aviation
IATA: End of the liquid limit in hand luggage in sight
Only 100 milliliters of liquid per container, all stuffed into a plastic bag: this is how millions of people have been flying with hand luggage for more than 15 years. That could change soon.
The limit on liquids in hand luggage on airplanes could soon be lifted. This is what the head of the umbrella association of airlines (IATA), Willie Walsh, assumes.
Most airlines only allow liquids in 100 milliliter containers and only one liter per person in total. The whole thing has to be packed in a transparent plastic bag and usually presented separately at the security checkpoint.
The rules have been in place since 2006 and are intended to prevent criminals or terrorists from smuggling explosives on board. They are based on a recommendation from the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO. Governments have issued the rules and could also change them.
Scanner machines are now sophisticated enough to detect dangerous material, said Walsh in Geneva. He said he sees signs that the liquid restriction will be lifted “in due course.” But he couldn’t give a date.
dpa
Source: Stern
