The tightening of passenger screening and restrictions on carry-on luggage were prompted, as is well known, by the dramatic events in Great Britain in the summer of 2006. At that time, British security services announced that they had prevented several attempts to blow up passenger aircraft. Moreover, as it became known, the terrorists intended to assemble an explosive device in the air from a set of liquids that seemed harmless at first glance. The uncovering of the 'air' conspiracy in London ultimately marked the beginning of the end for the traditional convivial gatherings in the aircraft cabin during flight, so beloved by Russian tourists. As is well known, for our compatriots, vacations in Turkey, Thailand, and most other foreign resorts effectively begin in the duty-free shops of departure airports. And the introduction of strict restrictions, especially on the eve of the summer season, threatens to cause serious fears and depressions among vacationers unaccustomed to flying sober.
As Vremya Novostey was told in the press service of the Ministry of Transport, restrictions on passengers carrying liquids in aircraft cabins in Russia may come into force as early as May 2007. The ministry hopes that passengers will treat these measures with understanding. 'Our citizens fly abroad and already know that they cannot take liquids on board an aircraft. There they follow the rules, and they will follow them here as well,' a press service representative said. 'A similar restriction is already in effect in the countries of the European Union, as well as in Iceland, Canada, Norway, the USA and Switzerland.' Moreover, it is not allowed to carry unlimited quantities not only of alcohol but also of any liquid, gels or aerosols, toiletries, cosmetics, medicines or drinking water.
Of everything that flows, only a small amount will be allowed on board, and only on condition that it is packaged in a container whose volume does not exceed 100 ml. Moreover, such bottles must also be placed in transparent plastic bags with a volume of no more than one liter, and each passenger is allowed to carry only one such package as hand luggage. Bags can be brought from home, but they must be equipped with a special zipper. These restrictions will not apply only to baby food and medicines, but in that case it will be necessary to prove that the medicine will definitely be needed during the flight.
True, after passing through security barefoot and with a bottle in a bag, the passenger will still be able to enter duty-free shops and make purchases there, including alcohol and perfume. But in Europe, strict laws have also affected duty-free shops: all goods purchased there must be packed and sealed, and opening them during the flight is strictly prohibited.