30 October 2006
Austrian Airlines Group: new safety regulations for hand luggage

As of 6 November 2006, new safety regulations for hand luggage apply to all departures and onward flights from EU airports as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland in order to meet the requirements of the revised, EU-wide Security Regulation. Liquids, gels and sprays not exceeding 100 ml per container are allowed to be carried in the hand luggage. These items must be packed all together in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum one litre capacity. One bag is permitted per person. The exceptions are baby food (if children are also travelling), special dietary requirements (e.g. for medical purposes) and medication that passengers need during the flight. For medicines and dietary products a medical confirmation or a prescription have to be carried along.

Laptops and electronic equipment such as mobile phones, mp3 players, digital cameras as well as jackets and coats will be screened separately at the security controls.

Liquids, sprays and gels that are purchased in a duty free shop at an European airport or on board of an aircraft registered in the EU will be handed out to the passenger in a sealed plastic bag, in which it has to be transported.

To enable smooth handling, the Austrian Airlines Group recommends to pack all baggage accordingly. All items and bags that do not meet these requirements may not be taken on board the aircraft. Due to intense security controls and new procedures, passengers should plan for longer waiting times especially in the first weeks after launching the new EU regulation.

The Austrian Airlines Group has been flying to Belarus on a regular basis since 1992. Austrian flies Vienna-Minsk-Vienna twice a day at the moment.