The 2-Liter Limit is Lifting: How Airport Security is Changing and What Travelers Need to Know
For nearly two decades, the 100ml liquid rule has been the bane of travelers’ existence, forcing countless compromises on toiletries and creating a lucrative market for travel-sized products. But a quiet revolution is underway in European airports, and it’s poised to dramatically reshape the airport security experience. More than half of European airports now allow liquids up to 2 liters in carry-on baggage, a shift driven by the rollout of advanced CT scanners – and the change is happening at uneven speeds, creating a complex landscape for passengers.
The End of the 100ml Rule: A Technological Leap
The origins of the 100ml limit are rooted in a specific security threat: the 2006 transatlantic aircraft bomb plot. Following the foiled attempt, authorities implemented the restriction on liquids to prevent the concealment of explosive devices. Now, thanks to Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, airports are moving beyond this blanket restriction. These scanners provide detailed 3D images of baggage contents, allowing security personnel to identify prohibited items more accurately and efficiently than traditional X-ray technology. This enhanced detection capability allows for the relaxation of the liquid limit, paving the way for travelers to bring larger volumes of liquids in their carry-on bags.
Where Can You Carry 2 Liters – And Where Can’t You?
The implementation of the new rules is far from uniform across Europe. The United Kingdom is leading the charge, with airport security now permitting 2-liter containers at major hubs like London Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Belfast, and Edinburgh. Italy is also making significant progress, with Milan Linate, Bologna, Rome Fiumicino, and parts of Milan Malpensa and Turin airports adopting the new standard. Other airports currently allowing the larger limit include Dublin, Prague (Terminal 2), Vilnius and Kaunas (Lithuania), Krakow and Poznań (Poland), Cluj (Romania), Billund (Denmark), and Painted.
Germany’s Patchwork Approach
Germany presents a more fragmented picture. At Munich Airport, the 2-liter allowance is available in a limited number of security corridors, while Frankfurt and Berlin Brandenburg airports are also implementing the change on a lane-by-lane basis. Passengers at these airports should check which security checkpoints are equipped with the new technology to avoid delays or having to repack their bags. Berlin airport authorities even recommend sticking to the 100ml rule “to ensure a smooth process” until full implementation is complete.
Hesitation in Key Hubs
Several major European airports are lagging behind. Amsterdam Schiphol and Barcelona El Prat are monitoring the situation but haven’t committed to a timeline for adopting the 2-liter limit. Brussels-Zaventem has no current plans for change, and Paris, Marseille, Madrid, Athens, and Lisbon continue to enforce the 100ml rule. Athens anticipates a rollout in early 2027 following airport expansion, while Paris aims for full readiness by 2030. This staggered approach means travelers need to be vigilant and check the specific rules for each airport they’ll be passing through.
Beyond Liquids: The Future of Airport Security
The shift away from the 100ml rule is just one piece of a larger transformation in airport security. The adoption of CT scanners is expected to streamline the screening process, reducing wait times and improving the overall passenger experience. Furthermore, the technology allows for more targeted security checks, focusing on potential threats rather than subjecting all passengers to the same restrictions. This move towards risk-based security is a significant departure from the one-size-fits-all approach of the past.
However, challenges remain. The cost of implementing CT scanners is substantial, and the rollout requires significant infrastructure upgrades. Data privacy concerns surrounding the detailed images generated by the scanners also need to be addressed. Moreover, maintaining a consistent security standard across different airports and countries is crucial to prevent vulnerabilities. The European Union is actively working to harmonize regulations and facilitate the widespread adoption of these new technologies. Eurocontrol provides further details on the EU’s initiatives.
As more airports embrace CT scanning technology, the days of miniature toiletries and plastic bags may soon be a distant memory. But for now, travelers must remain informed and prepared, checking the specific rules for each airport on their itinerary to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. What are your experiences with the new liquid rules? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
