First the U.S. decides to ease its restrictions on the use of electronics during flights. Now the European Union announces it plans to lift the ban on liquids over 3.4 ounces on commercial flights.
Yes, it’s been a great couple of weeks for frequent flyers.
While the travel-sized product industry may take a bit of a hit, those traveling in Europe will be relieved to know they can start bringing certain liquids, aerosols, and gels onto planes starting January 2014.
But this doesn’t mean the EU has completely abandoned its security concerns. A new screening device, known as the LS10 that tests liquids for potential explosives will be installed in all European airports. The device, which was developed by the Ohio-based research and development organization Battelle, uses radio frequency waves and ultrasonic pulses to assess all liquids brought by passengers. Handy right? The machine is also pretty fast too—it should only take up to five seconds to scan a container.
While this device will be mandatory in all European airports next year, London’s Heathrow will be the first to begin using it come January.
So does this mean Americans should expect the U.S. to follow suit and loosen up its on-flight liquid restrictions too?
According to the TSA, they shouldn’t get their hopes up.
For more information, check out the full article here.
Photo from The Telegraph.
