New Delhi, Jan 21 : Flyers may soon be allowed to carry only one hand bag in flight cabins. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which manages security at airports, has asked aviation authorities to enforce the ‘one passenger one hand-bag’ rule citing congestion and security reasons.

In a letter to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the CISF said that many passengers carry two-three hand bags to the screening point, leading to increased clearance time as well as delays.

The CISF has called for enforcement of the rule.

“As per BCAS circular Nos. 06/2000 & 11/2000, no passenger should be permitted to carry more than one hand bag other than those items already listed in the circular including lady’s bag,” it said.

“However, it has been seen that passenger on an average carries 2-3 hand bags to the screening point. This has led to increased clearance time as well as delays, congestion … and inconvenience to passengers,” it said.

“It is therefore felt that enforcement of the aforesaid circulars must be ensured by all stakeholders/airlines.”

Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases or camera cases.

The wants all airlines and airport operators to take steps to implement the rule to ease out congestion and meet security concerns.

“Airline may be made responsible and depute staff to guide (passengers), check and verify their hand bag status before allowing the passenger for pre-embarkation security checks,” the agency said.

If necessary, passengers can be given an option to switch their extra hand bags to registered baggage, said Vijay Prakash, the Inspector General (Airport Sector), CISF, in the letter.(UNI)