People flying to London will be limited to one piece of carry-on luggage of a limited size, South African Airways (SAA) said on Monday.
”SAA advises passengers to carry single bags that may not exceed 45cm length, width of 35cm and depth of 16cm,” said SAA spokesperson Jacqui O’Sullivan.
These measurements include wheels, handles and side pockets. Other bags, including handbags, have to be carried within the single hand-luggage item.
The measures came after Britain went to its highest state of terror alert last Thursday. Police arrested 21 people in connection with a plot involving hiding explosives in hand baggage for detonation on United States-bound flights.
”Passengers will not be allowed to carry items made of or containing liquid.” This included gels, pastes, lotions, liquid or solid mixtures and contents of pressurised containers such as toothpaste, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam and aerosols.
”SAA passengers travelling from London will be required to comply with these baggage restrictions, and those on the airline’s flights from Mumbai, India, where they are upholding the same security measures,” said O’Sullivan.
Mauritian authorities are also on high alert. Passengers travelling to and from Mauritius will not be allowed to take any liquids on board.
”To ensure fast and convenient movement through security checkpoints, SAA advises passengers not to carry any items capable of containing liquids, including bottles, flasks, tubes, cans and plastic containers.”
Any items containing liquids, gels or lotions will be confiscated.
However, prescription medicines in liquid form needed during flight will be permitted as carry-on luggage, as well as baby milk and food, she said.
All items, including wheelchairs, pushchairs and walking aids, will be thoroughly searched and X-rayed.
Laptops and large electrical appliances will be removed from hand luggage. — Sapa