From 31 March 2007 passengers departing New Zealand on an international flight will have to comply with new security regulations when hand-carrying liquids, gels and aerosols into the aircraft cabin.

The new measures are:

• All liquids, aerosols or gels such as drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste, lip gloss, mascaras and other products of similar consistency including food stuffs (e.g. honey, jam etc) must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml in volume
• All containers must be carried in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag no larger than one litre (approximately 20cm x 20cm or 8 inches x 8 inches)
• Only one bag is permitted per passenger
• The plastic bag must be sealed and presented separately from all other carry-on baggage at the screening point
• Liquids in containers of more than 100mls must be packed in your checked in baggage.

There are exemptions for personal medications, baby products and dietary supplements in liquid, aerosol or gel form.

The new security regulation is consistent with that already in place in the USA, European Community and Canada.  It is also consistent with the security regulation being introduced in Australia from 31 March 2007.

It should also be noted that similar restrictions will be introduced on flights departing Japan and Fiji from 1 March 2007.

For more information on the new regulation including what items are permitted please visit: http://www.flysmart.govt.nz/