AIRLINES AND civil aviation in Cyprus said yesterday they were ready for new EU rules on air passengers limiting the amount of liquids that can be taken on a flight, which will come into effect from Monday.
The new rules resulted from restrictions placed at Heathrow during the summer after a liquid bomb scare in which 20 people were arrested. Although British authorities initially banned all liquids and hand luggage, their limits have been eased recently.
Now the EU has decided to impose minimum standards for the restrictions that will be imposed on passengers. Member states may impose stricter conditions if the wish, the bloc said.
Most of the EU regulations, as set out by the EU Transportation Authority, correspond to those implemented by US authorities at the end of September for US flights.
Under the new rules the amount of liquids, gels and creams allowed in hand luggage will be limited to 100ml per container and should be carried in a see-through and sealed bag. The watch list includes: water, perfume, soft drinks, lotions, creams, shower gels, shampoo, mascara, liquid lip balm, soup, syrup, aerosols, toothpaste, liquid soap, deodorant and any other similar item.
Baby food and medication needed during the flight are exempt from this limitation and purchase and carry-on of sealed duty free goods are still permitted.
British Airways Manager Cyprus, Marianna Trokoudes said: “The new EU-wide policy on carrying liquids through security in cabin baggage is a welcome move. It brings harmonisation for all air passengers travelling from an airport in the EU. The new policy will make it is easier for customers to understand what they can and cannot take through security with them, yet it is a sensible measure to protect air passengers in the current climate of increased security.
She said the changes also mean that the restrictions in place for customers travelling from the UK will ease, making travel through the UK easier for those customers connecting onto other flights.
Troukoudes said the Cyprus Civil Aviation Department had issued a circular early in the week to all clients to make them aware of the new rules and had held a meeting on October 27 with concerned parties.
“What we are doing is we are preparing all the information in the form of a circular which will go to the trades in Cyprus. We are advising all our customers, thousands of customers, by email,” she told the Cyprus Mail.
Cyprus Airways General Manager Christos Kyriakides said they too were aware of the new rules and had taken steps, although he said the only real change related to carry-on liquids.
“If someone wants to put them in their checked-in luggage they can but if they want to take them on the plane they must comply with the new rules,” he said.
In addition he reminded passengers that they would have to provide the transparent plastic bags themselves. “It’s not the responsibility of the airlinesm” he added.
New rules for carry-on luggage
* All liquids, gels and pastes must be carried in ONE clear plastic re-sealable or zip top bag no bigger than 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches) or equivalent to one litre capacity.
* Liquids, gels and pastes must be in containers no larger than 100ml (3.5fl oz).
* The clear plastic bag must be removed from the cabin bag and screened separately.
Suggested steps for passengers
* Familiarise yourself with the current security restrictions in place for the entire journey as these may differ if you are transferring or for the return journey.
* Check in online and print your own boarding card 24 hours before your flight departs.
* Pack the clear plastic bag containing liquids so it can be removed easily for x-ray screening.
* Pack large electrical equipment carefully so it can be removed easily for x-ray screening.
* Remove jackets, coats and belts before when you reach the security queue and empty your pockets.
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