A ban on airline passengers carrying liquids through airport security will be relaxed next week, it was confirmed today. Travellers will be allowed to bring small bottles of toiletries on board flights as long as they are contained in a clear resealable plastic bag from November 6, according to the Department for Transport.

A range of new baggage rules were introduced at UK airports after August 10 when an alleged plot to blow up planes was thwarted.

The authorities had feared that explosives disguised as harmless liquids could be smuggled on to planes and used to cause mid-air explosions. The restrictions have been eased gradually, but the ban on liquids has remained - although passengers leaving British airports for non-USA destinations have been allowed to take items such as toothpaste on board as long as they are bought after passing through security.

New arrangements being introduced across the European Union from next week will permit passengers to carry small quantities of liquids, but only within separate containers with a capacity of no more than 100ml.

The containers must be brought to the airport in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag.
Other arrangements covering items such as medicines, baby foods and musical instruments will remain as before. Essential medicines and baby food are permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit, and large musical instruments are allowed in addition to the one item of cabin baggage.
Passengers travelling before November 6 have been warned that the current restrictions would remain in place.



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