Ban on liquids lifted

It is reported that the ban on carrying liquids on flights is to be relaxed next week. The Department for Transport (DfT) introduced the ban on liquids as part of the overall tightening of luggage rules for airline passengers, in the aftermath of the alleged terrorist plot in August of this year. The Dft have now advised that passengers will be allowed to carry small bottles of toiletries as long as they are contained in a clear re-sealable plastic bag, from the 6th November 2006. Since August many of the initial restrictions on baggage have been relaxed gradually. However the ban on liquids remained. Passengers departing from airports in the United Kingdom for destinations other than the United States of America, have been allowed for some time to take items such as toothpaste, on to their flight providing they were bought after passing through the security checks. The new rules will still restrict the amount of liquid passengers are allowed to carry. It is believed that individual items will be allowed of up to 100ml, with the proviso that the containers in which the liquid is held must be brought to the airport contained in a small, single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag. The arrangements covering items such as medicines, baby foods and musical instruments will remain as before. A Department for Transport statement said: "The security measures introduced at UK airports in August were in response to a very real and serious threat. Following consultations with industry and international partners, we can now introduce a change to the ban on taking liquids through the security checkpoint, to add to passenger convenience while continuing to maintain rigorous security."