Brussels, 13/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - At the end of the month in Europe, a gradual easing up in controls of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) allowed on board aeroplanes will be introduced. Passengers will soon be able to bring their duty-free purchases made in non-EU airports with them once they have been scanned. Restrictions on liquids of more than 100 ml, however, will remain in place over the next two years.
On 31 January, passengers on connecting flights in Europe who have purchased duty-free bottles of perfume or alcohol in third country airports will be able to have them scanned and then brought on board with them. These products will not be seized by security staff as is currently the case. Although this development only affects a certain number of European travellers, it does, however, constitute some degree of progress in airport security.
Only a limited number of sealed duty-free LAGS is so far authorised, which means that an assessment of the new control technologies can be carried out. The new scanners that are gradually being introduced are able to distinguish explosive liquids from other non-dangerous liquids. In the long term, a positive examination by these new devices will allow for all liquid products to be brought on board once they have been scanned and not just the LAGS of less than 100 ml in a transparent bag (a restriction introduced following the terrorist attack attempt on a commercial airline in 2006). Lifting this restriction has been planned for 31 January 2016.
Nonetheless, this initial lifting of restrictions in 2014 is already good news for pilots and flight crews and passengers most likely to have their duty-free liquids purchased in non-EU airports seized. The European Cockpit Association (ECA) welcomed this progress made towards gradually increasing security at airports without increasing the procedures passengers have to undergo. (MD/transl.fl)