The 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage is being scrapped at several European airports as new scanners are rolled out – but passengers could still get caught out
Several European airports are ditching the 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage as new scanners are introduced at major travel hubs. However, travellers are being warned that they could be caught out by this change depending on their departure airport.
These advanced technology scanners generate more detailed images of bags, allowing passengers to carry liquids in containers up to two litres without having to remove large electronic items or liquids from their bags. This means passengers can pack more into their hand luggage and security queues should flow more efficiently.
Several UK airports, including Edinburgh and Birmingham, have already installed these scanners and announced the rule change earlier this month. It comes after one expert claimed ‘I’m a pilot with 10,000 flight hours but I won’t go near this place’.
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Now, airports across Europe, such as Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam and Milan, are following suit with more expected to join. However, not all airports have this technology yet, with London Heathrow among those still waiting, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Some airports, like Manchester, have a mix of new and old scanners; here passengers are advised to adhere to the 100ml limit to avoid any issues.
In Europe, it will be up to individual facilities to purchase the scanners, which means passengers could encounter different rules throughout their journey.
For instance, they might depart from a UK airport where restrictions have been lifted, but return via a European airport where the 100ml limit still applies – forcing them to abandon any liquids that breach the regulations.
The European Commission is expected to confirm the updated liquid regulations in the coming days, a spokesperson revealed to The Independent. They clarified that the advanced scanners are being introduced progressively throughout the European Union.
Anna-Kaisa Itkonen explained: “Once individual manufacturer’s airport equipment passes tests and gets ECAC approval, it can receive the EU Stamp, permitting the screening of liquids of larger than 100ml.
“After receiving this approval, the equipment may be deployed for use at airports.”
Current liquid regulations require passengers to transport liquids in 100ml containers within a sealable plastic bag. Certain exemptions exist for baby products and medical supplies.
Holidaymakers should verify the regulations at both their departure and arrival airports prior to travelling.