New EU Liquids Hand Baggage Policy

Effective November 6th 2006, the European Union, including the United Kingdom, will implement new security rules that permit the carrying of liquids, gels, and pastes in limited quantities through airport security in passenger hand baggage.

This new policy applies to all passengers on all carriers who are departing from, or transferring through any EU gateway, as well as those departing from or transferring through Albania, Kosovo, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. This means the same policies apply for any customers travelling from or through all of these countries.

These new rules bring the EU policies more closely in line with current policies for US and Canadian-departing flights, and ensure that customers transferring in the UK will be able to carry liquids, gels, and pastes in limited quantities onboard to their final destination. Liquids must be held in individual containers not exceeding approximately 3.5 fluid ounces or 100ml.

Please note that customers departing from the USA and Canada may take limited quantities of liquids in individual containers not exceeding 3 fluid ounces or 90 ml.

Liquids, gels and pastes that may be carried onboard include: Shampoo, creams, hair gel, hair spray, suntan lotions, toothpaste, liquid or aerosol deodorants, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups, and syrups. Other items of similar consistencies may also be carried on board.

All liquid, gel, and paste containers must be carried in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches) or one-quart capacity. Each passenger will be permitted to carry one of these re-sealable bags.

Items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. At the airport security search, the plastic bag must be removed from the cabin bag and x-ray screened separately.