After nearly two decades of speed, Europe’s strict restrictions on liquids to carry around was finally lifted at the airport. Two UK airports, Birmingham Airport (BHX) and Edinburgh Airport (EDI) have lifted previous restrictions and other airports across the continent are expected to follow suit in a short time.
The easy guide is thanks to the next generation of computed tomography scanners, which are more reliable in-bagging liquid scans than available on safety checkpoints. Passengers with new regulations will now be able to carry up to 2 liters of wine, olive oil, perfume and other liquids in a carry-on bag.
Another benefit for passengers who encounter these new scanners is that they will no longer need to remove items like portable computers and tablets that they carry around, which should help speed up the security process.
However, all airports in Europe do not change overnight. The launch of a new guide to relaxation depends on the installation of a new scanner in the Aviation Center. It is not mandatory to install machines at all airports, and given its high costs, some may choose not to do so. For example, London Heathrow Airport (LHR), the busiest airport in Europe, has not yet installed new technology. Equipping all Heathrow airport checkpoints with new scanners will cost more than $1 billion, officials said.
Airports with new liquid rules
Here are the airports where new liquid rules have been implemented:
UK Airport:
- Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
EU Airport:
- Milan Latin Airport (Lin)
- Milan Malpsa Airport (MXP)
- Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) in Rome
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(Note: The new scanner is currently only in Terminal 1 of Milan Malpensa)
The following European airports have installed new scanners and will adopt new liquid rules in the coming months:
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Brandenburg Airport (BER)
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
The good news is that if you fly out of one of these airports, you will enjoy greater flexibility and security. You no longer need to pour liquids or fight to pour them into vials. As mentioned earlier, laptops and tablets can also be left in your bag in the showway lane.
The bad news is that this is not a unified policy, as easy liquid rules may not be implemented in all European airports. For example, if they fly out of France or Spain, travelers flying out of Birmingham with 2 liters of liquid on their way back home, where the 100 ml rule may still be in the airport.
Why do these rules exist?
Just like the Transportation Safety Administration’s 3-1-1 liquid rule for American travelers, Europe’s rules on liquids in luggage can be traced back to the failure of a terrorist attack involving liquid explosives in 2006. Since then, passengers traveling with liquids, gels or aerosols have been limited to containers no more than 100 ml, with some exceptions for infant formula and medications.
Related: TSA Liquid Rules: Is it approaching after the shoe policy ended?
London City Airport (LCY) was the first UK airport to remove the 100ml rule, but technical issues forced officials to reverse the widespread pullback of regulations.
Bottom line
The new, looser liquid travel guide is a major victory for European travelers’ convenience. Even if it is currently restricted, more airports may invest in new scanners in the near future. Until then, travelers planning a rural visit to Europe should read the rules of the airport they plan to fly to ensure they are familiar with the rules.
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