Passengers have one week until a new rule comes into effect regulating hand luggage across airports in the European Union. Anyone who has travelled via air over the past two decades will be well aware that passengers are not allowed to pack any liquids greater than 100ml in their hand luggage.
Liquids must also fit into a small clear bag when going through airport security. The rule was introduced in 2006, after a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks on a series of transatlantic flights was uncovered.
In the years following, technology for scanning liquids has improved, and if you have travelled by air recently you may have noticed snazzy new machines which scan liquids more effectively, meaning you don’t need to remove them from your bag or in some cases, abide by the volume of liquids rules. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
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Until there is more consistency in the technology across EU airports, from September 1 the guidelines for carrying liquids on planes will return to a universal standard of 100ml. The rule will be reinstated for all passengers with the view it may be amended in future when there is better standardisation.
For some airports this means no change at all because they always maintained the 100ml rule. But airports who have advanced scanners have updated their policies to remind customers that from September 1, the 100ml rule will return.
Liquid containers larger than 100ml must be placed in checked baggage, where there is no set limit.
A European Commission spokesperson told Devon Live: “The Commission has not changed its opinion on the quality of this new generation of scanners and their performance has not been called into question.”
Cardiff Airport’s official security advice is that you will be asked to put your belongings into a tray to be screened, including:
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electrical items, ie. Laptop, iPads
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we may ask you to take off your shoes and belt
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your coat, handbag and empty your pockets
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liquids, gels or deodorant no more than 100ml, ensure you place them in a sealed clear plastic bag no bigger than 20cm x 20cm
Exceptions remain in place for essential items over 100ml such as baby products, special dietary needs and medications, which also must be placed in a clear transparent bag, separate to the liquids, aerosols and gels.