UK lifts liquid ban on flights

Britain today announced the lifting of the ban on carrying liquids on flights, imposed in August following a foiled terror bid to blow up aircraft.

The UK will allow passengers to carry drinks and toiletries through security checks from Monday, the Department for Transport said here today. Carrying capacity will be limited to 100ml per container and no more containers will be allowed than would fit in a one litre plastic bag, the department said, adding that essential medicines and baby food are allowed in amounts not larger than 100ml.

Large musical instruments are also permitted, in addition to one item of cabinet baggage. "The security measures introduced at UK airports in August were in response to a

very real and serious threat. We have always said that we would keep these measures under review and in September we introduced changes which increased the permitted size of cabinet baggage that passengers could take on board," the transport department said.

"Following consultations with industry and international partners we can now introduce a change to the ban on taking liquids through the security checkpoint to add to passenger convenience while continuing to maintain rigorous security," it said.

The 'liquids' include all drinks including water, soup, syrups, creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, sprays and pressurized containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants, pastes, including toothpastes, gels, including hair and shower gel and any other solutions and items of similar consistency.