The Commission defines uniform rules for hand luggage when traveling by plane.
From September 1, the new regulations on the liquids that passengers can carry with them in the cabin will apply in the first stage, while the general instructions for hand luggage will follow immediately, a matter that will be decided by the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport of The European Union Committee at the upcoming meeting immediately.
What will be allowed in the cabin
Based on the general framework of directives that will apply:
– each person will be able to have 1 carry-on bag (hand luggage bag) and a small personal item (eg backpack, laptop bag or purse) on the flight that will fit under the front seat.
– The maximum weight of hand luggage cannot exceed 10 kg. Maximum dimensions are 55X40X20cm, including handles and wheels. The maximum dimensions of a personal item are 40X30X15 cm – again, including handles and wheels.
From September 1, each liquid container can contain up to 100 ml at airports using these systems. Airports that have already implemented the 100ml limit, or those that have not installed an EDSCB, will not be affected by the change, the European Commission notes.
In addition, as already happens:
Liquids purchased at any airport or airline duty-free may be carried in hand luggage, provided both they and their receipt are placed in a sealed protective bag (with a red border) that the passenger receives at the time of purchase.
Until reaching the final destination, the passenger cannot open the security bag. However, security personnel may need to open the bag or bottles for inspection. If this happens and the passenger has a connecting flight at another airport, they must inform the security officer so that the liquids can be put back into a new security bag.
No sharp objects that can be used as weapons are allowed in the aircraft cabin. Such items that are often for daily use, such as corkscrews and scissors, should be placed in checked baggage.
The size and number of hand luggage that passengers are allowed to carry in the aircraft cabin is determined by the airlines.
– Explosive and flammable materials – e.g. fireworks, aerosol sprays or other flammable and toxic substances such as acids – are prohibited during flights. Such materials may not be carried in either carry-on or checked baggage.
It is prohibited to carry any type of weapon in the aircraft cabin.
What does the “liquids” category include on flights?
This category includes water-based cosmetics (lotions, sunscreens, creams, perfumes, mascara to oils and lip glosses), sprays (for shaving, hair and deodorants), pastes (e.g. toothpaste), gels (for hair or douche), contact lens fluids and something else of the same consistency, plus a lighter (one per person allowed).
Exceptions to the rule are liquids for essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or containing baby food or infant formula.
The change affects EU airports that have installed explosives detection systems for hand luggage, which until now allowed passengers to carry containers containing more than 100ml. In addition to airports in the EU, this also applies to those in Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway, which use this control technology, he added.
However, according to ACI Europe, this change will lead to greater operational pressure and require the deployment of more workers and will “penalize” airports that have invested in purchasing such scanners, which are on average eight times more expensive than traditional X-ray machines. while their maintenance costs are quadrupled.