MIAA eases restrictions on milk, lighters, carry-ons

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) yesterday announced that it is downgrading restrictions on the carrying of breast milk aboard commercial aircraft.

Beginning Aug. 4, passengers will also be allowed to carry ordinary lighters with the exception of torch type or specialized lighters.

MIAA assistant general manager for security and emergency services Ret. Gen. Angel Atutubo said the downgrade is being implemented in accordance with the United States-Transportation and Security Administration’s (US-TSA) decision to do the same.

“Mothers can now carry more than 100 milliliters of breast milk when traveling by air with or without her child,” he told The STAR in an interview.

“Common lighters in hand-carried luggage will also be allowed but the ban on torch lighters will remain,” he said, adding that the MIAA still plans to lift the total ban on liquids, aerosols, and gels aboard commercial aircraft on Aug. 1.

Atutubo, in a letter to MIAA general manager Alfonso Cusi, said the US-TSA allowed procedural changes on security checks.

He recommended that the same rules and guidelines be adopted by the MIAA in order to harmonize security measures and prevent confusion among passengers, particularly those traveling to the US.

However, Atutubo said mothers carrying breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces must declare such during security checks.

The US-TSA, in a press release dated July 20, 2007, said the decision to implement procedural adjustments on the carrying of breast milk aboard airplanes was made after effectiveness studies and consultations.