Airports Across Europe Abolish Rule That Has Annoyed Passengers for 20 Years
The rule that limited the amount of liquids in carry-on luggage to 100 ml, after nearly 20 years, now seems to be slowly becoming a thing of the past.
Thanks to new 3D scanners, several European countries have already abolished this restriction, and the trend is expected to spread across much of the continent.
Italy Among the First Countries to Lift the Restriction
Airports in Rome (Fiumicino), Milan, and Bologna now allow passengers to carry up to two liters of liquids in their hand luggage – without the need for transparent plastic bags. The new scanners provide detailed analysis of bottle contents and a 3D view of luggage from different angles. This means that security services can even detect explosives hidden in ordinary cosmetic packaging.
The investment in this equipment is not small – the new technology costs up to eight times more than standard scanners. However, the cost is covered through airport fees, and for passengers this translates to only a few extra cents per ticket, writes TU Magazin.
Europe Introduces a New Practice
Besides Italy, airports in London (City), Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Helsinki have already lifted the ban. In the coming years, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden, and the Netherlands are expected to follow.
In Switzerland, Geneva Airport introduced the new technology back in 2018, but the transition will be gradual – the 100 ml rule will remain in place until all checkpoints are equipped with modern devices, which is expected no later than 2032.
Why Was the 100 ml Rule Introduced?
The liquid restriction was introduced in 2006 after British authorities prevented an attempted terrorist attack using liquid explosives. Since then, strict rules applied: only bottles up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag with a capacity of up to one liter, could be carried on board.
Twenty years later, technology allows for greater security without such rules. Passengers will no longer have to throw away cosmetics, drinks, or medicines at airports due to the limit, bringing a new air travel experience – more practical, faster, and more relaxed.
A New Era of Air Travel
The abolition of the 100 ml restriction marks a major step toward the modernization of air travel. The introduction of 3D scanners represents a balance between passenger safety and comfort, and the next five years will be crucial for the full implementation of this practice across Europe. For travelers, this means less stress, shorter lines, and more freedom – without compromising safety.
