Changi Airport to impose limits for hand-carry luggage

New security measures for hand-carry luggage will be implemented for flights departing Singapore from May 8. Liquid substances will have to be in containers and limited to no more than 100ml, and must be placed in transparent re-sealable plastic bags not exceeding a 1-litre capacity. Each passenger will only be allowed one bag.

The measures will take effect at 1200hrs on May 8, and will also apply to passengers making transit or transfer connections in Singapore, said a joint media release by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

The new regulations are based on the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) recommendations made after the foiled aviation terror plot in the United Kingdom in August 2006, and the latest advisories set out by ICAO on March 30, 2007.

The guidelines stipulate that containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if it is only partially-filled. Although there is no restriction on the number of containers, they must fit comfortably within the transparent re-sealable bag, which has to be closed completely.

Additionally, the plastic bags must be presented separately for examination at the security screening point. Exemptions will be made for medications, baby food and special dietary items in the liquid, aerosol or gel form. They will however be subject to additional checks at the security screening point. Passengers who purchase liquids, aerosols and gels items like liquor and perfumes at Changi Airport will have their purchases sealed in tamper-evident bags by the shops, with the receipts clearly shown in the packaging.

All travellers are advised to check with their respective airlines and Changi Airport's website (www.changiairport.com) for more details. They are also advised to pack their liquids, aerosols and gels in the appropriate hand-carry or check-in luggage before arriving at the airport.

Passengers departing from Seletar Airport or Changi Airport face the same restrictions.

What are liquids, aerosols and gels?
* Drinks, including water and juices
* Soups and sauces
* Perfumes and deodorants (liquid or liquid-solid mixture)
* Creams, balms, lotions and oils
* Cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss
* Pastes, including toothpaste
* Pressurised foams and sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
* Gels, including hair and shower gels
* Contact lens solution
* Any other items of similar consistency