OMA to implement new restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels in carry on baggage, effective December 1st

• Regulations apply to all passengers on domestic and international flights

Monterrey, Mexico, October 29, 2010—Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V., known as OMA, announces that the General Directorate for Civil Aviation (DGAC) has designated December 1, 2010 as the effective date, to all the airports in Mexico, for the implementation of new regulations for Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (L.A.G.) in carry-on baggage, as well as for prohibited articles in checked baggage.

This regulation is established by the General Directorate for Civil Aviation (DGAC), the Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in order to provide additional security for control of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels that could hide or disguise explosive liquids or reactive substances contained in containers and bottle that appear harmless.

OMA will implement the new regulations in accordance with the calendar defined by the DGAC in its 13 airports, as part of its obligation to provide airport services that comply with the highest standards of quality and security.

In order to facilitate passage through airport security checkpoints, OMA recommends to its passengers the following guidelines.

1. Carry Liquids, Aerosols and Gels in containers of no more than 100 ml, or 3.5 oz.
2. All such containers need to be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag of no more than 1-liter capacity.
3. The containers must fit easily inside the plastic bag, and the bag must be completely closed.
4. Each passenger is limited to one bag for L.A.G.s, and it must be presented individually for inspection.
5. Liquids, Aerosols and Gels cannot be carried in containers larger than 100ml, even if these are partially empty; any L.A.G. in larger containers must be placed in checked baggage.
6. Baby formula: Food for infants is permitted only when the infant is traveling as a passenger, and includes milk, sterilized water, juice, food in liquid, gel or paste form, and moisturized towel wipes. The quantity of such products cannot exceed that required for the number of days of travel.
7. Medical or dietary necessities: Any L.A.G. needed for medical or dietary purposes that exceeds the 100 ml limit will be accepted only when need is demonstrated and proof of authenticity is provided, along with a medical prescription.
8. Alcoholic beverages:
9. Ethyl alcohol is completely prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage; such items must be shipped by the appropriate means.
10.  

a. Beverages with an alcohol content of less than 24% by volume (beer and table wines) may be carried in carry-on baggage provided the factory labels and seals are intact, subject to the policies of individual airlines.

b. Beverages with a final destination outside of Mexico that contain more than 24% but less than 70% alcohol by volume may be carried in carry-on baggage, with a limit of 5 liters per passenger, provided the factory labels and seals are intact and they have been acquired in retail stores in the secure area of the airport and are delivered to the passenger at the boarding gate.

i. OMA recommends to all international passengers with a connection flight, to verify the regulation in the connection airport, due to differences in the regulation among countries.

c. Beverages with a final destination inside of Mexico that contain more than 24% but less than 70% alcohol by volume may be carried in carry-on baggage, with a limit of 5 liters per passenger, provided the factory labels and seals are intact and they have been acquired in retail stores in the secure area of the airport and are delivered to the passenger at the boarding gate within a resealable transparent plastic bag and previously verified.

d. Beverages that have more than 24% but less than 70% alcohol by volume that have not been acquired in the airport may be placed in checked baggage, with a limit of 5 liters per passenger, provided the factory labels and seals are intact.

9. Ethyl alcohol is completely prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage; such items must be shipped by the appropriate means.

10. This regulation applies to all passengers that use the airport terminals.

Articles that are considered to be L.A.G. (Liquids, Aerosols and Gels) include:

• Water and other potable liquids
• Soups
• Syrups
• Jams
• Stews
• Sauces
• Foods in sauce or with a high liquid content
• Creams
• Lotions
• Cosmetics
• Oils
• Perfumes
• Aerosols
• Gels, including hair and shower gels
• Shaving cream, other foams, and deodorants in pressurized containers
• Pastes, including toothpaste, mixes of liquid and solid substances
• Nail polish
• Lip gloss or balm
• Any other substance that is liquid at room temperature.

The regulation mentions other articles that are not permitted in carry-on baggage, including knives or sharp implements, heavy objects (such as sporting equipment), scissors, firearms and other weapons in general, alcoholic beverages that lack factory labels or seals, and tools.

OMA recommends that passengers consult with their airline any doubt about this regulation.