EU to scrap 100ml liquid rule as new airport scanners roll out
Passengers departing from airports equipped with the new high-tech scanners will be allowed to carry liquids — including wine, olive oil, perfumes, and other products — in containers of up to two liters in their hand luggage.
The longstanding 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage on European Union flights is set to be phased out, marking a significant shift in airport security protocols. The change hinges on the widespread deployment of next-generation security scanners across EU airports.
The end of the 100ml rule
Originally scheduled for removal in summer 2024, the 100ml restriction faced delays, but it is now back on track following the approval of a new regulatory framework by the EU.
According to The Independent, passengers departing from airports equipped with the new high-tech scanners will soon be allowed to carry liquids — including wine, olive oil, perfumes, and other products — in containers of up to two liters in their hand luggage.
Major European airports like Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam, and Milan are among the first to adopt the new technology, with more airports expected to follow in the coming months.
However, not all major airports are ready. London’s Heathrow, one of the busiest hubs in Europe, has yet to install the necessary scanners, highlighting the uneven pace of implementation.
The new scanners
The introduction of these advanced scanners, which use 3D imaging technology, is not mandatory. Each airport can decide independently whether to adopt the system. This discretionary rollout could lead to confusion among travelers — particularly those flying out of an airport with the new system and returning via one that still enforces the 100ml rule.
In addition to lifting liquid limits, the scanners will enhance security screening overall, allowing passengers to keep laptops and tablets in their bags during checks — a major convenience for frequent flyers.
