The rule is known to those who have traveled by plane: liquids carried in the hand luggage cannot exceed 100 milliliters per container. Whether water, bath gel or toothpaste, everything has to fit in a transparent plastic bag with capacity up to one liter. But this standard, which has been in force since 2006, may soon be revoked.
For this to happen there is still a decision of the European Commission. The European Association of the International Airport Council (ACI Europe), the largest lobbyist group in the sector, is pressuring Brussels to follow the UK example, where the limitation was recently suspended.
The change was possible thanks to the introduction of a new type of scanner in safety controls, which allows you to detect liquid explosives without the need to open the bags or restrict the volume of the vials.
Equipment exists, but not yet ‘convinces’
According to TAP Air Portugal, current rules require liquids, gels and aerosols to be transported in vials with a maximum capacity of 100 milliliters, packed in a single transparent and silly plastic bag, with capacity up to one liter per passenger.
These containers should be presented separately in safety control, such as large electronic coats or devices.
In September last year, the European Commission concluded that the new tracking equipment, already installed in several airports, did not meet the required technical requirements, and determined the replacement of the previous standard. According to the same source, affected airports were required to resume restrictions on liquid transport.
United Kingdom as a model
The pressure to change European legislation has intensified in recent months. SIC Notícias writes that AI Europe has sent a letter to the European Transport Commissioner, appealing to the revision of the 100 milliliters rule. The main argument is the impact that this limitation may have during the summer, one of the largest moving seasons at airports.
According to the same source, the technology based on this proposal is already operating in infrastructure such as Munich, Frankfurt airports, Rome and Milan. The possibility of abolishing plastic bags and the need for small bottles could, according to airports, accelerate controls and improve passenger experience.
Exceptions remain in force
As long as the change does not materialize, the exceptions already foreseen since 2006 are maintained. It refers to Tap Air Portugal that it is allowed to transport, outside the plastic bag, medications and baby food, provided they are needed during the flight. Products purchased after safety control, such as liquids purchased at duty-free or onboard stores, remain authorized, provided they are properly packed and sealed.
Explains the same source that the seal applied in these packaging is valid for one day, and it is recommended not to break it during any scales. Liquid transport is thus subject to individual verification, with the obligation of separation at the time of X-ray control.
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A measure that may have a date to expire
Although there is no definitive decision yet, the debate is already on the table. The European Commission will have to consider the technical and logistics arguments presented by the airport operators and to assess whether the new scanners ensure required safety. Until then, passengers must continue to comply with the rules in force.
It refers to Tap Air Portugal that passengers can take the plastic bag from home or, in some airports, receive one on site. The important thing is that the containers are visibly packed and do not exceed the fixed limits.
Safety control also requires liquids to be presented separately from the remaining items for inspection.
A habit with almost 20 years
The 100 milliliters rule was introduced in November 2006, following attempts by liquid explosives attacks. Since then, it has become a routine for those traveling by plane. The separation of liquids, the use of small vials and the passing through increasingly demanding controls are part of the boarding ritual.
Tap Air Portugal adds that these measures are applicable to all flights with origin or scale on European Union airports. The same logic is followed by most of the Schengen Space Countries and European airlines.
Brussels still in silence
To date, the European Commission has not commented on the letter sent by the European ACI. According to it, there is no deadline for the eventual revision of the legislation in force. The pressure of the sector should intensify in the summer months, when the waiting time in security lines tends to increase.
The decision will depend on the certification capacity of new scanners and harmonization of procedures in the various Member States. Until then, passengers should continue to plan the content of their hand luggage in advance.
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