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LONDON - Tough airport baggage restrictions that wrecked holiday travel plans for many thousands of consumers were introduced overnight in the wake of the arrests of the bomb plot gang.
The new rules introduced on August 10, 2006, resulted in hundreds of cancelled flights, long delays and queues at British airports. Travellers in countries around the world, including New Zealand, faced similar delays.
In the months that followed, luggage restrictions were eased, but this led to confusion, with different airlines, different airports and different countries all having different regulations.
Two years after the arrests, travellers are still limited as to what they can carry onto planes.
The lengthy queues at airport security, the more frequent body searches and the shoes-off, jackets-off regimes all remain.
In Britain, the most disruptive day for air travel was the day that restrictions were brought in - August 10, 2006.
Politicians, airport operators and airline chiefs had worked through the night to be ready to bring in the new rules, but there was only so much warning that could be given to passengers at one of the busiest times of the year for air travel.
At first, no hand luggage was allowed on planes in a move spelled out by the then Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander, who had interrupted his holiday on the island of Mull to oversee the security arrangements with the-then Home Secretary John Reid.
What followed at airports was chaos. At Heathrow airport, British Airways cancelled scores of flights and other airlines also had to axe services as huge queues built up.
In the weeks that followed, hand luggage of a certain size was allowed on flights again, but liquids in carry-on bags were limited to 100ml in size - a restriction still in place.
Rules have often left travellers confused. While restricted in just what they could carry when leaving a destination, they have sometimes found there were no such restrictions on their return flights.
Officials in Britain suggest restrictions may be eased, but not anytime soon.
A spokesman for the Department for Transport has said the restrictions imposed two years ago will stay in place as the threat level to national security remains "severe".
"We will continue to work with international colleagues to develop technological detection methods which could ease the restrictions.
Not allowed
Restrictions introduced in August, 2006, that remain in place:
* No liquid in containers larger than 100ml - excluding essential medicines.
* 'Liquid' includes drinks, syrups, creams, mascara, gels and pastes.
* Baby food must be tasted by an adult passenger.
* All items should go in a clear 20cm square plastic bag.
"INDEPENDENT, PA
