Travellers have just one week left before a new rule regulating hand luggage across European Union airports and airlines comes into effect.
For the past two decades, air travellers have been well acquainted with the rule that prohibits carrying liquids over 100ml in their hand luggage with all liquids being put into one small bag when passing through airport security.
This regulation was implemented in 2006 following the discovery of a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks on several transatlantic flights.
However, in recent years, technology for scanning liquids has advanced significantly. If you’ve flown recently through certain airports, you might have spotted sophisticated new machines that scan liquids more efficiently, eliminating the need to remove them from your bag or adhere to the volume restrictions in some cases.
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Over the past year, Dublin Airport has been gradually introducing these new scanners, allowing passengers to carry any size liquids in their luggage without having to remove them, along with electronics which also previously had to be removed from bags, reports Dublin Live.
However, until there’s more consistency with tech across EU airports, from September 1, the hand luggage rules for liquids will snap back to the well-known 100mls. That’s right – from this date, the classic 100ml rule kicks back into action for everyone flying, pending possible tweaks in the future as airport standards level up.
For heaps of terminals, this is pretty much business as usual – the 100ml limit never really went away. However, those high-tech hubs with snazzy scanners have been nudging travellers that, come September 1, it’s back to the good old 100mls regime.
If you have any liquids over 100ml it’s best to chuck it in your checked baggage as there is no cap on how much you stash there, but remember to keep it tight to dodge sloppy suitcase surprises.
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.”
Dublin Airport’s official line on liquids is crystal clear: “Only liquids in containers of 100ml capacity or less, fitting comfortably into a one litre transparent plastic bag (approximately 20cm x 20cm) when fully closed, are permitted. This transparent bag, with containers of 100ml should then be presented at the passenger security screening area.”
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EU aviation security rules are strict: no containers over 100ml through the passenger security screening area, or you’ll have to kiss them goodbye. “From September 1, 2024, changes to EU regulation will see the re-introduction of temporary liquid restrictions at airports in the EU,” Ireland West Airport has announced.
In line with new rules from the European Commission for EU airports, starting from the 1st of September, passengers won’t be allowed to carry liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) in containers bigger than 100ml in their hand luggage through airport security. All your LAGs need to be under 100ml, popped into clear bags, and removed from your carry-on before security checks.
Exceptions are still 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 (LAGs). However, these new guidelines do not affect electronics items, like laptops and phones which can remain in your cabin baggage when going through security at Ireland West Airport.
As airports across the UK and Europe may operate different security scanner systems, passengers are advised to check the liquid restrictions locally at each airport as part of your trip. As this is a temporary measure, Ireland West Airport will continue to work closely with the European Commission and the Department of Transport to ensure that all security measures are implemented smoothly and efficiently.