FOLDING umbrellas are now allowed to be hand carried by passengers inside the aircraft cabin.
This after the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and the Airlines Operators Council recently agreed to hear the clamor of the riding public regarding the carriage of foldable umbrellas.
OTS Administrator Raul L. Del Rosario ordered the review of OTS Memorandum Circulars No. 005 and 006 Series of 2019 containing the revised list of prohibited items intended for passengers departing on any airports in the country.
The initiative was made following public clamor to allow carriage of foldable umbrellas in both cabin and checked in baggage.
As the number of local and international travelers increases, the number of requests for information on transport security policies, particularly on prohibited items also increases, according to the OTS.
The office stated that it follows international standard set by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in identifying items to be prohibited on board which may aid in committing any acts of unlawful interference against the civil aviation.
Apart from explosives and deadly weapons, all types of umbrellas are also banned in airplanes as they posed danger to the security of passengers and the aircraft.
OTS held a consultation meeting with airline and airport operators, where the latter recommended to include umbrellas as a prohibited item for carry-on bag having sharp and pointed components. ????
The OTS agreed with the request of airline operators 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.
The cane umbrellas, however, are still prohibited item for carry-on bags, the OTS stressed.