EU Airports To Reinforce 100ml Liquid Limit In Cabin Bags From September

The 100ml limit on liquid items when travelling in European airports will come into effect once again. From Sunday, 1st September, 2024, all liquids in cabin bags must be in bottles of 100ml or less; the same limit applies to aerosols and gels.

It’s an abrupt about-face from a previous government mandate for European airports to install advanced scanners – known as Explosive Detection Systems for Cabin Baggage (EDSCB) – which would allow up to two litres of liquids in carry-ons. Those ‘3D’ scanners also meant passengers no longer had to take liquids out from their hand luggage.

But their effectiveness was called into question after a technical report from the European Civil Aviation Conference noted the software used in these scanners could not guarantee their reliability for containers holding more than 330ml.

As a result, the European Commission says that the 100ml rule will be "temporarily" reimposed from this weekend across all EU airports, including those equipped with the new scanners. In short, the 100ml limit is coming back into force – and at most airports, must be carried within a resealable clear plastic bag with a maximum volume of one litre. Liquids and gels over 100ml will need to be put into checked luggage.

"This precautionary measure is not in response to any new threat but addresses a temporary technical issue, undertaken in alignment with the EU’s international partners," the European Commission said in a statement.

Ensuring Safety and Security

"The commission is collaborating closely with member states and the European Civil Aviation Conference to develop swift technical solutions, ensuring the highest standards of safety and security in air travel."

The reintroduction of this restriction aims to maintain high safety standards while addressing current technical limitations. The collaboration between various aviation bodies highlights the importance placed on passenger security.

This change affects all travellers flying through EU airports. Passengers should prepare by ensuring their liquids comply with the reinstated regulations. This includes using resealable clear plastic bags for easy inspection at security checkpoints.

The temporary measure underscores ongoing efforts to balance convenience and safety in air travel. Authorities are working diligently to resolve technical issues with EDSCB scanners while maintaining stringent security protocols.

With inputs from WAM