Revolution at the airport: larger liquids soon possible?

Revolution at the airport: larger liquids soon possible?

The days when travelers had to fight for every milliliter of fluid at the airport could soon change significantly. A current report from the World According to the report, the EU has now approved new scanners that can detect liquid explosives. This technology is boosting hopes that even larger liquid containers could soon be carried in hand luggage. But until that happens, the current regulation applies: Travelers are only allowed to transport liquids in containers of up to 100 milliliters. These must be stored in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of one liter.

But what exactly does it look like at German airports? In Frankfurt, 40 of a total of 190 control lanes are already equipped with the new CT scanners. Another wave of these devices is in the starting blocks, as 40 additional scanners have been ordered. However, there is no one who can say in advance which technology will actually be used for each security check. Elsewhere, such as in Munich, we are still waiting for the software to be adapted, which is being further delayed by the high volume of passengers.

Passenger comfort and new technologies

“A big step towards more convenience and faster processes” – this is how Ralph Beisel, general manager of the Association of Surveying Administrations, describes the new CT scanners, which will be used at even more security checkpoints in the near future. Currently, only liquid containers over 100 milliliters are not permitted in Germany. With this directive, the EU has thwarted travelers' plans since it was introduced in 2006 to prevent possible terrorist attacks.

The new technology, described by scanner manufacturers as safe and reliable, could help make checks easier and make it easier to carry liquids. In countries like Great Britain it was planned to allow up to two liters of liquids, but this implementation has so far been postponed.

In an interim regulation, the European authorities are leaving the maximum limit of permitted liquid at 100 milliliters, which must be placed in a bag and presented at security checks. In the critical environment of aviation safety, it is important to make this extensive switch to new technologies without complications, which entails additional costs and structural adjustments to the control points. Airport operators are upset about these new regulations, as they have already made significant investments in CT technology, which is more expensive to purchase than traditional security scanners.

An outlook on future regulations

However, the new scanners are not without controversy. Last year there were debates about the reliability of baggage scanners, leading to the EU setting up additional checks. The background is clear: the review and approval of the new devices sometimes takes over a year, which represents a challenge for the deadline envisaged by the EU Commission and the federal authorities.

Frankfurt flyer reports that after the introduction of the new regulations on September 1, 2024, significantly larger liquid containers will also be allowed to be carried in hand luggage, provided that the security check is supported by the new scanners. However, it is currently foreseeable that the complete transition to the new technologies will take some time. Until then, all travelers need to be patient and strictly adhere to the existing guidelines!