AIR passengers from China to the United States are now barred from carrying liquids or gels onto their flights under new security rules that will extend the time for airport check-ins.

Travelers to the United Kingdom are not allowed to bring any carry-on items other than purses, wallets and passports.

The ban on liquids and gels complies with new U.S. rules that are being enforced in the wake of an airplane-based terrorist plot that was uncovered Thursday in Britain. Authorities said terrorists planned to mix chemicals smuggled onto flights in hand luggage and ignite the explosives during trips to the United States.

The list of banned carry-on items includes all drinks, shampoos, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gels and other items of similar consistency.

Items on the banned list that were bought at duty-free shops inside the airport also must be placed inside a passenger's checked luggage.

The only exceptions are juice, baby formula or containerized breast milk if a child is traveling, prescription medicines with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, insulin and other essential nonprescription medicines.

Special police have enhanced patrols at China's airports and strengthened security checks, especially for passengers to the United Kingdom and the United States, a spokeswoman for the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, said.

A Beijing Capital International Airport official said passengers must take off their shoes for examination before going to their departure gate.

In Hong Kong, all passengers to the United States and customers of U.S. airlines flying to other countries are asked to arrive three hours before their departure time to complete security checks.

A flight last Thursday afternoon (Aug 10) by Virgin Atlantic Airways from Shanghai to London was delayed for an hour after the terrorist plot was uncovered.

Flights from China to the United Kingdom returned to normal Saturday.

Editor: Wing