Confusion over airport security rules
The new rules on aviation security are confusing and contradictory, according to industry experts.
Speaking yesterday at a Travelmole Travel Industry Question Time on the subject of airport security, Federation of Tour Operators director general Andy Cooper said it is up to the trade to help customers understand the restrictions.
“There is still some confusion,” he said. “The Department for Transport has stipulated a size for hand baggage but this is actually wider than charter airlines will allow.
“Part of our obligation is to make sure we help our customers understand what they can and can’t take on board.”
Cooper pointed out that the temporary bag size restrictions were put in place purely because airport security x-ray equipment can cope better with smaller items.
Andrew Solum, director of Travel Industry Associates, said it was ridiculous that cigarette lighters are banned but passengers are still allowed to take matches on board flights.
“They still sell bottles of whiskey in duty free. They still serve drinks in glasses on flights and what’s to stop somebody smashing a china plate?” he added.
But ABTA head of corporate affairs Keith Betton said the relaxed restrictions put into force from today were a small victory for travellers and the industry.
“I don’t like Michael O’Leary. Nobody in the agents industry does, but on this occasion he deserves a small pat on the back,” he said.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025