Folded umbrellas now allowed as part of hand-carry baggage

Air passengers are now allowed to bring folded umbrellas as part of their hand-carry baggage, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced Sunday.

According to the Office of Transportation Security (OTS), it decided to ease the policy on umbrellas as part of airport baggage after a series of consultations with stakeholders.

"The revised order was in response to public clamor to allow the carrying of umbrellas in flights," the OTS explained.

"Cane umbrellas, however, will still remain prohibited," it added.

In December 2018, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning to travelers that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) lacked aviation security measures.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has since provided the Philippines with Aviation Security advisors to help develop and implement corrective measures.

The US DHS in August rescinded the public notice it issued, citing "significant improvements" made by the Philippines. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News