When traveling by plane, one question that raises many doubts is about suitcases, especially hand luggage. Whether it is a leisure or work trip, the usual thing when traveling is to take a suitcase or bag with you in the cabin, either because you do not want to check in or because you do not want to take too many things. .
We will now have to face a new way of traveling, since the Hand luggage on planes changes from September 1st date on which the new rules included in the European Union’s aviation safety regulation come into force, which mainly affect the liquids that can be transported.
Until now, in some airports it was possible to carry liquids in hand luggage without any limitations, but always in bottles with certain characteristics. This was possible thanks to the type of scanner used to analyze the contents of the suitcases.
However, as of Sunday, September 1, 2024 The use of G3 scanners, which allowed liquids to be carried in hand luggage without restrictions, will no longer be allowed. The reason for this change is related to the fact that the technology does not meet the “standard” determined by the Airports Council International (ACI). In this way, airports that used these machines instead of traditional X-rays will have to reinstate a series of restrictions.
This fact will lead all airports to use again the 100 ml measures for liquids carried in hand luggage, which will include containers of aerosols and gel. This measure will affect a large part of European airports, in Spain, mainly in Barajas (Madrid) and El Prat (Barcelona), This will therefore be a limitation to take into account when travelling.
A preventive security measure
ACI Europe took stock of the changes in the European Union Aviation Safety Regulation, which introduces tough new restrictions on the use of next-generation hand luggage scanners at airports in the European Union, as well as in other countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
The aim of the new restriction is to take care of C3 scanner technology, These are devices that can cost up to eight times more than conventional scanners, while their maintenance costs can quadruple.
European airports that were early adopters of this new technology are being hit hard both financially and operationally after making the decision to invest in deploying C3 scanners without restrictions.
This is why the European Commission has taken the decision to reintroduce the restriction, stressing that it is not doing so as a security measure, but as a “preventative” measure until the scanner software is improved, as its performance does not meet the standard for which it was approved.
At first glance, the change will be obvious, because after the installation of this type of scanners, known as explosive detection systems for hand luggage, they have proven to be very effective in reducing waiting times in queues and security operations. The device has allowed security personnel to scan hand luggage in three dimensions, which prevents passengers from limiting the amount of liquids they carry in their suitcases or bags.
What about carry-on suitcase sizes?
Regarding the size of hand luggage, it must be taken into account that there are no dimensions set by law, so each airline has the possibility to establish the measures it deems appropriate. In any case, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), recommends that they do not exceed 55 x 35 x 20 cm.
However, it is expected that in the short term there will be a specific regulation that will unify the measures, since the European Parliament has already spoken on the issue and has even approved a measure that aims to regulate the size of hand luggage and make it free for airline passengers. However, it will still be necessary to wait for it to receive the approval of the European Council and for a date for its entry into force to be set.
With this initiative It aims to improve transparency to protect passengers, so that they can avoid unpleasant travel experiences and possible conflicts with the staff of the different airlines. Likewise, it must be taken into account that the revision of the current legislation considers recognizing baggage as an essential element of transport, thus avoiding having to face additional costs if they meet a series of reasonable requirements regarding their weight and dimensions.
It therefore called on Member States to ensure compliance with this decision and to work to ensure transparency in the disclosure of any fees charged for hand baggage.
