The current restrictions on liquids in carry on baggage have now been in place just under three years. In that time, travellers have become accustomed to bringing only miniature bottles in their hand luggage, or buying full size items in duty free or at their destination. In recent months, though, there have been some indications that the end might be in sight for these liquid restrictions, even if it might not come as soon as some might like.
In May, trials began in Manchester airport on a new type of X-ray scanner that could potentially detect dangerous liquids in carry on bags. Earlier this month, the European Union met to discuss changes to the current liquid restrictions. Now, an alternative means of detecting dangerous liquids is being proposed.
A group of scientists at a research centre in Germany have recently come up with another method of analysing liquids for potential explosive content, which they believe is quicker and cheaper than other methods currently being examined.
The new method involves passing a spectrum of light through a liquid, and examining how the light is reflected and absorbed. Since different materials react in different ways, the technique could allow explosive components to be quickly and reliably identified, possibly in a fraction of a second.
Don’t throw out your travel size toiletries just yet though. The new approach is only in the early stages, and further refinement is necessary before it is suitable for security screening on a large scale basis. And even if the system can be made commercially viable, the same issues regarding its implementation will still apply.
As new methods of scanning and detection are developed, it is looking increasingly likely that carry on liquid restrictions will be relaxed at some point. But that’s still likely to be years rather than months away.
