If you’ve flown recently, you might have noticed a small but welcome change in some European airports: no more pulling out your liquids and electronics from your carry-on bags at security. Thanks to a new generation of advanced scanners, the tedious 100 mL liquid rule seemed to be a thing of the past. For many travelers, this was a breath of fresh air, making the airport experience just a little less stressful. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
Europe Puts the Brakes on New Scanners
The relief many travelers felt over the past few months is, unfortunately, set to be short-lived. On July 31, the European Commission issued a new regulation that halts the use of these high-tech scanners. The reason? Despite their cutting-edge technology, which combines X-rays and tomography to create detailed images of bag contents, these machines have struggled with a critical task: reliably detecting certain dangerous substances, like explosives.
The decision comes as a significant blow, especially considering the hefty investment. According to reports, these scanners cost between 500,000 and 800,000 euros each—about eight times more than traditional X-ray machines—with maintenance costs four times higher. Although they promised greater security and convenience, the scanners’ inability to consistently identify threats has led to this rollback.
Back to the Old Ways for Travelers
Starting September 1, passengers will once again need to remove liquids from their bags during security checks. The 100 mL restriction is also back in full force, though, for now, you can still leave your electronics in your carry-on. In fact, some airports, like those in Paris, have already reinstated the old security procedures following directives from France‘s Civil Aviation Authority.
While this return to stricter security measures is expected to be temporary, there’s no clear timeline for when the restrictions might be lifted again. The European Commission is awaiting further test results, but until then, the inconvenience is likely to cause significant disruptions. Airports across Europe are bracing for the impact, with Airports Council International (ACI) Europe warning of “operational pressure” that may require additional staff and reconfigured security checkpoints.
So, if you’re planning to fly this summer, it’s back to the old routine of carefully packing your liquids and preparing for longer security lines. It’s a frustrating step back, but one that officials argue is necessary for the sake of safety.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.