The 3-1-1 liquid rule that we have in the United States is similar to the liquid rules that are in place in the rest of the world. The one big difference is because most of the rest of the world deals in metric, while we, along with Liberia and Myanmar, are still ensconced in imperial measurements (3.4 ounce containers in a quart-sized bag), the rest of the world limits travelers to 100ml containers in a 1 liter bag.
Regardless, we’ve all had to deal with the liquid rule for almost 20 years now. But the implementation of new technology, called Computed Tomography scanners, or CT scanners, has meant there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and restrictions are slowly (and I mean SSLLOOWWLLYY) changing.
With the new technology in place, airport security can more easily see what’s in your bag without making you unpack it. This means liquids and laptops, which you had to remove and scan separately, are now able to be left in your bag.
Well, once the government in question says it’s OK
Since U.S. is getting more and more CT scanners, I asked the TSA when we could expect to not have to worry about our “bag o’liquids” anymore. Here’s what they said.
Meanwhile, in Europe…
Europe seems to be having a better time with changing the rules. The first country in the world that got rid of their liquid rules was in Europe. And they were this close to all airports in the UK dropping their liquid rules too…but then they were delayed.
Things are looking better, though, and SOME airports in the UK have at least evolved their rules about liquids in carry-on bags.
In those cases, you still have to keep your liquids in 100ml containers, but at 11 airports across the UK, you no longer have to fish them out of your carry-on bag. AND you don’t even have to stick them in an individual clear plastic bag any more; they can be anywhere in your luggage.
The airports with the new rules
These 11 airports include:
- Belfast International
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Gatwick
- Leeds Bradford
- London City
- Luton
- Newcastle
- Southend
- Teesside
It’s not perfect – I mean, you’re still limited to smaller-sized containers. But at least passengers can go through security faster, and the process is smoother now that no one has to dig out all their liquids and keep them separate.
Reminder: it’s not all UK airports
Other airports across the UK still require you to keep your liquids in a separate bag. So make sure you look up the rules for whichever airport(s) you’re traveling from, so you know what their current rules are about carrying liquids. But to that end, CT scanners are still being installed in other major airports in the UK, so the list will continue to grow over time.
What about the rest of Europe?
Just as the rules are different depending on which UK airport you’re traveling from, so are the rules of each country (and sometimes, just like the UK, each airport within a country) you may be flying from. But right now, EU countries still require you to use small, clear bags for storing your 100ml bottles of liquids.
As always, check the various restrictions of the airports you’re planning to travel through before you start your trip.
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