JULY-AUGUST 2008
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Page 19
Confused Air Travellers Forced to Dump Millions
EDINBURGH - Air travellers are forced to pour away millions worth of products each year after falling foul of the restrictions on taking liquids onto planes, according to new figures.
Expensive bottles of perfume, whisky and toiletries are among the items travellers are forced to discard before passing through security. Other items passengers are often forced to throw away include gels, toothpaste and bottled water.
Over the past year, more than 700,000 liquid containers, worth approximately S3.7 million, were rejected across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports because they exceeded the 100 milligram limit.
BAA Scotland, which operates the three airports, urged travellers to think carefully before packing and to put larger bottles and nonessential liquids in their hold luggage.
The advice comes as the three airports gear up for the busy summer season, with 300,000 passengers expected to pass through them every weekend.
Donald Morrison, BAA Scotland spokesman, said, "Every day, thousands of passengers are asked to abandon gifts and souvenirs such as whisky, aftershave and perfume
because they exceed government limits.
"At a time of rising prices, this is a cost many passengers can ill afford, so it's important that travellers know their holiday limits. This will save time and money, and avoid frustration at security."
Since November 2006, liquids have only been allowed through security if they are in containers of up to 100 milligrams and are packed in clear, re-sealable plastic bags.
BAA Scotland said it has invested S3.5 million in new X-ray machines at its three airports, and drafted in extra staff to reduce security waiting times in the busy summer months.
But Professor Paul Freathy, an expert in airport retailing at Stirling University's Institute of Retail Studies, said airports themselves were responsible for passengers not knowing what can be taken through security.
He said, "There needs to be consistency among airports in the UK and elsewhere over what they are allowed to take in their hand luggage.
"A lot of people are not used to flying and when they arrive at airports they are being confronted with mixed messages and
restrictions. This is happening all over Europe, not just Scotland and the rest of the UK. Many passengers are unsure what applies to them."
He added, "There is a lack of a single consistent standard. What we need is a straightforward message to be given out by airports over what is possible across all of Europe. All this confusion creates long queues. It makes travelling a tedium, a real challenge."
PRAYER FOR TRAVELLERS
Heavenly Father, You have shown your love for us by giving Jesus to be our way to you. Guide us as we begin this journey.
Bless us with peace and joy as we travel and bring us home safely.
We ask this through Jesus, Our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady of the Highways, be with us on our way, for all your ways are beautiful and all your paths are peace.
Cum? ]Z®
Doug and Jann Crewe (owners)
Calgary Highland
Saturday Aug 30, 2008 Shouldice Park
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