The BBC reports that the British Airports Authority will relax its punishing rules on hand-baggage next week, once again allowing passengers to fly with water, to carry on larger bags, etc. I switched three upcoming trips to Europe to fly through Paris and Amsterdam instead of London after the BAA changed its rules on carry-ons — I suspect I'm not the only one.
It's a major relief that the Blair government's wizards have finally managed to counter the evil Al-Quaeda sorcerers who changed the laws of physics to make drinking water into an airplane-endangering substance. And to think it only cost the British economy a couple hundred million quid in lost travel revenues, and merely inconvenienced millions of travelers and only resulted in tens of thousands of lost computers carrying billions of vital, confidential documents.
Regrettably, moving up the bust of the hair-gel bombers before they'd bought plane tickets or acquired passports in order to give the US State Department a good press-op means that we'll probably never be able to bust the people who financed them and masterminded the attack. But fighting terrorism is more than actually busting terrorists: it's also about getting the right press when Joe Lieberman loses a primary.
Heck of a job, Tony.
Larger bags will be allowed along with some liquids – such as toiletries, including toothpaste.
These items may have to be placed in plastic bags so they can be easily examined at security.
Musical instruments will also be allowed on board again, after professional musicians complained the measures were hindering them.
