LONDON — The U.K.’s Department for Transport said Thursday it is easing, slightly, carry-on luggage regulations in U.K. airports starting today but that restrictions on taking liquids on board planes still apply.
The revised security policy, which is a response to August’s alleged terrorist plot to blow up planes flying to the U.S. from the U.K., increases carry-on baggage allowances but maintains a restriction on U.S.-bound passengers purchasing liquid-based products, such as fragrances, cosmetics and alcohol, in duty-free shops in U.K. airports.
A spokesman for the government body said discussions on the liquids issue “are making progress” but added he could not say when a change in policy would be announced. “We don’t intend to maintain the current regime any longer than is necessary,” he said.
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Passengers flying to destinations other than the U.S. also face restrictions on the liquid-based products they’re permitted to take through security checks, but they are allowed to purchase liquids in travel retail shops.
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British Airports Authority, which owns seven U.K. airports, and airport retailer World Duty Free said Thursday it will allow passengers to take solid cosmetics, such as lipsticks, compact foundations and eyeliner pencils, in carry-on baggage starting today. Until now, passengers have been obliged to pack such items in stowed luggage. All passengers are still required to pack lip gloss, fluid foundation and liquid eyeliner, for example, in stored baggage.
“This easing of restrictions is not a return to normal as the revised regulations will continue to have an impact on our airports’ operations,” BAA said in a statement.
The government’s revised security measures allow passengers to still only carry one piece of hand luggage on board planes; however, the bag size allowance has been increased. It also makes an exemption for musical instruments, which can be carried as a second piece of hand luggage.
“We will never compromise on the safety of passengers, but it is right that we continually strive to strike the right balance between properly robust security and arrangements which minimize the burden on passengers and business,” the Department for Transport said in a statement. “These adjustments have been made in the light of a detailed assessment of the measures introduced in August and address that twin aim.”
Transport added it is working with international partners, including the European Commission, to harmonize security arrangements.
The European Union Aviation Security Regulatory Committee will meet Sept. 27 for continuing discussions regarding a pan-European response to security issues in airports.