Travelers still face strict liquid restrictions due to airport baggage, but new security upgrades could quickly change rules. Credits: Vladdon, Shutterstock
Are we finally saying goodbye to the little bottle? …If you’re like me, you probably had that last minute panic with airport security – squeeze your favorite face wash into one of those annoying little travel bottles, or worse, chuck it in a bin because you forgot the rules.
All the travelers were there. Big question about everyone’s heart: Are you us? Finally Are you trying to sway goodbye to the 100ml liquid limit?
There have been many exciting stories recently, especially after some pretty promising tips from people in the state’s homeland security. Apparently, it could be possible to carry more than a thimble shampoo, or to store a water bottle when walking through security. Sounds like a dream, right?
The real reason why airport flow rules haven’t changed yet
It’s where reality begins. Despite the topic, there is a pretty big catch. Most airports are not ready. Like what I found in the hospital, the new kit (CT scanner) can convey the difference between an innocent hair gel and something a little more suspicious. These machines are great and are already running at major US airports. But installing them everywhere is a huge job. They cost millions, take up a lot of space, and frankly, most airports have yet to round it up.
Of the more than 400 US airports, more than half have flashy scanners. And across Europe, it’s pretty much the same. The UK tried to ease restrictions last year, but had to backtrack. Surprising, surprise, there was no enough gear in the airport. So for now, these little plastic bags are not going anywhere.
Why do we even have a fluid ban?
Let’s rewind for a moment. It all began in 2006, when British police stopped a horrible plot. The rules then changed overnight. There were no more big bottles in my baggage, but all of a sudden the world was hooked on 100ml.
The old X-ray machines were to ban everything because they couldn’t know what was safe and what was not. Since then, countless water bottles, perfumes and face creams have ended in airport bottles.
What travelers can expect next with airport security
The new scanner is a total game changer if it is actually installed. Security staff can see what’s actually in the bag in a glorious 3D, spin it and oddly zoom in. There’s no better guessing game and there’s a much less chance of accidentally crushing expensive moisturizers.
But don’t celebrate yet. Experts believe it could be another decade (or two!) before every airport has a new system. Until then, you may notice that you are allowing large bottles at Heathrow, but not at small return airports in Spain or Greece. Queue’s confusion – and more confiscated toiletries.
A bit of optimism… a cautious side
Airport security is a tough job, and stakes are high. Since these rules were introduced, there have been no major incidents involving liquids in planes. Therefore, prohibiting the flow is a nuisance, but there is a reason for this.
For now, just keep your small bottle on hand and put your favorite perfume in the hold. But don’t lose hope – change is underway. One day we laugh about all those mini toothpaste tubes. But…it’s probably not this summer.
In the meantime, the hope that the only thing you’ll lose at the airport is your direction, not your favorite shampoo, but your sense of direction.
Stay tuned for the latest travel updates in atlasgazette
