Restriction on Liquids in Carry-On Baggage Lifted
The European Union's long-standing 100 ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage is set to be phased out starting mid-2025, marking a significant improvement in travel convenience for passengers. However, this change will be gradual and will vary by airport, depending on the installation of advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners.
Airports equipped with approved new scanners, primarily those from the UK manufacturer Smiths Detection, can now allow passengers to carry liquids up to 2 liters through security. As of now, around 700 suitable CT scanners are in place or being installed across about 21 EU member states, including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and others.
This phased rollout means that not all EU airports will lift the restrictions simultaneously. Individual airports and countries will decide if and when they adopt the new technology. Terminals within the same airport may apply different liquid rules depending on which scanner is in use, leading to potential confusion, especially for connecting flights within Europe.
Travelers should expect inconsistent rules depending on the airport or even the terminal they transit through. It is advisable to check the liquid restrictions for their departing, connecting, and arriving airports before travel.
The current rule about the one-liter bag for carrying liquids in carry-on luggage has not been changed. The end of the 100-milliliter container rule for carry-on luggage is contingent on the successful implementation of these new scanners at airports.
In summary, the EU restrictions are not ending immediately everywhere but are being progressively relaxed starting in 2025 at airports with advanced CT scanners, leading to a patchwork of policies across member states for the foreseeable future. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the liquid restrictions at their specific airports to ensure a smooth travel experience.
[1] EU Commission Press Release, "EU approves new scanners to detect liquid explosives", 2022. [2] European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), "FAQs on the implementation of CT scanners", 2022. [3] Smiths Detection, "CT scanners for aviation security", 2022. [4] European Consumer Centre Network, "Travelling with liquids in Europe: What you need to know", 2022.
The Community policy regarding travel convenience for passengers is shifting with the phased out implementation of the 100 ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage, starting mid-2025. Under this policy change, vocational training in the use of advanced technology like general-news worthy, approved CT scanners will be crucial for airports operating these scanners, as they allow passengers to carry liquids up to 2 liters through security. However, the lifestyle of travelers may still be affected by the patchwork of these policies across EU member states, as individual airports and countries decide when to adopt the new technology.
