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How often have you had to hassle with transferring your liquids and medications to 100ml bags while travelling by air? When the EU relaxed that rule some time ago, it was a collective sigh of relief for all of us. Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived. Starting in September, the 100ml limit on liquids is set to return to all EU airports.
Going through airport security can be a hassle, but European airports found a solution. They installed cutting-edge scanners that allowed passengers to keep their electronic devices and cosmetics in their luggage without taking them out. These state-of-the-art scanners, equipped with C3 EDSCB technology, can produce high-resolution 3D images from CT scans and easily detect explosive components in cosmetics, liquids, or electronic devices.
This meant that passengers no longer had to open their suitcases or remove their belongings, which minimised delays. However, all that is set to change as the European Commission is considering reverting to the previous model of limiting liquid containers to 100 millilitres due to concerns about the reliability of the advanced scanners.
Last May, the European Commission sent a technical report to the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) questioning the effectiveness of the new scanners. According to the report, the scanners' software fails to guarantee their reliability for containers exceeding 330 millilitres.
On July 31, Brussels announced the decision to impose "temporary" restrictions on C3 explosives detection systems as a "precautionary measure" until "certain technical problems are resolved," according to a Commission spokesperson. However, the spokesperson emphasised that "the Commission has not altered its view on the quality and performance of this new generation of scanners." As a result, airports currently using the C3 model will have to resume using the traditional X-ray scanner.
Since 2006, global airline passengers must adhere to a 100 ml limit on liquids in their carry-on baggage. This measure was implemented following the discovery of a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks on transatlantic flights.
When travelling to Europe, please know the regulations regarding liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. You can bring a quart-sized bag with containers holding 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less per item through the checkpoint. This is commonly known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule. According to EU restrictions, all liquids carried in the aircraft cabin must be placed in a transparent plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre, and no container may hold more than 100 ml. Any liquid containers larger than 100 ml must be packed in checked baggage.
When you travel, the last thing you want is to open your suitcase and find your products have leaked. Fortunately, there's a simple solution. Get a square of plastic wrap, open your liquid products, place the plastic wrap over the bottle opening, screw the lid back on tightly, and you can relax knowing your items are secure. Safe travels!
