Losing Liquid Assets

Rules restricting the amount of liquids and gels that can be carried on board an aircraft are spreading around the world. Among the countries that adopted rules this spring: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Tunisia and Morocco.

Although limits are expressed in metric units in those countries and in the European Union, you’ll be close enough if you follow the United States’ 3-1-1 rule: You may carry on board as many three-ounce containers as will fit in one one-quart zip-top plastic bag.

But confusion reigns when it comes to duty-free liquids and gels that exceed the 3-1-1 limit. E.U. nations, for example, allow you to bring on board duty-free items sealed in special “tamper-evident” packages bought inside the secure area of a terminal. But what happens if you fly into a non-E.U. country and transfer to another flight? Depends on what country. If you land in South Korea and change planes, no problem. Land in the United States or Japan and try to board another flight, though, and your specially packaged duty-free items will be confiscated.

European retailers are working to standardize the rules. Meanwhile, before laying down your cash for wine or perfume or such, check the rules of all countries where you’ll touch down.

Source: Comings and Goings, Washington Post Travel Section, May 13, 2007