Despite a recent relaxation of baggage security restrictions, there is still confusion about what is, and more importantly, what is not allowed on board. Sheron Crossman reports. Hand baggage restrictions, first introduced on August 10 following a dawn swoop in the UK by security forces after an alleged terrorist plot was uncovered caused widespread chaos and delays at airport security points on both sides of the Atlantic. The raid resulted in 28 arrests under anti-terrorism legislation when police claimed to have foiled a plot to detonate explosives on “at least 10” aircraft in mid-air. Those raids prompted an immediate clampdown on hand baggage allowances. Although the restrictions were eased last month by the UK Department of Transport and the US Transportation Security Administration, with a further relaxation this month, there are still constraints. Passengers, however, are permitted to carry one standard-sized bag on board (see panel opposite). Other bags, such as handbags and laptops, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. However, even before allowing for what is permitted within this bag, the new measure has been interpreted differently at airports. All airlines at Stansted (except MaxJet and EOS) and Flybe at Southampton, for example, insist on a slightly smaller (55cm x 45cm x 20cm) carry on bag due to ‘the limited space on the aircraft’. No liquids of any type (including perfume and after-shave) have been permitted through the airport security point other than medicines essential for the flight, such as a diabetic kit. But, as of this month it will now be possible to carry on liquids up to 100ml and those purchased after security, following the relaxation of security restrictions by the US authorities. Since September 26, travellers in the US have been allowed to carry through “travel-size” toiletries (that’s three ounces/85g or less) that fit comfortably into one, quart-sized clear plastic, zip-top bag. Drinks and items purchased in the secure boarding area may also be taken on board. The TSA in the US has also increased the amounts of liquid medications in carry-on luggage. The Administration claimed the easing of restrictions was “as a result of the extensive explosive testing to get a better understanding of this specific threat”. It says it now has a better understanding of the threat and security risks associated with liquids, aerosols and gels. In its guidelines, the UK Department for Transport advises passengers not to include items capable of containing liquids – bottles, flasks and the like – although solid cosmetics are now allowed. So, somewhat confusingly, you cannot take a bottle of contact lens solution on board, but you can take a lipstick. As long as it’s not a gloss lipstick, which is classed as a liquid. False teeth are permitted on board, but you’re in trouble if they fall out. Denture fix has to be packed in the hold. More importantly, there are now no limitations on electrical items. MP3 and portable DVD players, laptops, mobile phones, digital and video cameras can all be carried into the cabin, but laptops and other large electrical items are all being scanned separately at security. It’s worth noting that a laptop bag is regarded as the one piece of hand luggage allowed. Furthermore, those faithful suit carriers are banned from the cabin. “Travellers can only take a suit carrier if it fits the cabin baggage dimensions,” a spokesman from the Department of Transport told OAG Executive Travel. For many frequent travellers this restraint is the most inconvenient of all. “Every business traveller worth his salt tries to cram everything into a small suit carrier. Hanging around waiting for bags on a carousel is the single most annoying aspect of travel,” says Paul Tilstone, chief executive of the UK-based Institute of Travel Management. “At a recent ITM Research Advisory Group meeting, we concluded that the airline which could fast-track luggage through and hand it speedily to the customer would win a fantastic amount of business,” he adds. Although the new restrictions have proved inconvenient, most ITM members regard them to be valid in the fight against terrorism. But Tilstone believes they could significantly change travel patterns in the future. “When you combine the new baggage restrictions with increased security and delays, it’ll make people think twice about making a trip. Corporates will question whether they need to travel at all,” he says. “Is the trip time-effective and environmentally compatible? Even if they do travel, they might consider using trains instead of flights. That’s why Eurostar has taken around 60% of the cross-Channel traffic to Paris.”
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