New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation had issued an order in June 2020 that no passenger will be allowed to carry more than one handbag inside the aircraft cabin on domestic flights in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But it was rarely followed in the last year and a half, as passengers regularly carried multiple baggages past security check-in counters at airports.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCAS) has now issued a fresh order asking airport authorities and airline operators to strictly ensure that passengers carry just one cabin baggage.
“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. However, it has been seen that passengers on an average carry 02-03 Nos of handbags to the screening point. This has led to increased clearance time as well as delays, congestion in PESC point and inconvenience to passengers. It is therefore felt that enforcement of the aforesaid Circulars must be ensured by all stakeholders/airlines,” the order stated.
Airlines have also been asked to alert passengers about the one-baggage rule.
“All airlines may be directed suitably to inform passengers and to display ‘one hand bag rule’ on their tickets/boarding passes very conspicuously,” the order further read.
The Ministry has asked airports to put up hoardings/banners/boards/standees displaying the contents of “One handbag Rule near check-in counters, vantage locations before SHA (security hold areas) at the airports at airport premises to inform the passengers of stricter rules.”
