LONDON – It seems that the requirement for taking out liquids and electronics from hand-carry luggage would soon be over as arrangements are being made in this regard.
Currently, Edinburgh Airport is revamping its system and has ordered new high-tech scanners that will effectively slash the security rules over hand luggage from next year.
The government had already set a deadline of June 2024 for most UK airports to install 3D scanners with the help of which passengers will not have to remove liquids and electronic devices from hand luggage for security checks.
Eight scanners are expected to be phased in at Edinburgh during the course of 2024 and after installation, they would facilitate the passengers.
The equipment is similar to CT scanners used in hospitals and enables baggage handlers to zoom in on a bag’s contents and rotate the images for examination.
Passengers at most airports across the globe are currently asked to remove items such as tablets, laptops, and liquids from their hand luggage for screening at security checks. As part of the guidelines in place, liquids, such as sun cream, shampoo, or perfumes, need to be 100ml or under and must be in a clear plastic bag. Some security staff members did not even allow water to be carried in hand carry.
With new scanners in place, passengers could take up to two liters of liquid onto a plane and would definitely have less argument with the security staff.
The move comes months after London City Airport scrapped the 100ml liquid limit after installing CT scanners in April, becoming the second UK airport to use the technology in all its security lanes; Teesside led the revolution for the UK as it introduced it in March.
Commenting on the latest measures, Edinburgh Airport chief operating officer Adam Wilson said safety is always paramount and by moving forward with these innovative and next-generation scanners, they will maintain those high security standards while helping passengers move through the airport quicker.
Meanwhile, AGS Airports, which operates Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton airports also said it was “in line to meet the government’s deadline” regarding the installation of scanners; airports in the US like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and Chicago’s O’Hare had been utilizing the same technology for years.
