Strict flight rules for West-bound travellers

Air travelers face tighter security with new airport rules in the United States of America and United Kingdom after a plot to blow up airliners bound for the US was uncovered recently.

With the new measures civil aviation security will prevent criminal activity on aircraft and in airports which would include the possibilities of hijacking (air piracy), damaging or destroying aircraft and nearby areas with bombs, and assaulting passengers and aviation employees.

According to local airline sources, the new rules ban almost all liquids, creams and gels from being carried aboard on flights.

"That means you should not pack sunscreen, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, hair gel or beverages to accompany. Those items must be put in your checked bags. If you are in doubt about an item, pack it in a checked bag or leave it home. Despite some rumours there are no new restrictions on laptops, cellphones or other electronics on any flight originating in the USA. However, it is advisable to pack it in a checked bag unless you intend to use it onboard," the source said.

"If you're on a flight leaving the UK, there are more restrictions where you must check your entire luggage where no carry-ons whatsoever will be allowed. Then every passenger will be hand-searched at security checkpoints. Only a few personal items, such as pocket-size wallets and purses, glasses excluding its case, medications, diapers and female sanitary items without wrapper, and essential travel documents are permitted. A bag used to carry those items must be plastic and should be transparent, the source added.

Despite these tightened security measures air travelers are allowed to bring baby formula, breast milk or juice when travelling with a child. Prescribed drugs are also allowed and all bottles should contain the patients name on the top.

Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) President Nihal Perera told The Island Financial Review that airlines should educate their passengers with dos and don't in avoiding unnecessary problems for air travellers.

"This is a major hassle for business and leisure travelers heading towards UK and USA. Only available option at the moment is to purchase all necessary liquids at the destination. We hope that this ban will be taken off soon once things are cleared," he said.

The Korea Herald