NEWSFLASH

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STRICTER HAND-CARRIED BAGGAGE RULES IN ASIA

Manila, Jan. 26, 1998 - The Manila-based Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has announced a policy of strict limits on passengers' hand-carried baggage.

The AAPA said the policy calls for passengers to carry no more than a single piece of cabin luggage with a maximum total linear dimension of 115 centimeters and weight of 7 kilograms or 15 pounds.

In a statement, the AAPA pointed out that passengers have been bringing more baggage, larger articles and heavy trolley bags on board, a trend that "poses a safety risk to passengers and crew members alike" when limits on storage space and weight on overhead bins are considered.

The association had written to the authorities at 17 major airports in the region asking for support and cooperation in implementing the policy.

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