Implementation Review of Commission Regarding Its Execution
**News Article: Current and Upcoming Changes in Carry-On Luggage Rules**
In a significant shift for air travel, new carry-on luggage rules are being introduced in the UK and Europe, promising to ease restrictions and streamline security processes.
**Liquids**
The most notable change concerns the 100ml rule for liquids, which is set to evolve in some UK airports. The introduction of advanced CT scanners allows passengers to carry liquids up to 2L in their cabin bags without the need for removal during security checks. More UK airports are expected to adopt these scanners throughout the summer of 2025 [2][4].
**Electronics**
The new CT scanners also enable passengers to leave electronics, such as laptops, within their bags during security checks. Airports like Birmingham and Edinburgh have already implemented these changes [2][4].
**Bottles**
With the new scanners, passengers can carry bottles of up to 2L in their cabin bags. However, liquids in vacuum flasks must still be poured out as the scanners cannot penetrate the insulation [2][4].
**Airports with Latest Generation Scanners**
Some of the UK airports that have already implemented the new scanners include Birmingham and Edinburgh. These changes have streamlined security processes, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics in their bags [2][4].
**General EU Carry-On Changes**
On a broader scale, the European Union is moving to standardize carry-on luggage rules. The EU is considering banning airlines from charging for carry-on luggage, a move that could affect low-cost carriers [3]. The European Union is also standardizing the size for personal items to 40 x 30 x 15 cm, reducing discrepancies between airlines [1][3].
However, the new carry-on luggage rules may cause confusion among passengers due to the lack of uniformity across European airports. Codacons, the Italian National Consumer Association, has expressed concerns about the potential challenges and confusion that the lack of uniformity in security measures across European airports may cause for passengers [3].
**Software Recognizing Potential Explosives**
A software has been developed to recognize potential explosives in carry-on luggage. This software shows high-resolution 3D images of luggage and is currently in operation at several Italian airports, including Milan Malpensa, Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Bergamo, Catania, Bologna, and Turin [1]. Technical checks and approval of the updated algorithm by the European Civil Aviation Conference are still pending.
In conclusion, while the new carry-on luggage rules may cause some initial confusion, they represent a significant step towards easing restrictions and streamlining security processes. The changes are expected to take place by summer, possibly between late July and August. The new rules, combined with the latest generation scanners, may signal a return to the past, but with the added advantage of advanced technology for enhanced security.
In the European Union, there are plans to standardize carry-on luggage rules, potentially abolishing fees for carry-on luggage by low-cost carriers and setting a uniform size for personal items [1][3]. Additionally, technological advancements allow passengers to carry bottles up to 2L and electronics in their cabin bags, as new CT scanners can detect potential threats without requiring removal during security checks [2][4].
