The new rules fall into line with tighter security controls being introduced by airports worldwide. Changes in carry-on rules broadly address the carriage of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) and specifically stipulate:

• The maximum size of any liquid container, full or partially used, allowed past the international screening point is 100 ml.

• All 100 ml liquid containers presented for inspection to be carried on board an aircraft by a passenger must comfortably fit in a 1 liter transparent re-sealable plastic bag (30cm x 40cm).

• The definition of (LAGs) liquids, aerosols and gels include (but are not limited to) water and other drinks; soups; syrups; jams; stews; sauces; pastes; foods in sauces or containing a high liquid content, creams; lotions; cosmetics; oils; perfumes; sprays; gels - including hair and shower gels; contents of pressurised containers - including shaving foam, other foam and deodorants; pastes including toothpaste; liquid-solid mixtures; mascara; lipsticks; lip gloss or lip balm; and any item of similar consistency at room temperature. This list is not exhaustive and screeners will make a determination about which items are permitted to be taken through screening points.

• Each passenger is limited to carrying only one plastic bag.

• All passengers must submit their person and all carry-on luggage for inspection. Baggage will receive both a visual inspection and x-ray examination.

• Passengers will be required to remove bulky coats and jackets and present them for screening before walking through the metal detector.

• Some medicines and medical devices are exempted from the new screening rules, including prescription medicine and prescribed medical devices. Passengers are recommended to bring supporting documentation (e.g. a physician’s letter). All prescription medication should be in original containers bearing the name of the passenger matching the name on the boarding pass. Essential prescribed medicines may include angina sprays.

• Passengers bring non-prescription medications should know that a determination of a reasonable amount will be made based on the length of the flight, possible delays and flight diversions; essential non-prescription medicines may include cough syrups, children’s medications, insulin, clotting factors (for hemophiliacs), contact lens solution exceeding 100 ml, and inhalers (with spare canisters packed into checked baggage).

• Existing provisions for disability and medically-related items still apply.

• Baby products required for the flight are exempt from the enhanced security screening restrictions with the understanding that screeners will use their discretion to asses appropriate volumes for hand carriage. Baby products include: baby milk; sterilised water; baby juice; baby food in liquid, gel or paste form; and wet wipes.

• Under the new rules frisk searches will be conducted in a random and continuous manner. Frisk searches must be undertaken by a screener of the same sex and a passenger may request the search be done in a private room. A person may refuse a frisk search, however they will be refused access into the sterile area.