EU airports to change rules on liquids in luggage: what's the point

European airports will soon introduce stricter requirements for carrying liquids in airplane cabins. The changes will come into force on September 1.

According to the Mirror, from this day all passengers traveling through any EU airport will not be allowed to carry liquids, gels or aerosols of more than 100 ml in hand luggage. The only exceptions will be baby food or prescription medicines.

The reason for the stricter requirements was the new explosives detection system for hand luggage (EDSCB), which is gradually being introduced at airports. The EU has now decided to suspend its rollout. The reason was data indicating its lack of effectiveness. It does not yet meet the standard for which it was approved.

The idea behind the change in the system was that the new generation scanning equipment is able to scan hand luggage in 3D more efficiently. Passengers may therefore be allowed to bring more liquids through security, which could remain in their luggage for screening.

However, despite advances in technology, as of September 1, the EU will enforce a rule regarding liquids that has been in place for the past 20 years. Passengers will be prohibited from carrying any liquids larger than 100ml in their hand luggage. And even with these requirements, all liquids will have to be placed in a small bag during airport security checks.

This rule was established back in 2006 following the uncovering of a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks on several transatlantic flights. Recently, due to improvements in passenger screening procedures, some airports have dropped the strict restrictions, but now they will have to go back to them.

This may also create some problems for passengers. They are now advised to check the current restrictions on liquids at each airport they use when traveling.

It's not just within the European Union that restrictions will be tightened up again. The UK Department for Transport (DfT) made a similar decision in June. It affected London City Airport in particular. However, then the Department said that this is a temporary measure "to ensure the possibility of further improvement of new systems of checkpoints".

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