European Airports: Understanding Liquid Restrictions

Liquids, gels, and aerosols are restricted on flights departing from airports in the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and the United States. This restriction was introduced in 2006 after a terrorist plot involving liquids was foiled. Passengers are typically limited to carrying liquids in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml, packed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. However, some airports in Ireland and the UK are preparing to lift these restrictions, thanks to new security screening device technology.

Why do European airports have liquid restrictions?

In 2006, terrorists attempted to blow up several aircraft mid-flight using homemade explosives at London-Heathrow Airport. In response, the European Commission adopted additional rules on aviation security to address this newly-identified threat. These rules restrict passengers from carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) past screening points, whether on their persons or in their hand luggage. The rules apply at all airports in the EU and in Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland until further notice.

The restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage are designed to ensure that liquids cannot be used to conceal explosive materials. Liquids are restricted to containers holding no more than 100 ml (3.4 ounces) per item. Each liquid container must be placed in a clear, quart-sized, plastic bag, and each passenger is only allowed one bag per carry-on. This bag must be placed on a conveyor belt or in a bin for X-ray screening.

Prescription liquid medications, baby formula, and breast milk are exempt from these restrictions and are allowed in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. However, they must be declared to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.

While these restrictions have been a source of inconvenience for travellers, they are essential for aviation security. In recent years, new security screening device technology powered by Computed Tomography (CT) has emerged, which may allow for the relaxation of some liquid restrictions. Several airports in Ireland and the UK are preparing to lift their bans on liquids over 3.4 ounces, and London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports are trialling the new screening technology. It is expected that the new technology will make onerous size restrictions for liquids obsolete.

What are the exemptions to the liquid restrictions?

Following the 2006 terrorist attempts to blow up several aircraft during flight using homemade explosives, the European Commission adopted additional rules on aviation security. These included restrictions on carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) past screening points, whether on passengers or in their hand luggage. However, there are several exemptions to these restrictions:

• Liquids in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml can be packed in one transparent, re-sealable, plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
• Liquids for medical purposes or special dietary requirements, including baby food, are exempt from the volume restriction.
• EU duty-free liquids obtained at EU airports or on board an EU carrier are allowed if packed in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB) with proof of purchase displayed.
• Duty-free liquids purchased at certain airports in Croatia, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, or the US are permitted within 36 hours of purchase, provided they are packed in a STEB with proof of purchase.

It is important to note that these exemptions may vary slightly depending on the specific European airport and country. For example, Helsinki Airport allows passengers to bring up to 2 litres of liquids as long as individual packages do not exceed 100 ml. Additionally, some countries may have different limits on maximum container sizes, such as Australia's 80 ml restriction.

What are the liquid restrictions in the US?

In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces liquid restrictions on flights departing from US airports. The restrictions, known as the 3-1-1 rule, allow travellers to carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) each. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, which must be placed in a clear plastic bag for screening. This means that travellers can carry around nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag. Liquids that are stored in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, even if only partially filled, are not permitted through security.

There are some exemptions to the 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary liquids, such as prescription medications, liquid medications, and contact lens solutions, are allowed in larger quantities. Breast milk, baby formula, and baby food are also exempt from the restrictions and do not need to be placed in a clear plastic bag, although they must be declared to TSA officers for inspection. Duty-free liquids purchased at airports or on board aircraft are also exempt if they are packed in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB).

It is important to note that the liquid restrictions in the US may be changing due to the advent of new 3-D imaging technology at airport checkpoints. This technology allows officers to detect hazardous liquids more effectively, and some European airports have already eliminated liquid restrictions as a result. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates that the limit on liquids in the US will be lifted in the coming years.

How are liquid restrictions enforced differently in Europe and the US?

When travelling by plane, it's important to be aware of the liquid restrictions enforced by different countries and airports. Both the US and Europe have similar restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage, but there are some differences in how these restrictions are enforced.

In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. This means that liquids must be in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml each, and they must be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag. Each passenger is allowed only one bag per carry-on, and this bag must be placed on a conveyor belt or in a bin for X-ray screening. Prescription liquid medications, baby formula, and breast milk are exempt from the size restriction but must be declared to TSA officers for inspection.

In Europe, similar restrictions are in place, with a few key differences. Passengers are allowed to carry liquids in individual containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml, and they must be packed in a transparent one-litre re-sealable plastic bag. However, there are exemptions for liquids that are to be used for medical purposes or special dietary requirements, including baby food. Additionally, duty-free liquids purchased at EU airports or on board an EU carrier are allowed as long as they remain sealed inside a security bag with proof of purchase.

One notable difference between the US and Europe is the level of enforcement. While the TSA in the US strictly enforces the 3-1-1 rule, travellers have reported that the policy is not always consistently enforced in Europe. Some travellers have noted that they were not asked to remove liquids from their carry-on luggage or were allowed to carry liquids without any issues. However, it's important to note that individual countries and airports may have their own additional security measures, and the level of enforcement may vary.

Another difference lies in the screening procedures. In the US, passengers are typically required to remove liquids from their carry-on luggage and place them in a separate bin for screening. In Europe, while the general screening procedures are similar, there may be variations in how liquids are screened at different airports. For example, some airports may require passengers to place liquids in a separate bin, while others may allow liquids to remain in the carry-on luggage during screening.

It's always recommended that passengers check with their airline or departure airport for any specific rules and regulations regarding liquids, as these can vary depending on the country and region. Being aware of and adhering to these restrictions is crucial for a smooth travel experience.

What are the liquid restrictions like in European airports that have new CT screening technology?

The adoption of new CT screening technology in European airports is set to redefine the way we navigate security checkpoints, promising a more seamless and secure travel experience. This technology, known as Advanced Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, is being deployed at major hubs across Europe, revolutionizing the security check process and phasing out the longstanding 100ml liquid rule.

The new 3D scanners utilize CT X-ray technology, generating a detailed, 360-degree view of the contents inside passengers' bags. They can differentiate between various liquids, including water, hydrogen peroxide, and high-strength alcohol, providing a comprehensive assessment of potential threats. This enhanced security measure incorporates sophisticated threat detection algorithms capable of identifying explosives and other hazards, leading to fewer false alarms and reduced unnecessary bag checks.

With the introduction of CT scanners, liquid restrictions in European airports that have adopted this technology are expected to be relaxed. Passengers may be allowed to carry more liquids, and the limits will vary from country to country. However, it is important to note that the implementation of this technology is not uniform across all European airports, and travelers are advised to check the rules of their departure and arrival airports.

Currently, some European airports that have implemented CT scanners include Teesside International Airport, Schiphol in Amsterdam, and Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome. Spain also implemented new airport security rules in February 2024, which are expected to be followed progressively by other European airports over the coming months and years.

While the advanced technology brings enhanced security and convenience, there are also challenges during the transitional period. The liquid limits will no longer be standardized across airports, which can cause confusion and frustration for passengers as they adapt to the changing restrictions. Additionally, CT scanners have a slightly smaller entry tunnel, which means that not all larger carry-on bags will fit, potentially impacting passenger processing times.

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