Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) regulations

The rules regarding the transport of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels in airplanes came into force on 1 June 2007 and are part of a global safety precaution campaign initiated and driven by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). 

APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS

  • The rules apply only to HAND LUGGAGE ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS.
  • LAGs in your checked luggage are not subject to these regulations.
  • LAGs in your hand luggage on Domestic South African flights are excluded from these regulations. 

WHAT ARE LAGS?

  • LAG stands for Liquids, Aerosols and Gels. 
  • If you can pour it, pump it, squeeze it, spread it, smear it, spray it or spill it, it is considered a LAG. 

LAG REGULATIONS

  • You may only carry LAGs in containers not exceeding 100ml each.
  • You may carry several containers, but the combined capacity may not exceed 1 litre
  • The containers must be placed in a transparent, sealable plastic bag not exceeding 20cmx20cm and 1 litre volume. It must be possible to open and reseal the bag
  • Each passenger may only carry one bag
  • The bag must be taken out of hand luggage and presented for screening

EXCEPTIONS

  • Exceptions to the LAGs rule are made for medication, baby foods and special dietary requirements.
  • Medication does not have to be in a 100ml container nor in the sealable plastic bag. It does have to be handed to security to be checked. You may be asked for a prescription. You may be asked to taste the medication in front of security staff.
  • Baby food, formula and milk are only exempted if you are travelling with your baby.  You may be asked to taste the baby food, formula and milk in front of security staff.
  • You may bring liquids that form part of a special diet, however you may be asked to prove the authenticity and necessity of the items. You may be asked to taste the items in front of security staff.

DUTY-FREE PURCHASES

  • Purchases made in the duty-free stores may be exempt from the LAG regulations if they have been placed in a sealed, tamper-proof bag and the passenger can produce a receipt for the purchase.
  • Passengers should be mindful that Duty Free regulations with regards to LAGs do differ globally. The regulations of each country the passenger is travelling through should be checked, as well as the airline. 

MORE INFORMATION

  • If you are unsure about the regulations, you are advised to contact your airline or ACSA.
  • ACSA can be contacted on: customercare@airports.co.za or +27 (0)11 921 6262

Source: www.airports.co.za/about-us/security