Last week a major criminal trial concerning eight young men, thought to be potential bombers, threw up more questions than answers. For once the media response was muted and careful. With the possibility of a retrial no editor would wish to fall foul of the United Kingdom”s legal system.
The case in question concerned arrests made in 2006. It was alleged that explosive devices would be carried on board transatlantic aircraft masquerading as simple canisters of liquid. Such was the outcry, a virtual world wide ban was quickly imposed on bringing airside any container possible of carrying more than 100ml of fluid. Chaos ensued.
The trial has resulted in even more confusion. Within hours of the verdict the government rejected calls for a review of the restrictions claiming that liquid bombs could be manufactured from everyday products.
"Aircraft could be vulnerable to such devices so we are right to continue to require restrictions for liquids carried as hand luggage. We are also right to require these restrictions internationally as, potentially, we are all at risk," said a spokesman for the Department for Transport (DfT).
The airlines response was puzzling to say the least. Virgin Atlantic's director of communications Paul Charles was quick to make his point: "Maybe now is the time for a review to be held on whether the restrictions in place on hand luggage and liquids should still take place. Passengers are still confused.”
A spokeswoman for BA said: "Our position is that we believe it's sensible for rules to be kept under review."
However it does seem that the government is not going to rush into changing the rules. Even if they wanted to, the power is in fact vested with the EU, which in turn normally follows guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Authority.
But Mr Charles is right in one respect. The public is totally bewildered concerning what they can and what they can”t carry on board. Now it seems it is a question of reading the small print.
For passengers flying within the UK there are guidelines set by the DfT. These are largely the same throughout Europe.
The problem is that they are guidelines and not always adhered to by airlines and airports. That is the real point of Paul Charles” comment. We need consistency regarding these rules.
Flying used to be fun. OK the aircraft were sometimes noisy, the food indifferent and seat pitch restricted. Security was a casual look at one”s passport. Unfortunately you cannot get away from the fact that terrorists see passenger aircraft as a target. High quality protection is a must. We are stuck with it although the planes themselves have improved immeasurably.
So what can you or can”t you take on an aircraft? For the uninitiated, and even those in the know, it is confusing. The DfT issues what it calls ”a guide to the security requirements”, but that is all it is, a guide. It lists the airports. Most allow two bags through security. Except Liverpool and Luton. One bag only at these two.
But you can buy what you like at the duty free shops. Or can you? Both easyJet and Ryanair are diligent in explaining via their paperwork that only one item of carry-on is allowed. The good news is that it does not seem to be enforced. Could you imagine the chaos at the gate that would ensue.
The DfT explains that the maximum size for items of hand luggage is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm per bag. However, airlines can apply their own operational policies.
Once again easyJet and Ryanair are restrictive. One bag but only 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Just that little bit tighter.
Confused. We will use that word again. With Virgin it is 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. BA is generous with the full DfT allowance as is another long established carrier, Monarch. Bmi offers 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, Jet2 46cm x 30cm x 23cm and Flybe 50cm x 35cm x 23cm. The major London departmental stores sell carry-on luggage which they proudly display as approved for flying. What they mean is approved by the DfT.
Weight-wise Ryanair says 10kg, easyJet is not bothered as long as you are able to place the piece of luggage safely in the overhead storage bins without assistance, and the Virgin rule is 6kg for economy and premium economy and 8kg in Upper Class, hardly generous. British Airways follows the DfT guidelines. If you can lift it into the locker that”s fine with them.
And as for checked-in luggage it gets worse. There are different rules for transatlantic, Caribbean, Kenyan and Nigerian routes. Here the measurement is by piece. Most other places have weight rules. The ABTN rule is ”use the airline web site”.
This absurdity has to end. The government must step in through the DfT and set proper rules, not guidelines. Some years back it was weak in allowing certain airlines to rename destinations to suit their marketing objectives. That caused confusion and still does. It is right to go carefully with liquids and the new security screening systems cannot come quick enough. We all want to once again enjoy flying. Sorting out the confusion will help.
Malcolm Ginsberg