IS THIS A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH FOR CARRY-ON LIQUIDS?

Even though we no longer have to pull out our plastic bag of regulated small-sized liquids and gels when going through the Pre-Check line on domestic flights, we are still not able to have bottles of alcohol or other large size liquids in our carry-on luggage.

But, change may be coming, even if it is slow.

Over two years ago, the European Union announced they were easing the restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage. Their plan was to allow airline passengers, who were connecting through Europe from a third country, to carry liquids, aerosols and gels in their hand luggage that they had purchased from an airport duty-free shop or onboard a non-EU airline.

The liquids had to be sealed in tamper proof bags and screened by specialized scanners before boarding the next flight. This was meant to be the first step toward completely lifting the carry-on liquids restrictions at EU airports by 2013.

So, what happened to stall this initiative? Just as they were about to launch their new policy in May 2011, the EU had to pull back and announce a limited time deferral of their first step. Apparently, the US and several other countries discouraged this new practice, because they felt the scanners were not yet capable of proper screening.

Now, however, a new date has been set for allowing duty-free liquids over 100 ml to be carried through European airports and transferred on to connecting flights. In January 2014, this new policy will be implemented with a high projected success rate, since the scanner technology has improved.

As was planned before, the tamper proof bags and specialized scanners will allow the first major breakthrough in the liquids ban at Europe’s main airports. Once the technology has been fully tested, there is hope for a full relaxation of the liquids restrictions. No date has been set for the next step, but the US is now supporting the European policy.

It is exciting to contemplate finally being able to once again pack all toiletries in a carry-on bag without worrying about the size of the liquids.

How much of an inconvenience has the ban on liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage been for you?