Aviation Security Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: |
What do you mean by liquid? |
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A: |
Some things are evidently liquid, like drinks and perfume. Others are less obvious, like gels, pastes, lotions, mixture of liquids and solids and the contents of aerosols. Some examples of these are toothpastes, hair gels, face creams, liquid cosmetics, lip-gloss, deodorants, perfumes and shaving foam. |
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| 2. |
Q: |
Even bottle water? |
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A: |
Yes, even water that is in a container over 100ml is not permitted through security.
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| 3. |
Q: |
What are the limits? |
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Only liquids in containers of 100ml or less, fitting comfortably into a one litre transparent plastic bag (approximately 20cm x 20cm) when fully closed, are permitted. This transparent bag, with containers of 100ml should then be presented at the passenger security screening area. |
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| 4. |
Q: |
Do I have to place the liquid in a transparent plastic bag? |
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Yes, there are no exceptions. When passing through the passenger security screening point for hand baggage, you must place the transparent, re-sealable, bag containing liquids and other substances affected by the regulations, separately in the tray for X-ray screening. |
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| 5. |
Q: |
Can I bring my own transparent plastic bag from home? |
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Yes, we strongly encourage you to do so. The bag must be transparent, re-sealable and of a capacity not exceeding one litre. These bags are available at most local supermarkets. |
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| 6. |
Q: |
Can I take my contact lens solution? |
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A: |
Contact lens solution should be packed into checked in baggage. If you must carry lens solution in your hand baggage it should be in a container, not more than 100mls and presented in a one litre transparent bag at the passenger security screening point. |
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| 7. |
Q: |
Can I bring my cough medicine or nose spray in my hand baggage? |
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Yes, provided these items are in containers not more than 100mls and presented in a one litre transparent bag separately at the passenger security screening point. If these items are not essential for use during your flight we strongly recommend that you pack them into your checked in baggage. |
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| 8. |
Q: |
What about passengers that need medicines, dietary foods or baby food in liquid form? |
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A: |
The new aviation security regulations allow some exemptions to the restrictions. These include essential medicines and dietary requirements in liquid form, for example baby-food or food for people on special diets. Passengers are allowed to bring these items to the screening points in the quantities that they need during their trip.
However, as a safeguard, passengers may be required to demonstrate that the product is real medicine or special food, and not something less innocent.
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| 9. |
Q: |
Can I still buy liquids, cosmetics or other substances covered by the regulations in the airport shops beyond the passenger security points, and take these on board the aircraft? |
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A: |
You can still buy liquids and other substances covered by the regulations, in containers of any size, after the security screening point and on board the flights. Liquids and gels purchased after the security screening point or on board will be packed and sealed for you in a tamper-evident bag with receipt as necessary by the shop or cabin personnel. |
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| 10. |
Q: |
Can I buy products e.g. deodorant, shampoo perfume over 100mls in the Duty Free Shops after security screening? |
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A: |
Yes you can. These products will be packed and sealed for you in a tamper-evident bag with receipt as necessary by the shop personnel. |
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| 11. |
Q: |
Does this new restriction apply to certain flights only? |
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A: |
The new restriction applies to all flights departing from Macau International Airport, regardless of final destination. |
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| 12. |
Q: |
What about transferring passengers? |
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The same rules are applied. If the items have been purchased beyond the passenger security points, these liquids will be placed in a tamper evident bag and therefore will conform to the regulations. Therefore passengers can take these liquids on-board their second flight, as long as the items are still packed in tamper-evident bags with receipt.
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| 13. |
Q: |
Is Macau International Airport alone in introducing these new restrictions? |
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A: |
No, this is ICAO recommended policy for Aviation Security. These rules should come into effect at all ICAO member state airports from March 1st, 2007.
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General Advice for passengers with checked-in baggag
| 14. |
Q: |
What’s the best advice to get me through security screening as smoothly as possible? |
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A: |
Pack all liquids into checked-in baggage. This will ensure a smooth journey through the passenger security screening area. |
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| 15. |
Q: |
What if I absolutely have to bring liquid items with me? |
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These items should be carried in containers of no more than 100mls, and placed in a transparent re-sealable bag of not more than one litre capacity BEFORE you reach the passenger security screening area and preferably before you set out on your journey. These transparent, re-sealable bags are available at most local supermarkets. |
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| 16. |
Q: |
What happens if I have liquids of over 100mls going through the passenger security screening point? |
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Under the new aviation security regulations containers of over 100mls cannot be taken through the passenger security screening area and will be taken from passengers at that point. |
Advice for Ladies
| 17. |
Q: |
If I am travelling on business or on a short weekend break and have hand baggage only what should I do? |
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A: |
Items such as shampoo, conditioner, liquid foundation, perfume, deodorant, toothpaste and contact lens solution should be carried in containers of no more than 100mls. These items should be presented at the security screening area in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of no more than one litre capacity.
Pre-planning in this way will help to get you through security screening more efficiently.
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| 18. |
Q: |
What about my mascara and lip gloss/vaseline? |
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A: |
Liquid mascara, lip-gloss and Vaseline should also be placed into the transparent re-sealable plastic bag. |
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| 19. |
Q: |
Should I include my face compact, solid lipstick and blusher? |
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Yes. A simple rule is to put the contents of your cosmetic/make-up bag into the transparent one litre bag, provided there are no containers of more than 100mls.
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Advice for Gentlemen
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Q: |
If I am travelling on business or on a short weekend break and have hand baggage only what should I do? |
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A: |
Items such as shampoo, toothpaste, aftershave and contact lens solution should be carried in containers of no more than 100mls and presented to the passenger security screening area in a transparent re-sealable bag of not more than one litre capacity. |
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| 21. |
Q: |
What about my shaving foam? |
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A: |
Shaving foam must also be carried in a container of no more than 100mls and should also be placed into the transparent bag. |
Advice for Mothers with Babies/Children
| 22. |
Q: |
Can I bring baby food/milk through security? |
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Yes, baby food for baby (less than or equal to 2 years old) or food for people on special diets is exempt from the new regulations. Passengers are allowed to bring these items through the screening points in the quantities needed during their trip.
Passengers may be required to demonstrate that what they are carrying is real and for genuine use and not something less innocent.
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Advice for Passengers Requiring Medication
| 23. |
Q: |
Can I bring my medication on board the aircraft? |
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Yes, passengers are allowed to bring essential medication and dietary requirements in liquid form through the screening points in the quantities needed during their trip.
Passengers may be required to demonstrate that what they are carrying is needed (medical prescription), real and for genuine purposes, and not something less innocent.
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Other Queries
| 24. |
Q: |
Will airports or airlines accept any liability for items that have to be left behind at the security check? |
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Neither airports nor airlines can accept any liability for items that have to be left behind.
The usual liability terms apply to items transported with baggage that is checked in. |
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| 25. |
Q: |
What can I do if the shops cannot provide the tamper-evident bags for the liquid products that I bought from the shops beyond the passenger security points? |
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A: |
You should check with the shop assistants before buying any liquids to make sure the purchased items could be carried to the destination. |
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