Update: Hand Luggage in Europe

Posted by Amanda Kendle Oct 6, 2006

We mentioned before that the EU was planning on restricting hand luggage for EU flights. Now it's clear and official that from 1 November, liquids will be restricted, but fortunately not banned, on all departing flights from and within Europe.

The rules look like this: you can take necessary liquids and gels on board, but only in small quantities - each container less than 100 ml - with a maximum of one litre, or ten such small containers, all held in a transparent plastic bag.

The good news is that liquids in the form of drinks or perfume bought duty free after the security check will be permitted - so I won't have to go too thirsty. Baby food and medicines will generally not be restricted.

In six months, restrictions on the size of hand luggage also come into force, with a smaller maximum size: not good if you're one of those travelers who bought a "handy overnight case" right on the limits of the previous dimenions. But you have 6 months to think about finding a new case.