New Airline Security Measures

Last month, the European Union’s new security rules regarding the amounts of liquids and semi-liquids passengers can take through security checkpoints and on airplanes took effect for all passengers and flights departing from or in transit in the airports of the EU, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

The new rule only applies to carry-on luggage. Passengers can still pack liquids in bags that they will check in. The rule concerns all types of liquids including: water, beverages, soups and syrups; creams, lotions and oils; perfumes, gels, shampoos; contents in pressurized containers (including shaving cream, deodorants); pastes (including toothpaste), mascara; liquid-solid mixtures; and any other substances of a similar consistency.

Passengers may carry small amounts of these banned substances in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 milliliters each (about 3 oz. or half a cup). These containers must be carried in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of no more than one-liter capacity per passenger. The bag must be presented at security checkpoints for examination.

Passengers traveling with infants may carry baby food for use during the flight. As well, passengers with special medical or dietary needs may carry medicines in liquid, gel, or aerosol form, dietetic products, insulin and other medications in the amounts needed for the duration of the flight. But they must be able to provide proof if asked at the security checkpoints.

The restricted items may be purchased at the EU airport shops located beyond the point where boarding passes are shown or on board EU airline flights. However, passengers changing planes in other airports must keep them in the sealed transparent bags they came in with the sales receipt visible, and not open the bags until reaching their final destination.

All items that do not meet with the rules above will be confiscated by security personnel.

Passengers are also required to remove their coats and jackets, as well as any laptop computers or other large electrical devices in their carry-on luggage, to be screened separately while they walk though the metal detector.