INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
cosmetics in handbags, an airline official said
The US Department of Homeland Security issued a directive last month in view of heightened threat perception over "evolving techniques" of
terrorists, he said.Air India is the only Indian carrier that operates direct non-stop flights from Delhi and Mumbai to US destinations such
as New York, Newark, Chicago, Washington DC and San Francisco.According to a spokesperson of the airline, the carrier has started
implementing the directive on its flights.United Airlines of the US is the only other carrier operating direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai
in cabin of the aircraft, the directive available on Air India's official website said."Such powders if carried in any sealed containers
will be inspected for signs of alteration or tampering to the packaging and if carried in containers that are unsealed or having signs of
alteration or tampering will be inspected to ensure that the contents are consistent with the container/packaging," it said.Duty-free powder
containers inside a properly sealed Secure Tamper Evident Bag (STEB) may be allowed through the checkpoint and transported in the cabin of
an aircraft, the directive said.But powder-like substance of any quantity may be placed in checked baggage and transported in the
other Gulf countries would also be affected by the US directive.Emirates in a directive to passengers on its official website for flights to
US destinations said powder-like substances in containers equal to or over 350 ml/grams have to be checked-in, and will not be allowed in
carry-on belongings or cabin baggage.These items will be confiscated at Dubai as well as Milan and Athens, depending on the last point of
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