Hand luggage security measures relaxed 04/09/2006 00:00

4 September 2006

BRUSSELS — The temporary security measures imposed on 10 August for passengers flying to the US have been relaxed, Transport Minister Renaat Landuyt has said.

Starting from Monday 4 September, US-bound passengers can carry on board a standard piece of hand luggage again.

The use of plastic bags following the recent security scare in the UK has been scrapped. Passengers can also take electronic devices on board again.

Liquids, creams and gels are still not allowed in hand baggage and have to be transported in checked baggage, newspaper 'De Standaard' reported.

Exceptions are being made for bottled breast milk, baby's milk and fruit juice for babies or small children, prescription medicines for listed passengers, insulin and non-prescription necessary medicines.

Liquids, creams and gels bought duty-free at the airport will be taken directly to the plane.

The security measures also apply to passengers transferring at Brussels for a flight to the US. No extra security measures have been imposed on flights not travelling to the US.

Passengers not flying from Zaventem Airport in Brussels have been advised to contact their airlines to check security measures.

Meanwhile, EU security experts are discussing EU-wide agreements over baggage security. The European Commission is to come forward with a series of proposals in the coming week.

And the EU and US are also still locked in discussions about the exchange and keeping of passenger data. The deal reached in 2004 was overruled by the European Parliament, which is to discuss the issue again this week.  

[Copyright Expatica News 2006]

Subject: Belgian news