New European Community Airport Security Rules

In order to protect you against the danger of liquid explosives, the European Union (EU) has approved new security rules. Such rules impose certain restrictions on amounts of liquids taken through passenger security screening points. The Rules apply to all passengers going from all EU airports to all destination airports. This means that at any airport passenger security screening point liquids will be checked, as well as you will be screened whether you hand luggage does not contain any other prohibited items. The new Rules do not impose any restrictions on liquids you buy in shopping areas beyond security screening and on board flights.

The new Rules come into effect as on 6 November 2006 in all EU, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland airports.

What is new?

Package

Only small amounts of liquids are allowed in your hand luggage. All liquids must be in separate containers, not exceeding 100 ml capacity. Such containers must be presented at security screening in a transparent re-sealable bag of no more than one litre capacity, or 20cm by 20cm. Only one such transparent bag is allowed per passenger. (See photo below).

At an Airport

To help screening officials identify the liquids you carry with yourself, please:

• Present the liquids at security screening points;
• Take off your coat or jacket; they will be screened separately;
• Take out of your hand luggage portable PCs and other large electronic devices; they will be screened separately.

The following items are considered liquids:

• Contents of any hermetical containers, as well as
• Water and other drinks, soups and syrups;
• Crèmes, lotions and oils;
• perfumes;
• aerosols;
• gels, including hair and shower gels;
• pastes, including toothpastes;
• shaving foams, other foams and deodorants;
• liquid and solid material mixtures;
• mascaras;
• other substances of similar consistencies.

What remains unchanged?

Still allowed:

• To take liquids in your registered luggage (new rules shall apply only in screening hand luggage);
• Take medicines or dietary products needed during the flight, also baby food in your hand luggage. You may be also be asked to demonstrate that they are genuine;
• Buy liquids and perfumes of any size in shopping areas beyond security screening and on board flights. Such items will be packed in tamper evident bags by sales assistants. Take care do not open them; unless such items may be confiscated at a screening point.

If you are transferring at airports in the EU from a flight which originated in the EU, and you have purchased items in the airside shopping area or on board the aircraft, you will be allowed take the items on board your second flight as long as the items are still in the tamper evident bag.

The amount of these liquids is treated as additional to the aforementioned amounts contained in your re-sealable bag.

If you have any doubts, please, contact your carrier or travel agent before the trip.

We expect your understanding and cooperation with airport security and carrier staff.
This document has been prepared by the European Commission, European Airlines Association and International Airport Council.

Note: this document is for informative purposes only and does not have a legal act’s power.