Government relaxes aviation security restrictions

Less stringent UK airport security measures will be put in place from today (Friday).

The Department for Transport has decided that all passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and those transferring from international flights will now be required to meet the following requirements:

– Cabin Baggage – one item only of cabin baggage will be permitted through the airport security search point, the size of which must not exceed 56 cm in length, a width of 45 cm and depth of 25 cm (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc)

– Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. All items carried by passengers will be x-ray screened

– Mobility aids – No change. Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted but will be screened

– Liquids – No change. Restrictions remain in force, meaning that no liquids of any type are permitted through the airport security search point, other than the following items: essential medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit), as long as it is verified as authentic. Medicines in solid form continue to be permitted

– Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger)

– To help their progress through search points, passengers are advised not to include items capable of containing liquids (e.g. bottles, flasks, tubes, cans, plastic containers etc.) in their cabin baggage

– The definition of liquids includes gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers, eg toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols, etc

– Large electrical items Laptops – No change. Laptops and other large electrical items (eg a large hairdryer) will still have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately. A laptop bag will be regarded as your one item that is allowed in the cabin

– Oversized baggage
All other items of oversized luggage will be required to be placed in the aircraft hold

– Flights to the US
Passengers boarding flights to the USA and items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, will be subjected to secondary search at the gate. Any liquids discovered will be removed from the passenger

Easyjet chief executive Andy Harrison said: “This is good news for the travelling public, who have borne the brunt of the disruption in the last few weeks

“Those taking short-trips will be particularly pleased. We hope our passengers will soon be allowed to take their own liquids and a second bag, such as a laptop, into the cabin.”

Mike Carrivick, chief executive of BAR UK, said: “There is always a balance between the heightening security arrangements on one hand, and the needs of the travelling public on the other. We are confident that these changes strike a good balance.

“The security risks imposed by liquids, gels and pastes are recognised. However, it is hoped that some leeway may ultimately be obtained in respect of toilet kits, the banning of which still presents problems, both to travellers and security staff.”

By Bev Fearis

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