In order to reduce airport congestion and security threat, the central government has reduced the number of handbags per passenger to one on January 21.As per the notification of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the rule is for all domestic flights in India.
“As per BCAS AVSEC Circular No. 06/2000 & Lt. 12000, no passenger should be allowed to carry more than one bag including lady’s bag in addition to the items already listed in the circular. Mostly it is observed that one Passengers carry an average of 2-3 hand bags at the screening point.
It said that the airline may be made responsible and deputed staff for guiding passengers, checking and verifying the status of their bags, etc., before allowing security checks before boarding the aircraft.
“All airlines may be directed to notify the PACS and to clearly display the ‘One Hand Bag Rule’ on their tickets/boarding passes,” the order said.
The order further said that the airport operators may be directed to put up hoardings/banners/boards displaying the contents of ‘One Hand Bag Rule’ near check-in counters, convenient places before SHA at airports. / Put up standee, so that passengers can get it. Sensitive and if required, have the option to convert their spare hand bags into registered baggage