From now on, large wet wipes will also be allowed when boarding international flights

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] From the 14th, passengers will be allowed to carry wet wipes exceeding 100ml on international flights for the purposes of 'infectious disease prevention' and 'hygiene.'

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 13th that the revised 'Operation Standards for Prohibited Items such as Liquids, Sprays, and Gels on Aircraft' containing this provision will be enforced starting on the 14th.

Currently, liquids exceeding 100ml are restricted from being brought into the cabin on international flights. Wet wipes are treated as liquids, so only small wet wipes weighing 100g or less (about 10 sheets) are allowed, while larger wet wipes were restricted. As an exception, wet wipes for 'medical' purposes were permitted even if exceeding 100ml.

However, as the use of hygiene products has increased recently due to COVID-19, the Ministry revised the related regulations to allow wet wipes for 'infectious disease prevention' and 'hygiene' purposes to be carried in amounts exceeding 100ml.

With the enforcement of this revision, disputes between passengers and security personnel during security checks are expected to disappear, improving passenger convenience.

The allowable amount will be permitted based on the judgment of security personnel considering the flight itinerary, but generally, the maximum capacity will be about one large wet wipe pack (200 sheets) per passenger.

Additionally, the exemption from liquid security control will be expanded from flight crew members (pilots) to cabin crew members in accordance with international standards (ICAO).

Items previously restricted for passengers such as 'lip gloss' and 'lip balm' will be revised to 'liquid lip gloss' and 'liquid lip balm,' relaxing the standards to allow solid forms of these items to be brought on board.

Yoon Jin-hwan, Director of Aviation Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "We will continue to actively resolve inconveniences for aircraft users while developing policies that ensure aviation security."