Beginning Monday: New European airport security rules
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Effective Monday, November 6, European Union member-states, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland adopt a common set of new airport security rules. Once again, the zipper-top plastic bag industry is getting a boost.
The new rules essentially mirror the American rules. Small bottles in a clear plastic zip-top bag. Additionally, you’ll be required to remove your computer from your bag and you’ll need to remove jackets before entering the metal detector. Many, if not most, airports already followed these latter two rules, but the new guidelines are intendend to standardize security across the continent. The complete rules are here (pdf).
But be careful if you’re flying from Europe and then connecting in the United States. TSA permits liquids in 3-ounce containers or smaller. The European standard is 100ml — which equals 3.2 ounces, ever so slightly above the American cutoff. If you’re unlucky, you may find a nitpicking TSA agent who denies your 100ml bottle of shampoo. I hope it doesn’t happen, but it might. Be forewarned.
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November 5th, 2006 at 10:25 am |
For the record the three countries (with Lichtenstein, which I assume has no international airports) form the EFTA, which is a looser association than the EU. That’s why these three far-flung countries have common rules on such matters.
The EFTA and the EU together form the EEA. Okay, I’ll shut up now.
November 5th, 2006 at 11:39 am |
Nice summary of the immediate EU changes. However there are more to come. As I posted on my blog, by 17 April 2007 each member country of the EU will have adopted the UK’s current carry on baggage policy with smaller size limits (measurements include handles and wheels) and also the limit of one item per person.
November 5th, 2006 at 12:46 pm |
Thanks, Global Traveller, I missed that post. And you’re absolutely right, the carry-on luggage restriction is onerous. Far more so, in my view, than the 100ml rule. Thankfully we have some time before that rule kicks in, and there is a chance that the rule could even be relaxed before it ever goes into effect.
And Anonymous, thanks for the EU/EEA/EFTA breakdown… the citizens of Lichenstein, especially, are grateful.