The ban on liquids for hand luggage for airline passengers will remain in place until 2014
The international ban on airline passengers to carry unlimited amounts of liquids in hand luggage will remain in force until at least 2014.
After that, the ban will be gradually lifted, the European Commission (EC) announced on Wednesday. The current ban was once introduced in the fight against terrorism.
Liquids in hand luggage
Initially, the restrictions on the transport of liquids in hand luggage would be a thing of the past from April next year. But that could run into "significant operational risk," the Commission said. All European airports must have new scanners that can check the liquids for explosives.
Scanners
And they are still waiting, it was announced earlier this week. The scanners that measure the liquid density and thus have to detect explosives appear to be unreliable and slow. The risk that liquid explosives pose to aviation is still 'significant', says the Commission.
Given the safety and operational risks and the need to ensure passenger safety, the Commission believes that a phased phasing out is necessary. From 2014, restrictions will be lifted for liquids purchased from tax-free shops at airports, provided they have been scanned. Brussels will then come up with proposals to lift the remaining restrictions as soon as possible.
Why does Brussels want to lift the other restrictions asap? Why relax things again? Because it went well for a while? That's what the terrorists are waiting for! I think they can just keep using the current policy. I feel so safe when I fly.
From 2014, restrictions will be lifted for liquids purchased from tax-free shops at airports, provided they have been scanned.
I don't understand this, I've been buying at the airport for years, I've been taking 1 or 2 bottles of whiskey with me on the plane, or are these "other liquids"?
You are now allowed to take liquids in your hand luggage from the EU, but the following restrictions apply:
1. they must have been purchased at the airport and placed in a 'sealed' package, or
2. it concerns liquids – including gels – in packages up to 100 ml.
That last limitation has already cost me a can of shaving cream from my toiletry bag………
Your bottles of whiskey are therefore allowed on board - under the aforementioned condition.
Incidentally, a possible cancellation by 'Brussels' will only affect flights departing from the EU. If you subsequently transfer to an airport outside the EU, you will again be subject to the conditions applicable there.
I thought I replied to this already, but I can't see it. Gone into the great black hole, I think. I will try again.
Until now – and apparently until 2014 you can carry liquids in your hand luggage under the following restrictions:
1. liquids - including gels - in packages of more than 100 ml are not allowed;
2. Packages of more than 100 ml are allowed if they have been purchased at the airport ('after customs') and placed in a sealed package.
Incidentally, any lifting of the restrictions by 'Brussels' only applies to flights departing in the EU. What happens to your unsealed whiskey when you transfer outside the EU depends on the provisions there.
An experience in this context: in 2010 I was waiting at the airport of Brunei for a flight to Thailand, when a lot of commotion arose at one of the gates - near which I was sitting. It turned out to be a very large group of British tourists who had arrived on a flight from Australia with the airline of Brunei (Royal Brunei) and had to transfer to another Royal Brunei flight to London. There was a lot of stock at the Australian airport, including many beautiful Scottish Single Malt whiskies. During the transfer - to the same airline, of course - the Australian packaging was not recognized at the security check on boarding and all spirits were confiscated. The protests were of no avail – the booze was left behind!
Brunei