Dubai: Some flyers leaving Abu Dhabi International airport are also going through tighter screenings, as new rules have recently been put in place for taking powders in hand luggages.
Etihad Airways has announced that it has started rolling out new rules on carry-on bags aboard flights to select destinations, and passengers are now prohibited from packing in carry-ons certain powdered substances.
Items that will be subject to restrictions include salt, talcum, detergent and cleaning products carried by flyers bound to Australia and the United States (US). News of enhanced rules came after the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Australian government carried out new safety regulations.
Emirates had earlier announced that it is tightening screenings of hand luggages, particular powdered products.
According to its announcement, Etihad said powders that exceed 350 ml, 250 grams or 12 ounces are banned from the cabins in flights bound to the US. Any item exceeding the limit may be placed in checked baggage.
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However, the following items are exempted:
1. Medically prescribed powder substances including baby formula and cremated human remains provided they are sealed, not tampered and have supporting evidence
2. Duty free items in “security tamper evident” bags purchased at Duty Free after clearing US Customs and Border Protection in Abu Dhabi International Airport
For Australia-bound passengers, restrictions on carrying “inorganic” powders inside the aircraft cabin are also in effect. Substances of 350 ml, 350 grams or 12 ounces must be placed in checked baggage.
Covered by restrictions
Examples of restricted items include salt, sand, talcum powders, powdered deodorants, food powders, detergent powders and cleaning products.
However, certain products are exempted from the ban, and these include all organic powders, such as powdered baby formula, powdered food, coffee, protein powder, flour, spices, sugar, most cosmetics, Epsom salts, prescription and non-prescription medicines (including special dietary products).
Medical items required during the flight are likewise exempted, provided the passenger can show a supporting evidence, such as a valid letter from a doctor.
The exemption also extends to cremated human remains and items placed in duty free security tamper evident bags.