02/11/2006

Hand luggage restrictions to be relaxed

The ban on carrying liquids in hand luggage on UK flights is to be relaxed from Monday, the government has announced.

The Department for Transport announced that travellers would now be able to carry small bottles of drinks or toiletries no larger than 100ml in size. Passengers will also have to limit the number of containers to those which will fit into a one-litre clear plastic bag.

Essential medicines and baby food are allowed to be carried in amounts larger than 100ml, while large musical instruments are also allowed, in addition to the one item of hand baggage.

The new arrangements will apply across the whole of the European Union.

Security was tightened at UK airports in August after an alleged terrorist plot was uncovered to blow up transatlantic flights.

A Department for Transport statement said: "The security measures introduced at UK airports in August were in response to a very real and serious threat.

"We have always said that we would keep these measures under review and in September we introduced changes which increased the permitted size of cabin baggage that passengers could take on board.

"Following consultations with industry and international partners we can now introduce a change to the ban on taking liquids through the security checkpoint to add to passenger convenience while continuing to maintain rigorous security."

(KMcA)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 April 2003
Regulatory body for security guards and bouncers launched
In a shake up of the private security industry announced today bouncers and wheel clampers will have to be licensed and regulated by the new Security Industry Authority (SIA). The measures are designed to protect the public from rogue operators and create higher standards of recruitment and training for private security operatives and managers.
07 January 2008
Confusion Over Single Item Carry-On Flight Bag Rule
When is a relaxation on a 'single item' hand baggage rule not a relaxation on a 'single item' hand baggage rule? When it's in Britain, it seems as newly introduced carry-on hand luggage rules – ostensibly to allow more than one item on board - have today caused considerable confusion for air passengers.
03 September 2007
British Troops Pull Out Of Basra Palace
The final withdrawal of British troops from Basra Palace in Iraq is almost complete, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The UK troops will hand over control of the palace to the Iraqi army and the MoD said that handover is expected to be completed within a few days.
15 August 2006
Airport security relaxed following terror alert
Restrictions on hand luggage at UK airports have been relaxed, following the government's reduction in the security threat level from 'critical' to 'severe'. However airport operator BAA has warned that strict security is remaining in place at all UK airports, with passengers still facing delays at some airports.
09 July 2014
Additional Security Measures Extended To All UK Air Passengers
Additional security measures introduced at Heathrow Airport last week are to be extended to other UK airports, however the government has not specified which ones.