EU airports may seize liquid goods

[William]

AIR TRAVEL TERRORISM

EU airports may seize liquid goods

Asia Pacific travellers taking flights that transit through Europe could be in for a rude shock from today, as some of their duty-free purchases could be confiscated by airport security. Under new European Union (EU) regulations effective from Nov 6, passengers on flights from non-EU airports transferring at an EU airport will have any liquids, pastes or gels in containers of more than 100 millilitres confiscated at the security checkpoint.

The Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) warned that the items would be confiscated even if they were bought at a licensed duty-free shop at the originating airport or on board the aircraft en route to the EU airport, if the flight was operated by a non-EU carrier.

Frank O'Connell, president of the European Travel Retail Council, said the changes were likely to cause ''chaos'' at airports throughout Europe.

The rules are the latest response to the foiled terrorist attacks in the UK, detected in August and allegedly involving the planned use of liquid explosives on trans-Atlantic flights. The immediate response was a severe crackdown on all liquid substances carried onto planes.

Pata and others want national governments, security agencies and aviation authorities to come together to develop a consistent set of global guidelines to avoid widespread confusion and disruption.

However, the confiscation rule does not apply to non-EU passengers who arrive at an EU airport, clear customs and depart the airport. It only applies to those transiting to another destination.

Under the new rules, any passenger departing an EU airport will be allowed to carry small amounts of liquid _ such as toiletries, lotions and perfumes _ on board within the following limits: a total of 500 millilitres in five separate containers, each a maximum of 100ml, carried in a clear plastic re-sealable bag.

Passengers departing EU airports will still be able to purchase duty-free goods in sealed bags from airport duty-free stores beyond the check-in security control.
The new regulations make an exception for medicines and dietary supplements needed during a trip, including baby food.
source: Bangkok Post : Business news

[Butterfly]

This is fucking ridiculous. Like it will stop terrorism. Remember the plastic knives ? guess what ? they are not pastic anymore. Guess it means it must be safe again.

[buadhai]

This is so stupid. I'm glad I'm retired and no longer have to travel for work all the time. What a stupid pain.

I'm off to the States next month and I'm just plain not looking forward to the flight.

Fie on all the fear mongers!

[kingwilly]

bladdy stupid - but wot can we do???

[buadhai]

bladdy stupid - but wot can we do???

Grin and bear it and avoid international air travel.