Without water

There is no place for liquids in the skies of Europe

New rules for carrying hand luggage on board passenger planes will be introduced in Europe in November. Based on the experience of a large-scale terrorist attack foiled by intelligence services at London Heathrow Airport on August 10 this year, the European Commission is going to strictly limit the transportation of various liquids in the cabins of airliners. To date, the new rules have been agreed upon by security experts from all 25 countries that are members of the European Union. All that is needed for them to come into force is approval by the European Commission, and this will most likely follow within a month.

The rules give the passenger the right to take into the aircraft cabin only one piece of luggage measuring no more than 56x45x25 cm, that is, for example, a small trolley suitcase. It is specifically stated that all protruding elements - handles, wheels, external pockets - must fit into these dimensions. Otherwise, the luggage must be sent to the luggage compartment. Exceptions are provided only for certain categories of fragile items (in particular, musical instruments).

Special attention is paid to liquids, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, cosmetics or medicines. On a flight, a passenger will be able to take with him no more than one vessel with a volume of no more than 100 ml. Moreover, it is recommended to carry this vessel in a transparent bag “suitable for sealing” (i.e., obviously equipped with handles). Fortunately, restrictions on liquids do not apply to drinks purchased in Duty Free stores after passing through pre-flight security; these “substances” can be brought on board without fear. Unless the plane is heading to the United States, in which case the bans imposed by the American aviation authorities come into force. After August 10, American authorities do not allow anything more or less liquid, including even shampoos, gels and toothpaste, to be carried in the cabins of planes flying to the United States.

The crackdown on liquids on commercial airlines began after British intelligence agencies arrested a group of Islamists on August 10 who intended to use liquid explosives to destroy several aircraft on routes from London to the United States. After this, passengers flying from Britain's main airports were generally prohibited from having hand luggage on board, except for absolutely necessary small items - documents and wallets.

On September 22, the British authorities softened their demands. From now on, the UK's carry-on baggage rules are close to what the European Commission has been recommending apply across the EU since November. In particular, passengers flying from England, as well as transiting through it, may have with them (and not in the luggage compartment) one suitcase or bag measuring no more than 56x45x25 cm. There should not be any liquids in it, at least until completion pre-flight inspection. An exception is made only for baby food and medications prescribed by a doctor. After being screened in the so-called “sterile area” of the airport, passengers can indulge in drinks from Duty Free stores. However, if the plane flies to the USA, you won’t be able to take these purchases on board.

Mikhail KUKUSHKIN