Have you ever had to let go of something, be it a water bottle or your fancy but not travel-size personal hygiene products, at the airport security? According to a report by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), next to these previously mentioned items, it’s foldable umbrellas that frequently get confiscated. Did you know, for example, that more than 100 umbrellas were surrendered in August and in just one domestic airport?
A recently-passed measure by the OTS eases this burden for passengers. Under the measure, foldable umbrellas can now be stashed in both hand-carry bags and checked-in luggage. However, cane umbrellas are still banned.
According to a statement released by the OTS on Sunday, the decision came after an overwhelming public clamor.
“During the lengthy discussion on Oct. 8, the OTS came in consensus with the Airlines Operators Council and airport authorities, to hear the voices of the public and provide corrective action to allow folded umbrellas in both carry-on and checked baggage, while maintaining cane umbrellas as prohibited item for carry-on bag,” read the statement.
Umbrellas were previously banned because some have shard points, which according to the International Civil Aviation Organization “may aid in committing any acts of unlawful interference against civil aviation.”
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