Since 2006, there has been a strict rule in Europe that liquids may only be transported in hand luggage in containers of a maximum of 100 ml. These containers must be stowed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. This safety precaution was introduced after several foiled terrorist attacks in order to minimize the risk of liquid explosives.
Thanks to new technologies such as CT scanners (computed tomography scanners), airport security checks can now analyze liquids better and faster. These scanners create 3D images of hand luggage, which can be analyzed more accurately using artificial intelligence. This means that liquids and electronic devices can remain in hand luggage without having to be checked separately.
In Germany, some airports are already in the process of abolishing the 100 ml rule or have already done so:
Munich Airport: Seven CT scanners are in use here. Further scanners are to be installed by 2026.
Düsseldorf Airport: Seven scanners are in use, liquids and electronic devices can remain in hand baggage.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): Terminal 2 is fully equipped with CT scanners, while Terminal 1 is expected to be converted by the end of 2024.
Frankfurt Airport: 20 checkpoints are already equipped with CT scanners here, and this figure is set to rise to over 40 by summer 2024.
Hamburg Airport: Six CT scanners have been in use since May, with more to follow soon.
Stuttgart Airport: Two CT scanners are in operation and three more are to be added by the end of the year.
There are also numerous international airports that have lifted the 100 ml rule:
Ireland: The rule was already abolished at Shannon Airport in 2022. Dublin Airport is also in the process of changing over.
Great Britain: London City Airport, London Heathrow (from summer 2024), Gatwick (until March 2025), and other airports in the UK are in the process of abolishing the regulation.
Finnland: Since June 2023, liquids up to two liters may be carried at Helsinki Airport.
Spain: CT scanners are in use at Barcelona Airport. Madrid and Palma de Mallorca are also being converted.
Netherlands: The CT scanners are already in use at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.
Schwitzerland: Geneva Airport has already switched over, Zurich will follow by 2025.
Italy: Airports in Rome and Milan have also introduced the new scanners.
The introduction of CT scanners makes the travel process much easier. Travelers no longer have to remove their liquids and electronic devices from their hand luggage, which speeds up the screening process and makes it more convenient. The three-dimensional views of the CT scanners also help security staff to identify potential threats more quickly and accurately.
Even though many airports have already introduced the new scanners, it is advisable to check the current regulations at the airport of departure before traveling. At some airports, not all screening lanes have been converted yet, so there may still be areas where the old 100 ml rule applies.
The abolition of the 100 ml liquid rule at more and more airports in Europe is a major step forward for travelers. Thanks to the new CT scanner technology, the security check is not only safer, but also much more convenient and faster. Stay informed and enjoy a more stress-free travel experience!
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Sources
Focus - Flüssigkeiten im Handgepäck: An diesen Flughäfen in Europa entfällt die 100-ml-Regel
Berliner Morgenpost - Flüssigkeiten im Handgepäck: Hier fällt die 100-ml-Regel
Hinweis: KI-generiertes Bild