Last Friday, the European Union announced plans to relax restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage. So, does this mean no more need for travel size toiletries? I don’t believe so, for a number of reasons.
Time frame
No definite time frame is given for this rule change. The EU Transport Commissioner “hopes” the restrictions will be scrapped by 2014 at the latest. Put in place in November 2006, the existing limits were due to expire next April, but are now expected to be extended until at least 2012. The problem with adopting a common policy EU-wide is that even if liquid-scanning technology was perfected today, rolling it out to all airports in the EU will be an expensive and time-consuming process. Moreover, with technology trials ongoing, it’s reported to be unlikely that the technology will be ready for general use before 2011, and that perhaps the largest airports could be equipped with new systems by sometime in 2012. Given that, 2014 looks a bit optimistic for an EU-wide application of the system.
Disagreement
Relaxing restrictions on carry on liquids will also require a united approach among EU countries. However, Britain has already cast doubt on whether this can be achieved. One initial proposal, to relax rules on duty free liquids purchased by transit passengers before entering the EU, is expected to be opposed by the United Kingdom. This could lead to a common EU system elsewhere in Europe, while travellers would face additional restrictions in British airports. There’s already enough confusion about what the restrictions actually are – having different rules in different countries would just lead to additional stress for passengers.
Baggage charges
Even if the liquid restrictions were scrapped tomorrow, I still believe a large number of passengers will still continue to pack travel size toiletries. Airlines are suffering in the recession. Charges for checked baggage are on the increase, and hand luggage allowances are becoming increasingly strict. If this continues, more passengers will be travelling with carry on bags only, and we’ll have to learn to pack more carefully. Buying travel size items might seem an unneccessary expense, but if the alternative is paying extra to check in bags, I think more people will realise it can save them money in the long run.
Do you think the EU rule changes are likely to be implemented any time soon? And if so, will that end the need for travel size toiletries, or will they still have a place in your hand luggage?
