Mulls Following US, British Lead

It's become the norm in the United States, Europe, and several other countries... and soon, a ban on liquids carried onboard an airplane may be outlawed in the European Union, as well.

Aviation security experts from across the EU began a two-day meeting Wednesday to consider a ban on passengers carrying liquids onto planes, as part of new anti-terror measures.

"We must define what measures have to be taken in Europe to combat the threat that has been exposed in the United Kingdom in August," said European Civil Aviation Conference executive secretary Raymond Benjamin.

But that's not all. The Associated Press reports the group will also consider reducing the size or number of bags that can be carried onto airliners... and increasing the current requirement that at least 10 percent of bags are searched by hand.

One possible change the EU is considering to the policy now in place in the US and Britain would allow drinks and other liquids purchased at duty-free shops -- on the secure side of the airline terminal -- into the cabins of planes.

Authorities will also meet with airline officials to hash out a workable plan... with one member of the European Civil Aviation Conference saying... stricter carry-on rules are likely needed... but should be based on what is really necessary and proportionate.

The board will also likely review improvements to procedures for scanning luggage -- including recommending more powerful (and expensive) scanners be installed in airports throughout the 25-member union.

FMI: www.eu.int