Domestic air passengers will no longer be allowed to carry more than one hand baggage. In a bid to reduce congestion at airports, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has asked the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to strictly implement the rule which mandates that only one handbag is allowed per passenger.
The CISF has said flyers with more than one cabin handbag are choking the security check-in counters at airports as well as causing delays, congestion and inconvenience to passengers. CISF guards all key airports in India.
Interestingly, BCAS’s own rules allow passengers to carry one hand baggage, the existing rules permit a passenger to carry one laptop bag, one ladies’ handbag, and one blanket, gift item purchased from duty-free shop, umbrella, and a reasonable amount of reading material on board an aircraft.
In a letter to Director General, BCAS, the CISF’s IG/Airport Sector Vijay Prakash pointed out that it has been seen that passenger on average carries two to three handbags to the screening point. This has led to increased clearance time as well as delays, congestion in PESC points, and inconvenience to passengers. “As per BCAS AVSEC Circular Nos. 06/2000 & Lt12000, no passenger should be permitted to carry more than one handbag other than those items already listed in the circular including lady’s bag,” the CISF said, adding, “All airlines and airport operators may be instructed to take steps to implement ‘One Hand Bag rule’ meticulously on the ground to ease the congestion and other security concerns.
The airline may be made responsible and depute staff to guide pax, check and verify their handbag status, etc, before allowing the passenger for Pre-embarkation security checks. All airlines may be directed suitably to inform pax and to display “one handbag rule’ on their tickets/boarding passes very conspicuously,” reads the communiqué.
“Airport Operators may be instructed to place hoarding / banner/ board / standees displaying the contents of the ‘One hand bag Rule’ near the check-in counters, vantage locations before SHA at the airports so that passengers get sensitized and if required, have an option to switch their extra handbags to registered baggage,” it said. CISF has requested its heads at numerous airports to convey the identical to all stakeholders.