Restrictions return at EU airports. News. Starting September 1, the European Commission (EC) is bringing back temporary rules that will include new restrictions on baggage checks. This will affect airports in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, even those with advanced security systems. Travellers should be ready for extra checks on liquids, which must be packed within the allowed limits, or they will be taken out of the baggage.
Baggage Check Restrictions Return – New Rules Effective September 1
Since Sunday, the European Commission (EC) has reinstated temporary rules that reintroduce the 100 ml liquid limit for hand luggage at airports across the European Union. Although most airports were still following these restrictions, some European airports that had invested in modern baggage scanners had lifted the limits. However, due to technical issues, the EC decided to bring back the restrictions.
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Airports in countries like Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands have installed advanced CT scanners that use 3D technology to scan cabin baggage. These scanners provide detailed, high-resolution images of the bag’s contents, making it easier to detect potential threats like explosives hidden in liquids, cosmetics, or electronic devices. Because of these new scanners, some airports had previously removed the liquid limits.
However, during a press briefing on Tuesday, EC spokesperson Tim McPhie explained that the limits had to be reinstated because of technical problems with the scanners at some airports. The EC emphasized that these new rules are temporary and will remain in place until the technical issues with the scanning devices are resolved.
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Airport Liquid Checks: Scanner Effectiveness Under Scrutiny
The European Commission (EC) made the decision to reinstate the old restrictions after conducting a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of modern scanners, as reported by Money.pl. In May 2023, the EC sent a report to the European Civil Aviation Confederation, raising concerns about the performance of the CT scanners. The report highlighted some issues with the operation of these devices, leading the EC to temporarily bring back the previous restrictions to ensure passenger safety at all airports in the European Union.