Seizure of liquids at NZ airports triples

The Aviation Security Service says the removal of a "queue-combing" service is to blame for a more than three-fold increase in the number of liquids, aerosols and gels being seized from airport passengers.

In the year to May, 10,000 "frustrated" passengers were stopped for packing items such as deodorants and alcohol in their hand luggage compared to just 3000 people the year before.

Aviation Security Service head Mark Everitt told NZPA the increase was largely caused by ASS's reluctant agreement with airlines to remove a "queue-combing" service, which involved passengers being informed they could not take the items in their hand luggage before they went through security checkpoints.

There was also widespread confusion over the issue of taking liquids on flights, with many people thinking wine did not qualify as a liquid, Mr Everitt said.

- NZPA