At major hubs, high-tech CT scanners will replace the requirement for 100 ml bottles of liquid, which is expected to expedite security procedures and reduce wait times.
The European holiday has traditionally been associated with little shampoo bottles. However, starting this year, as airports start to relax security standards, that might all change.
However, why was the 100 milliliter rule put into place in the first place, and will doing away with it reduce aviation safety? All the information travelers need is provided here.
Why do airports have a 100 ml liquid limit?
Worldwide airline travelers are only allowed to bring 100 milliliters of liquid in their hand luggage as of 2006.
Following the discovery by British authorities of a terrorist plot to blow up liquid bombs masquerading as soft drinks on several transatlantic flights, the restriction was implemented.
The plan called for injecting hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals into 500 ml soda bottles, leaving the lids on, and then disassembling and detonating the device in midair. The typical bleach product can explode if combined with other substances to a certain strength.
It is thought that the plot would have been far deadlier than the 9/11 attacks if it had succeeded. Several flights from the UK to at least five US and two Canadian airports would have been its aim.
As a precaution, hand luggage was immediately prohibited on flights following the discovery. This was eventually eased after experiments were done to find the safest volume of liquid to transport, and a 100 ml container restriction was instituted.
It was determined by experts that it was not possible to make a highly destructive explosive device on board by combining smaller containers with larger ones. They concluded that this would either malfunction or explode too soon, wounding the attacker but causing little to no harm to the aircraft.
It is now prohibited for passengers to carry more than one liter of liquids through security in containers that can hold no more than 100 milliliters each. When going through security scanners, these need to be taken out of hand luggage and placed into a clear, resealable bag.
The 100 ml bottles with liquid rule is expiring; why?
Some countries are about to do away with the 18-year-old 100 ml liquid rule, thanks to new and improved security scanners.
With the use of technology akin to that found in the medical profession, Computed Tomography (CT) X-rays enable them to produce a crisp three-dimensional picture of the contents of travelers’ luggage.
The device’s maker, Smiths Detection, compares the ability to fully analyze the images—which can be turned 360 degrees and magnified—to “digitally unpacking the bag.” Compared to the 2D imaging now in use at most airports, this is an improvement.
According to the UK’s Department for Transport, the scanners also use advanced threat detection algorithms that may identify bombs, including liquids, and other dangers.
CT scanners go beyond the current generation of 2D scanners, which can distinguish between organic and inorganic materials by presenting objects in distinct colors.
According to equipment manufacturer Sens-Tech, they can distinguish between liquids like water, hydrogen peroxide, or high-strength alcohol and provide a more comprehensive perspective of electronics with the use of AI technology.
The 100 milliliter liquid rule won’t make flying any less safe. In contrast, the UK’s Department for Transport claims that the new scanners will increase security.
This is because they offer more precise pictures of what people are carrying, making it easier for them to identify forbidden objects and possible threats.
Additionally, it will expedite security check times and improve customer convenience by streamlining the airport experience.
An further advantage is the decrease of plastic waste caused by passengers switching from using numerous single-use toiletry bottles to larger ones.
Because they will be able to bring in water and other refreshments from outside rather than depending on pricey airport shops, travelers may also save money thanks to the new technology.
The 100 ml liquid limit has already been abandoned by some airports in Europe. The new scanners are already in operation at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome, Schiphol in Amsterdam, and Teesside International Airport in County Durham, UK.
In recent years, a number of UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick in London, have tested the scanners. Although some airports have stated that early 2025 is more likely, the UK government has set a June 2024 timetable for the installation of the new security technology.