Earlier this year, we wrote a piece about the first airport in the world to remove their “liquids” rule from carry-on baggage. It was a long time coming – 16 years since the rule went into effect pretty much all over the world. But thanks to improved technology, there ya go.
As it turns out, that airport was also the first one to introduce the world’s first Duty-Free shop (way back in 1947). I guess they like to be “first.” 😉
It’s easy enough to get around the rule (Here’s a hack of how to do it) but some people would just as soon not. So, of course, the faster airports around the world can also implement this new state-of-the-art computed tomography, or CT, scanning security system, the better.
Unfortunately, it’s not happening all that quickly.
However one other airport is now utilizing this new technology – Donegal Airport (a.k.a. Aerphort Dhún Na nGall) (CFN), in northwest Ireland’s city of Donegal.
From CFN’s website:
You can now carry your liquids without having to seal them in a clear plastic bag and without size restrictions in your carry-on luggage. You can carry liquids including water, baby food, medicines and other beverages, aerosol cans and toiletries in your carry-on luggage with no size restrictions.
Heads up that if you are traveling through any other airports before you get to your final destination, you’ll still have to pack your liquids “the old fashioned” was – 100 ml in a 1-liter bag (3-1-1 here in the U.S.). But if you’re flying direct from Donegal, knock your socks off and bring that full bottle of mouthwash and a grown-up size tube of toothpaste.
What about other airports?
Other airports in the area appear to be taking a “wait and see” stance. Others have the technology but apparently aren’t using it:
- Amsterdam Schiphol airport has had the same technology in place for almost a year. In fact, when the CT scanner was first introduced there, more than one publication hinted this would be the end of “liquid rules” there. As of this writing, it’s not (except under specific circumstances).
- London Heathrow signed a £50 million deal in 2019 with a CT technology provider, but as of this writing, passengers are still advised to limit liquids to 100ml containers and to remove them from hand luggage along with electronics during screening.
- New Zealand‘s Aviation Security Service (AvSec) released a strategic plan in January 2021. Titled ‘Horizon 2030’, it stated they had “a large screening technology modernization program underway.” According to the plan, the program would include investing in and implementing not just computed tomography (CT) scanners but advanced imaging technology (AIT) body scanners and automated smart lanes as well. Unfortunately, the document didn’t provide any indication as to when this would happen. An AvSec spokesperson said just getting the technology in the first place was years, not months, away.
And who knows when the U.S will get off its duff and start introducing them (OK, OK, they’re admittedly still switching TSA checkpoints to have Credential Authentication Technology [CAT] so you can save time at the airport). Maybe we’ll start getting the CT scanners when that’s done? Pretty please?
Feature Photo: TSA
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1 comment
For years Japan has allowed drinks and other liquids on domestic flights. The technology they use to screen these is quite quick qnd efficient; there’s simply no excuse for others not to be doing this already.