Security Absurdity

From my travel agent’s latest newsletter:

For now only Britsh Airways has made the most drastic restrictions to hand luggage: With immediate effect, the following arrangements apply to all passengers starting their journey at a UK or United States of America airport and to those transferring between flights at a UK airport.

All cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.

Note:
Passengers are advised that ALL electrical or battery powered items including laptops, mobile phones, portable music players, remote controls etc cannot be carried in the cabin and must be checked in as hold baggage.

Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only the following items.

Nothing may be carried in pockets:

a. pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags));
b. travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
c. prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as
authentic.
d. spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
e. contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
f. for those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
g. female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
h. tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
i. keys (but no electrical key fobs)

Every other item must be carried in customer’s hold luggage. U.S Airlines are banning all liquids in carry on baggage.

El Al has not made any changes whatsoever in their policy; and European airlines have also not announced any changes. To be on the safe side, avoid taking liquids or gels in your carryon for the near term.