Airports May Soon Ease Liquids Rules for Hand Luggage
The 18-year-old rule limiting liquids in carry-on bags may be scrapped as 3D scanners roll out across major airports worldwide. Here’s how new tech will change travel security.
With the introduction of new 3D scanners, several airports are poised to relax tight restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage. The advanced technologies now simplify and speed up the screening process for travelers while maintaining high security standards.
Since 2006, air passengers worldwide have been restricted to carrying liquids of no more than 100 ml in their hand luggage. The measure was introduced primarily to prevent terrorist attempts involving liquid explosives. Now, as new scanner technology becomes available, some countries will soon abolish this 18-year-old rule.
Next-Gen 3D Scanners
The latest scanners utilize computed tomography (CT) technology—similar to that used in medical imaging. These devices generate clear 3D images of passengers’ belongings that can be rotated 360 degrees and magnified for deeper analysis, “as if digitally unpacking bags,” according to manufacturer Smiths Detection. They employ advanced threat-detection algorithms to identify explosives, including liquids and other hazards, per the UK Department for Transport.
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Fewer restrictions: Scanners will allow passengers to carry larger quantities of liquids in hand luggage without worrying about the current 100 ml limit.
Time savings: Security checks are expected to become much faster, as travelers will no longer need to remove liquids and electronics from their bags during screening.
Plastic waste reduction: Doing away with the 100 ml container rule should also have a positive environmental impact, as passengers will no longer need to purchase and dispose of single-use plastic bottles.
Where Things Stand Today
These advanced scanners have already been deployed at several airports, including Teesside International in the UK, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. In France, Aéroports de Paris has started installing the units at terminals in Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly. However, the 100 ml limit remains in effect pending a decision from DGAC (Direction générale de l’aviation civile).
No firm date has been announced for lifting the restriction in France. Still, French airports are already rolling out the new 3D scanners, suggesting sweeping changes could be on the horizon in the near future.