EU proposes airline luggage limit

A STRICT limit on the size of hand luggage and the quantity of liquids to be taken on board airlines has been proposed by the European Commission.

The move follows British security claims to have foiled an Islamic terrorist plot to use liquid explosives to blow up some US bound flights last month. Only baby milk, contact lens fluid, medicine, a small quantity of shampoo and perfume and sealed items like alcohol purchased in the duty-free will be allowed to be carried on board by passengers.

They are less restrictive than the near total ban imposed by the US and Britain after last month’s security alert at Heathrow Airport.

Announcing the new proposals in Brussels, Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said, “We believe we have found a good balance between the need for more security and the need to keep air transport fairly easy and smooth which is in the interest of passenger and the air transport industry.”

The regulations could be in force by the end of this year once they are approved by representatives from the member states on the EU’s aviation committee.

Some airports are already enforcing these more stringent rules on carry-on baggage and banning any liquids, creams or gels other than in checked luggage.