Going to the airport? Domestic passengers can now carry only one handbag

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has ordered airlines and airports to enforce the earlier one-bag order imposed by the  Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). As per the rules, passengers travelling on domestic flights will only be able to carry one bag inside the aircraft cabin. This new rule aims to ease congestion on the ground while reducing the burden at airport screening points. 

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The BCAS circular states, “As per BCAS AVSEC Circular Nos. 06/2000 & Lt12000, no passenger should be permitted to carry more than one hand bag other than those items already listed in the circular including lady’s bag”. It continues, “It has been seen that passenger on an average carries 02-03 Nos of hand bags to the screening point. This has led to increased clearance time as well as delays, congestion in PESC point and inconvenience to passengers”. 

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Airlines, airport operators as well as other stakeholders have been instructed by the civil aviation body to ensure that this one bag rule gets enforced. To that end, the idea is to have it displayed on hoardings, boarding passes, and tickets, so everyone gets clarity. 

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Further, the BCAS added, “Airline may be made responsible and depute staff to guide pax, check and verify their hand bag status etc, before allowing the passenger for Pre-embarkation security checks. All airlines may be directed suitably to inform passengers and to display ‘one hand bag rule’ on their tickets/boarding passes very conspicuously”. 

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This new order marks an additional restriction for travellers, but the Centre had already imposed the one-bag policy to prevent congestion, and ensure distancing and other health protocols are maintained amid COVID-19 infections.