since the thwarting last August of alleged plots to blow up aircraft, liquid items have not been allowed in hand luggage at UK airports.
Somewhat confusingly, UK passengers travelling from some European countries to the UK in recent weeks have not faced restrictions on liquids.
Now, regulations have been standardised across the EU, with the new rules also applying to airports in the non-EU countries of Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.
Allowable items subject to the 100ml size restriction include suntan lotions, perfumes, hair gel, mascara, lip gloss and soft drinks.
All liquid containers must be carried in a separate, clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8ins x 8ins or one litre capacity).
Items must fit in the bag comfortably, and the bag must be completely closed.
At the airport security search, the plastic bag must be removed from the cabin bag and X-rayed separately.
A Heathrow airport spokesman said: 'We have drafted in extra staff to cope with the new requirements tomorrow, and we have also been recruiting extra security staff recently.'
