Airports roll out 3D scanners but liquid limits linger
With new security tech and biometric systems reshaping airports, faster, smoother journeys are here. But for wine and spirits lovers, the wait to carry bottles on board continues. db finds out more.
For nearly two decades, air travellers have endured the tedious ritual of squeezing shampoos, serums and the odd olive oil into miniature bottles to satisfy the 100ml liquid rule. Wine lovers have suffered too: those precious bottles of Barolo or artisanal gin picked up on holiday often forced into the hold, or abandoned altogether at security.
The introduction of CT 3D scanners seemed to promise salvation. Rome and Amsterdam were among the early adopters, allowing passengers to keep liquids and laptops in their bags, with faster queues as a result. According to the European Commission, however, a technical hitch has put plans on ice. The 100ml limit has been reinstated across EU airports, halting what looked like the beginning of a new golden age for carry-on wines.
Patchwork progress in the UK
Closer to home, the UK rollout has been uneven. Smaller airports such as London City, Teesside and Leeds-Bradford scrapped the 100ml restriction by mid-2024, delighting travellers. But the larger hubs – Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester – lagged behind, citing construction delays and supply chain setbacks.
In June 2024, the government performed a sudden U-turn, ordering even those airports that had successfully implemented the technology to revert to the old rules. This led to widespread confusion as airports scrambled to reintroduce plastic bags, leaving passengers mourning their newfound liquid freedoms.
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What this means for transfers
Beyond the wine aisle, the impact on airport transfers is also significant. “The removal of liquid limits and the adoption of advanced 3D scanning is a real game-changer for travellers,” travel expert Andrea Platania from Transfeero, told db. “Traditionally, airport security created uncertainty in planning, with passengers advised to arrive well ahead of departure. By reducing bottlenecks, airports can cut down processing times significantly. This doesn’t just enhance convenience, but it also changes how passengers and transfer services coordinate.”
He adds, “At Transfeero, we’re already adapting our systems to allow more flexible pick-up and drop-off windows, so clients spend less time waiting around. Another development we’re monitoring closely is biometric boarding. These systems will speed up boarding gates, helping flights depart on time and improving predictability for transfers. Add in expanded lounge services, and you’re looking at a shift towards premium, seamless travel experiences.”
The benefits are especially tangible for families and business travellers. Parents will no longer need to unpack juice boxes, baby formula or sunscreen at the scanner, reducing stress during one of the most challenging moments of the journey. Business travellers, meanwhile, can plan meetings and onward connections with greater confidence as security bottlenecks ease.
Practical tips for thirsty travellers
Until the new scanners are universally installed, travellers should remain cautious. The government’s timeline now points to 2026 for a full rollout across major UK airports. In the meantime:
- Pack light, pack right: carry a spare plastic bag in case your return airport has reverted to 100ml rules.
- Know before you go: airport policies remain inconsistent, so check both departure and arrival airports carefully.
- Checked luggage is your friend: if you discover a local vintage worth its weight in euros, pack it securely with bubble wrap or inflatable bottle protectors.
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