Air travellers across Europe could soon wave goodbye to the frustrating 100ml liquid limit in hand luggage, as airports prepare to adopt advanced scanning technology.
The long-standing rule, introduced in 2006 after a foiled terror plot, may finally be phased out thanks to new 3D scanners capable of detecting threats without requiring passengers to remove liquids from their bags.
A New Era for Airport Security
The change, expected to roll out across major European airports within the next two years, promises to streamline security checks and reduce queues. The UK has already begun implementing the new systems at some airports, with others following suit.
How Will It Work?
The cutting-edge CT scanners provide security staff with detailed 3D images of baggage contents, allowing them to:
- Identify potential threats more accurately
- Examine liquids without size restrictions
- Reduce physical bag searches
Passengers will still need to place their belongings in trays, but the process should become significantly faster and less intrusive.
What This Means for Travellers
Once fully implemented, the changes will:
- Eliminate the need for plastic bags for liquids
- Allow larger toiletries in hand luggage
- Make airport security less stressful
- Potentially reduce pre-flight arrival times
However, experts warn that some restrictions may remain in place during the transition period as airports upgrade their equipment.
The move follows successful trials at several international airports and represents one of the most significant changes to aviation security in nearly two decades.
