The UK government has mandated that airports within its territories will need to install 3D cabin baggage scanners.
Could this be the beginning of Fast Track for all? Maybe.
The installation date has been mandated for 1st December 2022.
In principle, this technology will allow you keep your bag sealed and not have to take out liquids, laptops and electronics.
Currently, Heathrow Airport will be the first airport to roll-out this technology.
According to the Department of Transport,
This could mean in future passengers may be able to keep liquids and electrical equipment, like laptops, in their cabin baggage while it is screened. Once in place, the 100ml liquid limit may no longer apply and passengers could take liquids, like a bottle of water, through security.
However don’t get your hopes up for now.
Current regulations and requirements will have to be adhered to until installation is complete, and you’ll still have to follow other countries security regulations (for example, the USA’s TSA’s continued shoe fetish scanning)
In quotes
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said
We are home to the largest aviation network in Europe, with millions of people passing through our airports every year for work, holidays and family visits.
We’re set to streamline those trips with the rollout of this ground-breaking technology – cutting down hassle for travellers and improving security measures.
By making journeys through UK airports easier than ever, this new equipment will help boost the vital role our airports play in securing the UK’s position as a global hub for trade, tourism and investment.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
The new screening equipment will improve security and make the experience smoother and less stressful for passengers. It could also mean an end to passengers having to use plastic bags or rationing what they take away with them.
As an outward looking global nation, our transport hubs are more important than ever, and investing in our security infrastructure means we are investing in our nation’s future.
Heathrow Airport is currently trialling the new 3D equipment which will be gradually rolled out at other UK airports. The innovative new equipment may have the potential to reduce the amount of time required for security screening and could significantly decrease the amount of plastic used at major UK airports, with passengers no longer required to put their liquids in plastic bags before being screened.
1st December 2022? I’m struggling with that…
Whilst this would be a great boon for the passenger experience, you’ll note the skepticism in my writing. The UK has a habit of delivering projects late… and considering in this release I saw nothing pertaining to the funding of this project, I’m sure that delivery will be 1) delayed or 2) passenger charges will go up to cover the costs of the installation of this kit.
Additionally, a move like this needs to be coordinated with other countries to remove the requirements of taking items out of bags – a potentials source of confusion.
A nice idea in principle, but a lot more complex in practice.
Remind you of anything?
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That “largest aviation network in Europe” part may see some substantial shrinkage starting November 1st.