The Dublin Airport Authority has warned that there may be delays in security screening at the airport from Monday, as new regulations governing hand luggage come into force.
The DAA says the new regulations will have significant implications for passengers with carry-on or hand luggage.
It strongly recommends that where possible, passengers should pack all liquids into checked-in luggage.
The DAA says it will have extra customer service agents in the terminal to assist with the changeover and it will set aside special areas before the security screening point to prepare passengers.
It will be operating a free helpline from tomorrow (1800-250-180) where passengers can get further information.
Information ads are also appearing in the press this week, and leaflets are being handed out at the airport.
The DAA is advising that people familiarise themselves with the new regulations, before arriving at the airport.
Rules to limit liquids allowed on board
The new rules will greatly restrict the amount of liquids, aerosols, gels and other toiletries that passengers can bring through airport security.
From Monday, only containers of 100mls or less of liquids, including drinks, gels, pastes, lotions and cosmetics can be brought through passenger security screening points in all EU airports.
The items must be presented at security screening in a transparent re-sealable bag of no more than one litre capacity, or 20cm by 20cm, which is separate from their hand luggage bag.
Only one such transparent bag is allowed per passenger, and it must be put through the X-ray machine during screening.
The only exceptions to the rule are baby food and medicines needed during the flight. But these must also be placed in a separate transparent re-sealable bag and presented separately at security.
The passenger may also be asked to demonstrate that they are genuine.
The transparent re-sealable bags are available at most supermarkets, and airport authorities say they will be available at Irish airports during the introductory period.
Passengers will still be able to buy liquids, gels, etc of any size in shopping areas beyond security screening and on board flights.
Such items will be packed in tamper-evident bags by sales assistants.
Passengers transferring at EU airports from a flight which originated in the EU who have purchased items in the air side shopping area or on board the aircraft will be allowed take them on board their second flight as long as they are still in the tamper evident bag.
Passengers who are transferring at an EU airport and whose first flight was from outside the EU will need to conform with the new regulations.
The new rules are the result of EU regulations brought in following the terror alert in Britain last August.
