Aviation authorities are now telling passengers in China to remove their shoes for safety checks as part of a tighter security system ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games.

The order took effect nationwide on Wednesday, according to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC).

The agency also suggested that passengers to arrive at airports two hours before their flights to allow time for tighter security procedures.

The authority banned liquids on domestic flights on March 13 after what was described as an attempt to blow up a China Southern Airlines flight en route from Urumqi to Beijing.

Staff would also examine cabin baggage more closely and "easy boarding" services, where passengers pay for the privilege of speedier security checks and priority boarding, would be banned.

CAAC also urged international airlines to report accurate and complete passenger and cabin staff information to Chinese border control stations in a timely manner.

The required information includes name, nationality, gender, birth date, passport number, passport expiration date and other information for the crews and passengers of international flights.

The new airport security rules are expected to add two to 10 minutes for security procedures for each traveler, which drew complaints from some flyers at the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA). The full operation of BCIA'S Terminal 3 is expected to ease congestion at safety check stations in the airport.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2008)