The move has angered many airports. Why the decision on the liquids limit?

Have you gotten used to the abolition of the liquid limit in hand luggage? Or maybe you haven’t managed to break the habit? Last year, there were reports that airports would introduce modern scanners that would streamline check-in and the limit would be lifted as a result.

Passengers had hoped that traveling with cosmetics in 100 ml bottles would be a thing of the past, and some airports had managed to lift this restriction. Among them were the airports in Rome and Amsterdam. Most had not yet implemented the new technology, and some were still testing it.

Fluid Limit on Airplanes: Why Does It Exist?

In August, the decision was made that airports would revert to the previous rules from Sunday, September 1. The reason was a “temporary technical problem” with new security scanners.

The BBC explains that new scanning devices, which use X-ray technology, should theoretically allow larger quantities of liquids to be brought in and laptops to be left in bags. However, the scanners were not accurate enough for some containers.

Anger at airports

In the UK, Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports have yet to relax their rules. Reasons ranged from construction work to supply chain issues. They have been given more time. But airports that have already scrapped the limits (such as London City, Leeds/Bradford) have had to quickly change their procedures, and airport bosses have been furious at the abrupt U-turn. Karen Dee, head of the UK Airport Operators Association, said the decision was sudden and there was little time to react.

The EU has reinstated the 100ml limit to address a technical issue with new baggage scanning equipment. It’s worth checking the rules at airports before you fly, as in many cases you won’t be able to pack a large bottle of sunscreen, perfume or local booze into your hand luggage.