European Commission defers relaxation of liquids in hand luggage rules

Although it was looking like the liquids in hand luggage rules were going to be relaxed last week, the European Commission has announced a last-minute decision to defer the relaxation of the ban.

It is understood that the decision was made to avoid confusion and follows strong concerns voiced by the Association of European Airlines (AEA).

Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus, AEA Secretary General said, “We fully support the relaxation of liquids restrictions, but we need a harmonised approach, not a fragmented patchwork of national policies. Member States must deliver on their commitments and implement pro-consumer decisions in a unified way.”

Some Member States had decided to maintain the current restrictions and it was also unclear how the USA would react to the new European rules. Without US clarification, passengers flying from Europe to the USA could have faced further screening or had their liquids confiscated.

“We repeatedly voiced concerns about the US situation, but we were assured it would be resolved ahead of the 29 April deadline. This should not have been a last-minute issue,” says Schulte-Strathaus.

“The USA and Europe must communicate openly and as equals, especially given the international nature of the airline industry. Regulators need to work with the industry to deliver safe, efficient and easy to understand procedures for airline passengers.”

The changes were the first step of an agreed phased relaxation of the rules which would have allowed passengers connecting through European airports to carry duty-free liquids, bought at non-European airports, in their hand luggage.



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