Keep liquids and carry on: Commission expected to ease airport fluids rules
A new technical assessment by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) could pave the way for softened rules on hand luggage, Italian daily Corriere della Sera first reported.
It has been a long-standing rule – with some exceptions – that passengers travelling by plane cannot bring individual liquid containers holding more than 100ml of liquid, such as perfume, make-up removal products, sunscreen, or shampoo.
The European Commission confirmed on Wednesday that work is underway to allow the use of airport security scanners that are capable of screening liquids held in containers bigger than 100 millilitres.
However, a Commission spokesperson clarified that it might only be possible at certain airports across the EU, namely those with specific CT-scanners that are capable of creating a 3D image of luggage.
'This really does not concern all passengers in all European airports,' she said, noting that it is up to individual airports to inform passengers about the new rules.
While no specific date was given, the Commission indicated it expects to issue its green light 'imminently,' once ECAC delivers its final findings.
'We are at the peak holiday season, and it is very much the intention to have this in place as soon as possible.'
ECAC did not immediately respond to Euractiv's request for comment. (vib)
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