For two decades, air travel has been defined by a single, irritating ritual: the 100ml liquids bag. But that’s changing. London’s Heathrow Airport has completed a major security overhaul, allowing passengers to carry larger volumes of liquids – up to two liters – and keep laptops and electronics in their bags. This marks a significant shift in airport security, driven by advancements in scanning technology.
The Problem With Old Scanners
The 100ml rule was introduced in 2006 after a foiled plot to use liquid explosives on transatlantic flights. Back then, airport scanners were rudimentary, producing 2D images that struggled to distinguish between harmless liquids (shampoo, water) and dangerous substances. The solution was simple, if inconvenient: limit liquid volumes until better technology arrived.
This was a workaround, not a long-term solution. The old scanners were like digital shadow puppets: flat, unreliable, and easily fooled by clutter.
The Rise of Computed Tomography (CT) Scanners
The new standard is the CT scanner, such as the Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX. Unlike the old 2D x-rays, these devices capture 3D models of bags by rotating an x-ray source around the item, taking hundreds of images from different angles. This creates a high-resolution, detailed view that security officers can manipulate and inspect.
They can now see through the clutter: rotating the bag virtually, zooming in on suspicious items, and analyzing density to identify threats more accurately.
The Real Breakthrough: Artificial Intelligence
The most critical upgrade isn’t just the hardware; it’s the software. These scanners use sophisticated algorithms certified to European C3 standards. This means they can reliably detect potential threats, including liquids, without requiring passengers to unpack everything.
The machines now focus screeners’ attention on flagged items, rather than forcing them to manually sift through every bag. This efficiency has convinced regulators to ease restrictions in select airports.
What This Means For Travelers
Heathrow’s upgrade is a first step. However, the changes won’t be universal overnight. Travelers should not ditch their Ziploc bags just yet. Many airports are still using older systems, and a return trip through a different airport may mean reverting to the 100ml rule.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is installing CT scanners, but policy changes will lag behind implementation. For now, American travelers remain subject to the 3.4-ounce restriction.
The widespread adoption of CT scanners will eventually reshape airport security, but it’s a gradual process. Until then, travelers must stay informed and adapt to varying rules across different locations.
This technological shift promises a more efficient and less frustrating airport experience. The end of the 100ml rule is not just a convenience; it’s a sign that security measures are finally catching up with the needs of modern travel.
