The aviation industry is always learning from its mistakes: if there is a crash, all measures will be taken for the same situation not repeat again. Before 9/11, anyone could go into the flight deck during the flight and have a chat with the pilots. Ever since, the flight deck door has been locked with only the operating crew allowed to go in. Similarly with the 100ml liquids rule, suspected Islamic terrorists were caught in 2006, attempting to blow up 10 planes.
However, the hated rule that has cost people possibly hundreds of pounds in throwaway toiletries could soon come to an end, after a long 17 years. So, we thought we’d put together everything you need to know in one place.
Why is the 100ml liquid rule in place?
The rule was introduced due to a credible terrorist plot in 2006, when hydrogen peroxide was taken through security in soft drinks bottles. The British Police believed it was then meant to be mixed up into a bomb on a transatlantic flight. Ever since, everyone travelling from the UK has had to adhere to bringing no more than 100ml liquids onboard a flight that can fit into a single 1l clear bag or case per person.
As a result, many people are asked to throw away their expensive toiletries on the spot while going on a trip away, or else they are not allowed past security and are forced to have a staycation in London.
When could the rule be scrapped?
While two UK airports have already scrapped the 100ml liquids rule, the rest are yet to follow. However, the government has now announced a deadline for all UK’s main airports to remove the rule by June 2024. London City Airport and Teeside Airport are already free of the 100ml rule, and the rest of the airports are set to follow suit.
How will we stay safe?
Now, one might wonder: if the rule is crapped, how are we going to keep people from bringing potentially malicious substances onboard? Well, as technology advances, brand-new scanners will be introduced. New-generation CT X-Ray scanners are able to receive 3D images, resulting in a thorough inspection of one’s belongings.
As such, travellers will no longer need to remove liquids, laptops or any other large electronic devices from their bags. Plus, passengers will be allowed to bring up to 2l of liquids and gels onboard!
Hopefully, this will result in shorter queues at airport security, resulting in an overall smoother experience that could soon be almost as easy as taking a train.