The CT scanners were designed to create three-dimensional images of hand luggage within a few seconds. Wherever they were used, the 100-milliliter rule introduced in 2006 had been suspended since April of this year. Now, security concerns about the scanners are to be investigated – due to a “temporary technical problem,” as the BBC reported.
According to reports, the scanners were inaccurate for some liquid containers in luggage, according to the BBC. The EU regulation stipulates that the performance of the scanners must be improved. However, the EU has not provided any details about the problems. It remains unclear how long the new tightening measures will apply.
Containers can remain in luggage
According to the EU Commission’s guidelines, large containers with liquids are now banned again, even for CT scanners, but unlike conventional scanners, they can remain in luggage. In addition to weapons, pointed and sharp objects remain prohibited.
The German airport association ADV called for a rapid review of the technology to ensure safe but comfortable travel. The European airport umbrella organization ACI also fears more delays in security checks.
The association assumes that around 350 of the new CT scanners are currently in use in 13 EU countries, including Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden. When the new tightening was announced in July, the ACI described the restriction as a “setback for passengers and a blow to the airports’ major investments”.
Large differences in weight and size remain
There has been no progress yet on the standard rules on how big and heavy hand luggage can be. There are still big differences in the airlines’ requirements. Since the autumn, there has been a motion for a resolution from EU MPs on the standard measures, calling on the EU Commission to take action.
An “EU-wide harmonization of the requirements for the size, weight and type of hand and checked baggage for all airlines operating in the European Union (…)” is necessary. So far, however, the EU Commission has not taken any measures in this direction – not even by imposing different surcharges on hand baggage by airlines.
No additional costs for “reasonable requirements”
In their motion, MEPs stated that no surcharge should be imposed “provided its weight and dimensions meet reasonable requirements”.
In May, it was not the EU Commission, but the Spanish government that reacted to additional charges for carrying hand luggage and other practices deemed unlawful by low-cost airlines with a “historic” fine running into millions. Four airlines, including Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling and Volotea, were fined a total of 150 million euros.
