More short-term confusion, disruption and delays are expected when new security restrictions for carry-on baggage are introduced on November 6 next month.

The European Commission is expected to formally unveil the aforementioned target date this week, although it has already informally made it known to airports, according to comments attributed to European Commission Deputy Head of Aviation Security, Robert Missen.
Of particular concern are the different rules for the hand carrying of duty free liquids, depending on where passengers are flying from and the Commission is currently working airport and airline industry groups on methods to communicate these new rules simply to passengers.
At the same time, the Commission is to meet with the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week and top level talks are also being held with security heads in several non-European countries to try and establish common practices on the issue.
Failure to achieve these goals could see passengers embarking from non-European destinations having their duty free goods confiscated if they are transferring on to another destination within Europe and try to pass through security with an open duty free bag.
At the same time, the new rules limit all carry on liquids to containers of 100 milliliters or less and these containers must be able fit in a clear plastic bag.
COMMENT: The fast adoption of the sealed bag system outside of Europe is clearly important if the duty free and travel retail industry's customers are to retain confidence in buying products such as liquor and fragrances and cosmetics. Any prolonged periods of confiscation of goods will only dent customer confidence in buying these items.