Drain the water

The Russian Ministry of Transport will limit the carrying of liquids on board aircraft

Soon, Russian passengers not only abroad, but also at home, may lose such a proven means of combating fear of heights as a glass of alcohol. The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation has already prepared a draft order, essentially equating Russians with Europeans, who since last year have had difficulty bringing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic liquids on board the plane. New Russian rules for the transportation of liquids are now undergoing final approvals, although, in fact, they literally copy similar rules for European carriers that came into force on November 6, 2006.

As is known, the reason for tightening the screening of passengers and limiting the contents of hand luggage was the dramatic events in the UK in the summer of 2006. Then British intelligence services announced that they had managed to prevent several attempts to blow up passenger planes. Moreover, as it became known, the terrorists intended to assemble an explosive device in the air from a set of seemingly harmless liquids. The discovery of the “air” conspiracy in London ultimately became the beginning of the end of the traditional exciting get-togethers in the airplane cabin during the flight, so beloved by Russian tourists. As you know, holidays in Turkey, Thailand and most other foreign resorts for our compatriots actually begin at the duty-free airports of departure. And the introduction of strict restrictions, and even on the eve of the summer season, threatens to cause serious fears and depression among vacationers who are not accustomed to flying sober.

As the press service of the Ministry of Transport told Vremya Novostei, restrictions on the carriage of liquids by passengers in the cabin of aircraft in Russia may come into force as early as May 2007. This department expects that passengers will treat these measures with understanding. “Our citizens fly abroad and already know that they cannot bring liquids on board the plane. They follow these rules there, and they will also follow them here,” said the press service representative. “A similar restriction is already in effect in the countries of the European Union, as well as in Iceland, Canada, Norway, the USA and Switzerland.” Moreover, it is not allowed to transport in unlimited quantities not only alcohol, but also any liquid, gels or aerosols, toiletries, cosmetics, medicines or drinking water.

Of everything that flows, only a small amount will be allowed to be carried on board the plane, and even then only on the condition that it is packed in a container whose volume does not exceed 100 ml. Moreover, such vials must also be placed in transparent plastic bags with a volume of no more than one liter, and each passenger is allowed to carry only one such bag as hand luggage. You can bring bags with you from home, but they must be equipped with a special zipper. All these restrictions will not affect only baby food and medicines, but in the latter case it will also be necessary to prove that the drug will certainly be needed during the flight.

True, after passing through special control barefoot and with a bottle in a bag, the passenger will still be able to go to duty-free shops and make purchases there, including alcohol and perfumes. But in Europe, strict laws have also affected duty-free stores: all goods purchased there must be packaged, sealed, and opening them during the flight is strictly prohibited.

Irina BELASHEVA