The Bureau of Civil Aviation Authority (BCAS) has asked the airlines to implement one handbag per passenger rule strictly, as to relieve congestion at the airports.
The BCAS stated that “It was seen that passengers carry two or three handbags on an average to the screening point. This has led to increased clearance time as well as delays, congestion in PESC (Pre-Embarking Security Check) point and inconvenience to passengers. It is, therefore, felt that the enforcement of the aforesaid circular must be ensured by all stakeholders.” The BCAS is the security regulator for the aviation sector.
It is demanded that the airlines be made responsible and depute staffs to check and verify the number of bags carried by each passenger before allowing the to proceed through the check point.
The instructions read that besides one handbag, passengers can carry one laptop bag, one ladies’ bag and one blanket. Gift items bought from duty-free shops, an umbrella and a reasonable amount of reading materials could be additionally carried as a hand luggage.
The baggage policy laid down by various airlines clearly says that passengers are allowed only one cabin luggage and selected personal items. The policy of airlines in carrying 7kg-12kg cabin baggage is always disregarded due to poor surveillance.
The notice released by the BCAS directed that airport operators must place banners or boards near the check-in counters and vantage locations, describing the ‘One Hand Bag rule’ so that the passengers are aware and have an option to shift extra hand luggage to the registered cases.
