Passenger boarding domestic flights from Shanghai and other Chinese cities will soon be allowed to carry more liquids on board and even a lighter.

Tight restrictions on these items were put in place in April as part of a security campaign tied to the Beijing Olympics. China's aviation regulator said yesterday that the rules will be eased starting on Saturday but that some restrictions will still apply.

Domestic air passengers will be allowed to take up to 1 liter of non-flammable liquids with them on the plane. The liquids must be carried, however, in separate containers each holding no more than 100 milliliters.

For the past several months, travelers have been allowed to carry on only cosmetics in 100 milliliter containers.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China also said domestic passengers will be allowed to take a lighter or box of matches with them on the plane but must show the items to security personnel before boarding their flight.

Passengers still are not allowed to pack lighters or matches in their checked luggage. The revised rules affect only domestic flights; restrictions are not eased on overseas travel.

Passengers are reminded to keep product invoices and use standard plastic bags when buying goods in airport duty-free shops, or liquids may be confiscated during checks.

Liquid dairy products for babies and liquid drugs for patients can be carried on the plane after they have been checked by security personnel.

The aviation regulator tightened boarding rules after two suspected terrorists were caught on March 7 on a Beijing-bound plane from Urumqi in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The two planned to ignite gasoline they had smuggled aboard the China Southern Airlines flight.

After the incident, airport staff members were required to inspect bags, and vehicles entering an airport control zone also had to go through a security check.

(Shanghai Daily December 18, 2008)