NEW SECURITY MEASURES

Q1 What are the new measures?

The new measures restrict the carriage of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) in hand-carry luggage on all flights departing from Changi Airport and Seletar Airport.

The following restrictions will apply:

(a) LAGs must be in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each. LAGs in containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is partially-filled;

(b) Containers must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity not exceeding 1-litre. These containers must fit comfortably within the transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which should be completely closed;

(c) Only one transparent re-sealable plastic bag will be permitted per passenger;

(d) The transparent re-sealable plastic bag must be presented separately for examination at the security screening point.

Exemptions will be made for medications, baby food and special dietary items in LAGs form. These items will be subjected to additional checks at the security screening point.

Passengers can continue to purchase LAGs items, such as liquor and perfumes, at Changi Airport. Such purchases will be placed in sealed tamper-evident bags by the shops, with the receipt clearly displayed in the sealed bags.

Q2 Why are new security measures being implemented?

The new security measures are in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) recommendation made after the reported United Kingdom (UK) aviation terror plot in August 2006.

Though there is currently no specific threat against civil aviation in Singapore, the UK incident underlines how real and continuing the global terrorist threat is. Singapore supports the recommendation as this will enhance the safety and security of the airports and its users.

Q3 Do the new measures apply to both arriving and departing flights and at which airports in Singapore?

The new measures apply to departing flights only and will be implemented at Changi Airport and Seletar Airport.

Q4 When will the new measures be implemented?

The new measures will be implemented on 8 May 2007 (Tuesday), 1200hrs.

Q5 How long will the new measures be in force?

The new measures will be in force for as long as they are necessary.

LIQUIDS, AEROSOLS AND GELS (LAGs)

Q6 What are considered LAGs?

LAGs include:

(a) Drinks, including water and juices

(b) Soups and sauces

(c) Perfumes and deodorants (liquid or liquid-solid mixture)

(d) Creams, balms, lotions and oils

(e) Cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss

(f) Pastes, including toothpaste

(g) Pressurised foams and sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants

(h) Gels, including hair and shower gels

(i) Contact lens solution

(j) Any other items of similar consistency

CONTAINERS IN 1-LITRE TRANSPARENT RE-SEALABLE PLASTIC BAGS

Q7 My tube of cream weights 67gm. Is this the equivalent of 67ml?

Where reasonable, we will approximate 67gm to 67ml.

Q8 What types of containers are allowed? Are coloured or opaque containers allowed?

There is no restriction on the types of containers. Coloured or opaque containers are allowed. The restriction is on the capacity of the containers, which must not be more than 100ml each.

Q9 Do LAGs items need to be in their original containers?

No. LAGs items can be re-packed into other containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each.

Q10 Is there a restriction on the number of containers that can be carried in the 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag?

No. However, the containers must fit comfortably within the 1-litre transparent resealable plastic bag, which must be completely closed. The excess containers (with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each) with LAGs that cannot fit comfortably within the bag will not be allowed onboard the flight. Passengers will be asked to discard them.

Q11 Can I carry LAGs in containers larger than 100ml if there is less than 100ml of LAGs in the containers?

No. All LAGs items must be stored in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each.

Q12 What will happen to my LAGs items in containers larger than 100ml?

Passengers should pack their LAGs items in their check-in luggage. LAGs items required during the flight must be kept in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each. LAGs items in containers larger than 100ml will not be allowed in hand-carry luggage. Passengers have to dispose of such items before the security screening point. It is therefore advisable that passengers only pack LAGs which are essential for the flight in their hand-carry luggage, according to the limits explained above, and pack all other LAGs into their check-in luggage before they check-in for their flight.

Q13 Can I carry empty bottles onboard my flight, even if the bottle’s capacity is more than 100ml?

Yes, empty bottles can be carried onboard the flight.

1-LITRE TRANSPARENT RE-SEALABLE PLASTIC BAG

Q14 What type of bag is accepted?

Only transparent re-sealable plastic bags with a maximum capacity not exceeding 1-litre, such as Ziploc bags, will be accepted.

Q15 How does a 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag look like?

An indicative size of the 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag would be approximately 20cm X 20cm or 15cm X 25cm, or equivalent.

Q16 What if my bag has a logo or motif on it?

The bag will be accepted as long as the logo or motif does not obstruct a clear view of its contents.

Q17 Can I use an ordinary plastic bag and tie a knot to seal it?

No. To facilitate security screening, only transparent re-sealable plastic bags with a maximum capacity not exceeding 1-litre, such as Ziploc bags, will be accepted.

Q18 Where can I purchase a 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag?

Such bags are readily available at supermarkets and convenience shops in Singapore.

Q19 What if I arrive at Changi Airport without a 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag?

Passengers should pack their LAGs items in their check-in luggage. LAGs items required during the flight must be kept in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each. These containers must be placed in a transparent resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity not exceeding 1-litre. LAGs items in containers larger than 100ml will not be allowed in hand-carry luggage.

Passengers who arrive at Changi Airport without such a 1-litre transparent resealable plastic bag can purchase it from:

(a) Public Areas: Supermarkets located at the basement level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

(b) Transit Malls: Convenience shops located at level 2 of Terminal 1 and level 3 of Terminal 2

Passengers may approach the customer service counters or airport staff for directions to the supermarkets/convenience shops.

Q20 Where will passengers have to present their 1-litre transparent resealable plastic bags for security inspection?

Passengers will have to present their 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bags separately from their hand-carry luggage for examination at the security screening point at the boarding gate.

Q21 Will the airport authority/airlines at Changi Airport provide passengers with the 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bags if they do not have such a bag?

Passengers carrying LAGs items in their hand-carry luggage are advised to pack these containers (with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each) in a 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag, before they arrive at Changi Airport. Such bags are readily available at supermarkets and convenience shops in Singapore or at Changi Airport (both Public Areas and Transit Malls).

EXEMPTIONS FOR MEDICATIONS, BABY FOOD AND SPECIAL DIETARY ITEMS

Q22 Are there any exemptions to the new restrictions on carriage of LAGs in hand-carry luggage?

Exemptions will be made for medications, baby food and special dietary items in LAGs form. These items will be subjected to additional checks at the security screening point.

Q23 What are the exemptions for medications in LAGs form?

Medications in LAGs form, such as insulin, cough syrups and nasal sprays, will be exempted from the new restrictions. Such items should be taken in quantities that are sufficient for the flight.

A doctor’s letter or prescription, while not mandated, would be helpful in facilitating the security screening process.

If the medications are in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml, passengers are encouraged to place the containers in the 1-litre transparent resealable plastic bag. If this is not possible or if the medications are in containers larger than 100ml, the medications will be subjected to further checks at the security screening point. Passengers may also be asked to taste their medications.

Q24 What are the exemptions for baby food in LAGs form?

Baby food in LAGs form, such as milk, juice and porridge, will be exempted from the restrictions, if there is a baby travelling with the adult passenger. Such items should be taken in quantities that are sufficient for the flight.

If the baby food is in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml, passengers are encouraged to place these containers in the 1-litre transparent resealable plastic bag. If this is not possible or if the baby food is in containers larger than 100ml, the baby food will be subjected to further checks at the security screening point. The baby must also be present at the security screening point.

Passengers may also be asked to taste the baby food.

Q25 Is there a restriction on the amount of baby milk powder that can be carried in hand-carry luggage?

No. Milk powder is not considered a LAGs item.

Q26 Can I carry hot water in a flask to prepare baby food?

Yes. Hot water will be allowed for carriage in a flask if there is a baby travelling with the adult passenger, even though hot water should be available from the airline onboard the flight. The hot water should be taken in quantities that are sufficient for the flight. It will also be subjected to further checks at the security screening point.

Q27 What are the exemptions for special dietary items in LAGs form?

Exemptions will be made for special dietary items in LAGs form for passengers with special dietary requirements. Such special dietary items are food without which the passenger’s health is threatened. They should be taken in quantities that are sufficient for the flight.

A doctor’s letter or prescription, while not mandated, would be helpful in facilitating the security screening process.

If the dietary items are in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each, passengers are encouraged to place the containers in the 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag. If this is not possible or if the special dietary items are in containers larger than 100ml, the items will be subjected to further checks at the security screening point. Passengers may also be asked to taste the special dietary items, if necessary.

SHOPPING AT CHANGI AIRPORT

Q28 Can I bring LAGs items purchased at Changi Airport’s shops onboard my flight?

Shops Within Public Areas

Passengers who purchase LAGs items from shops within Changi Airport’s Public Areas should place the items into their check-in luggage prior to checking in for their flight.

For items purchased from shops within Changi Airport’s Public Areas that are less than 100ml each, they can either be placed in the 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which must be completely closed, to be hand carried, or into their check-in luggage. If the item is not essential for the flight, it is advisable that it be placed into the check-in luggage.

Shops Within Transit Malls

Passengers will be allowed to bring LAGs items, such as liquor, wine, beer, perfumes and cosmetics (including creams/lotions/gels), purchased at shops located within Changi Airport’s Transit Malls onboard their flight, provided that these items are placed in sealed tamper-evident bags by the shops, with the receipt clearly displayed in the sealed bags.

If the items are in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each, passengers may place these items in their 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag.

Please check with shop staff for details.

Q29 Do passengers have to pay for the bags?

No. The bags will be provided by the shops.

Q30 Can passengers purchase the tamper-evident bags from shops at Changi Airport for their own use?

No. Tamper-evident bags are controlled by the shops and are to be used only for their LAGs merchandise.

Q31 Can I bring LAGs items purchased at shops located within Changi Airport’s Transit Malls onboard my flight?

LAGs items in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each may be brought onboard their flight provided the containers fit comfortably within their 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which must be completely closed.

Passengers may bring LAGs items in containers larger than 100ml onboard their flight, if they are sealed in the tamper-evident bags provided by the shops within the Transit Malls.

Passengers have to dispose of all other LAGs items before the security screening point.

Q32 Must LAGs items placed in sealed tamper-evident bags be removed from their boxes?

No, the items do not need to be removed from their boxes.

Q33 Can passengers bring more than one tamper-evident bag onboard their flight? Is there any limit on the number of bags that can be brought onboard the flight?

Passengers may bring more than one sealed tamper-evident bag onboard their flight.

Q34 Can more than one LAGs item purchased from shops within the Transit Malls be placed in the same sealed tamper-evident bag?

Yes. If more than one LAGs item is purchased from the same shop in the Transit Mall, the items can be placed and sealed in the same tamper-evident bag with the receipt, reflecting the items that have been purchased, clearly displayed in the sealed bag.

Q35 Can I bring my own tamper-evident bag?

No. Only sealed tamper-evident bags provided by airport shops will be accepted. In addition, the receipt issued by airport shops must be clearly displayed in the sealed bag.

Q36 If I am transferring or transiting at Changi Airport, will my LAGs items purchased at other airports be accepted at Changi Airport? Will I be allowed to bring these items onboard my flight?

Yes, provided these items are in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each and placed in a 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag.

Passengers will be allowed to bring LAGs items in containers larger than 100ml onboard their flight if these items are placed in sealed tamper-evident bags that meet ICAO’s guidelines, with the receipt clearly displayed in the sealed bag. The receipt must show the date of purchase, item(s) purchased, name of the shop and the name of the airport.

Passengers will be asked to discard LAGs items that do not meet the above requirements.

Q37 If I will be transferring or transiting at another airport, will my LAGs items purchased at Changi Airport be accepted at the other airport?

Singapore’s implementation of the restrictions on carriage of LAGs in hand-carry luggage is in line with ICAO’s recommendation. In this regard, States that have similarly implemented ICAO’s guidelines should recognise LAGs items purchased at Changi Airport.

However, some States may have their own specific requirements and may not allow all transfer/transit passengers to carry LAGs items purchased from foreign airports as their hand-carry luggage onto connecting flights, even if the LAGs purchases are placed in sealed tamper-evident bags. Passengers who are transferring or transiting at other airports should check with their airlines or Changi Airport shop staff for more details.

OTHERS

Q38 How can I ensure a smooth transition through the security screening points?

To facilitate their check-in and security screening processes, passengers are advised to pack all LAGs items appropriately before arriving at the airport. Essentially, passengers should pack all LAGs items not required during their flight in their check-in luggage. LAGs items required during the flight should be packed in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each and placed in the 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag. If passengers are unsure of any item, they are advised to pack it in their check-in luggage.

Passengers are encouraged to check in for their flight 2 to 3 hours before their flight (subject to airlines’ requirements) and to proceed to the security screening point at least 45 minutes prior to the flight departure time.

At the security screening point, passengers should promptly present their 1-litre transparent re-sealable plastic bag for examination by security screening staff. All items exempted from the restrictions, such as medications, baby food and special dietary items, as well as any supporting documentation, should also be promptly presented for security checks.