IATA speaks in favour of “harmonisation” of liquid rules

Stefanie Ives

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

The association has voiced its concern that varying liquid restrictions across the world are leading to passenger confusion.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) has criticised the varying rules for liquids being taken on board aircraft. The association claimed that confusion over what can be taken on board has resulted in longer security screening, leading to flight delays and higher incidences of missed connections.

IATA argued that airlines are also being affected by the varying requirements, particularly by the loss of liquids sales to transferring passengers, as they are losing valuable revenue from duty-free sales and may face higher airport charges as airport operators' income from duty-free sales fall. It added that baggage screening and handling systems are also under increasing strain as more items are required to go into the aircraft holds.

In a statement the association said: “Harmonisation will help reduce confusion and inconvenience for passengers. Equally important is effective communication on regulations, whether they are imposed by governments, airports or airlines, in order to minimise confusion and inconvenience to the travelling public.”