For travelers accustomed to the ease of shopping for liquids at their destination and carrying them home in hand luggage, recent developments have been a disappointing setback. Both the UK and EU airports are reinstating the strict 100ml limit on liquids in cabin bags, a measure that had previously been relaxed in some locations due to advances in scanning technology. This return to old rules has left many wondering why such restrictions are back in place and what it means for future travel.
The Return of the 100ml Rule
From Sunday, all EU airports are enforcing the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage, reverting to the stringent rules that had been relaxed in certain destinations. This move comes as a response to a “temporary technical issue” with new security scanners, which were intended to facilitate larger volumes of liquids and more streamlined security procedures.
The European Commission’s decision to reinstate the 100ml liquid rule was not driven by an increased security threat but rather due to unforeseen problems with the new CT X-ray scanners. These machines were expected to allow passengers to carry larger quantities of liquids and keep laptops in their bags, significantly improving the passenger experience. However, technical difficulties with the scanners have led to discrepancies in their performance, particularly with the accuracy of detecting liquid containers.
Challenges with New Technology
The new scanners, which use advanced CT X-ray technology, were trialed in several EU airports, including Rome and Amsterdam. The hope was that these devices would allow for a more relaxed approach to liquid restrictions, as they are capable of providing a more detailed image of the contents of carry-on bags. Despite this, reports indicate that the technology has not yet achieved the reliability needed to fully replace the 100ml limit.
The Airports Council International (ACI) Europe has criticized the reinstatement of the 100ml rule as a significant setback. Olivier Jankovec, the ACI Europe director general, expressed frustration over the operational and financial impacts on airports that had invested heavily in the new technology. He also questioned the confidence in the EU’s certification system for aviation security equipment, suggesting that the situation undermines trust in the process.
UK’s Experience with Liquid Rules
The UK has faced similar challenges with the implementation of the new scanning technology. Although smaller airports like London City and Newcastle had managed to drop the 100ml limit by the initial deadline of June 2024, larger hubs such as Heathrow and Gatwick struggled with delays due to construction and supply chain issues.
In June, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the 100ml liquid limit would need to be reinstated at airports that had previously relaxed the rules. This sudden reversal frustrated airport operators who had to quickly revert to the old procedures, impacting both operational efficiency and passenger experience.
The Path Forward
The European Commission has not specified when the new scanning technology will be fully operational or when the 100ml limit might be lifted again. The focus is currently on addressing the technical issues and ensuring that the new equipment can meet the necessary standards. The UK government has similarly acknowledged the need for improvements in the new systems but has also not provided a timeline for when the restrictions might be relaxed.
In the meantime, travelers should be prepared for the continuation of the 100ml liquid rule for the foreseeable future. It is advisable to check the latest regulations at both departure and arrival airports to ensure compliance with current rules. For now, it’s best to revert to the old practices of packing liquids in small containers and adhering to the strict cabin bag liquid allowance.
As airports and security agencies work through these technical challenges, passengers will need to adjust their travel habits and remain patient. The hope is that once these issues are resolved, more relaxed and efficient security procedures will once again be in place, making air travel more convenient in the future.
