New rules governing aviation security, due to come into effect on Monday, will greatly restrict the amount of liquids, aerosols, gels and other toiletries that passengers can bring through airport security.
The new rules are the result of EU regulations brought in following the terror alert in Britain last August.
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.
The transparent bag 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, but airport authorities say they will be available at Irish airports during the introductory period.
Passengers will still be able to buy liquids and gels 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 who are transferring at airports in the EU from a flight which originated in the EU, and who have purchased items in the airside shopping area or on board the aircraft, will be allowed take the items on board their second flight as long as the items 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.
