In the UK, as elsewhere, carrying liquids and a computer in hand luggage when you fly is often a pain in the ass.
On the other side of the Channel, passengers carrying liquids in bottles in their hand luggage must place them in transparent plastic bags with a limit of 100 ml per bottle. The bag must be resealable and must measure 20x20cm. They must be presented separately during controls.
This rule of a 100ml limit per bottle was established in 2006 after British police foiled a plan to bomb planes using explosives hidden in drink bottles.
Puzzle
But it is possible that this restriction for passengers will be lifted soon. Thanks to technology. According to the BBC, the government is considering the generalization of state-of-the-art 3D scanners by mid-2024, which will allow a clearer image of a bag’s contents to be shown. According to Timesan official announcement could come before Christmas.
The equipment (CT scanner), similar to CT scanners used in hospitals, allows security personnel to zoom in on the contents of a bag and rotate the three-dimensional images for inspection from all viewing angles. A much more effective approach than current scanners that operate in two dimensions.
Which “greatly improves the ability to visually inspect baggage contents (without removing anything) for explosives and other prohibited items,” explains a manufacturer of these scanners.
This will also avoid having to take your computer out of your bag during checks.
For the government, it is also and above all about putting an end to the endless and chronic queues at London airports for several months due to the shortage of security guards.
In the middle of 2024
However, despite initial experiments, implementations have been delayed. Interviewed by the BBC, John Holland-Kaye, director of Heathrow, explains: “We have just started the expansion of the Terminal 3 security area, which will have more CT scanners by mid-2024.” Meanwhile, “liquids remain in bags,” warns the manager.
A message that was also repeated by a spokeswoman for the Department of Transport: “passengers at British airports should not carry liquid containers larger than 100ml in the cabin, and liquids and electronic devices should be removed from cabin baggage at flight controls.” airport security.
These 3D scanners have already been used at US airports, such as John F. Kennedy in New York, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and O’Hare in Chicago, for several years.
A test launched at Orly
As for France, reflection is ongoing… Questioned by BFM Business, ADP (Aéroports de Paris) explains that it is “currently testing new equipment for the detection of explosives for hand luggage. This equipment incorporates a detection capability automatic explosive threats, making it possible for electronic devices or liquids to no longer be removed from hand luggage, which facilitates the preparation of passengers during security control.
Specifically, “the test began in Orly on October 3, and will take place for a year in a real situation: operator training in new image analysis protocols, interest in passenger journeys (perceived quality, transit time , etc.)… These tests are carried out in close collaboration with the State services”.
ADP highlights other innovations such as the “shoescan” to avoid removing shoes in order to “strengthen security checks while improving the passenger journey.” Whether these tests will be conclusive and lead to fewer restrictions for travelers remains to be seen.
Source: BFM TV
