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The Evolution of Airport Security: Goodbye to Liquids Restriction in Luggage

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Traveling by plane has always involved certain security rules, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. One of the most well-known restrictions is the requirement to remove liquids from luggage when passing through security checkpoints. However, this regulation is about to change thanks to technological innovation at airports. Let’s recall why this rule was established and how new technologies are transforming airport security procedures, making the travel experience easier for millions of people.

Airport Security: The Reason Behind Liquids Regulation at Airports

Traditionally, passengers have had to remove liquids from their luggage due to security concerns. These measures intensified after terrorist plots involving liquid explosives were discovered. As a result, authorities limited the amount of liquids passengers could carry in their carry-on luggage and required them to be presented in containers of up to 100 ml, placed in a transparent plastic bag.

Inconvenience for Travelers

This regulation, though necessary for security, has resulted in a slower and often frustrating travel experience. Removing liquids and electronic devices such as laptops for security inspections increases wait times in lines and can cause stress for passengers, especially during peak travel seasons.

Technological Advances in Airport Security

3D Scanners: A Game Changer

The good news is that technology is changing the game. New 3D X-ray scanners, capable of generating detailed images of the contents of suitcases, are being implemented at various airports. These scanners allow security officers to clearly see in three dimensions what each passenger is carrying, eliminating the need to remove liquids and laptops.

Innovation in Spanish Airports

A notable example of this innovation can be found in Spain. Starting in 2024, airports such as Barajas in Madrid and El Prat in Barcelona will begin using these 3D scanners. This technology not only streamlines the security process but also enhances the ability to detect potential threats.

Similar Technology in the United States

The United States has also been a pioneer in implementing this technology, with airports like Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare installing 3D scanners for faster and more efficient luggage inspection.

Benefits for Passengers

Reduced Wait Times

The most obvious benefit of this technology is a significant reduction in wait times. Passengers will no longer need to prepare their liquids and electronic devices for inspection, speeding up the security checkpoint process.

Improved Travel Experience

These technological advances also improve the overall travel experience. Less stress at security checkpoints means a calmer and more pleasant start to the journey.

The Future of Airport Security

Ongoing Innovation
The implementation of 3D scanners is just the beginning. Airports worldwide are continually exploring new technologies to enhance security and efficiency, such as biometric identification and remote luggage inspection.

Will Liquids Regulations Change?
Despite these advances, the current regulations on the amount of liquids allowed have not been modified. However, the ongoing evolution of technology could lead to changes in security policies in the future.

A Brighter and Safer Future for Travelers
The introduction of 3D scanners at airports is excellent news for travelers worldwide. This technology not only promises greater efficiency and convenience but also maintains security standards. With these advancements, the future of air travel looks faster, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.

 

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Future technology for airlines

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Making security checkpoints more efficient is the airline industry’s focus for modernizing check-in processes and risk assessment for the common passenger.

 

Implementing biometric technology, and improving RX analysis software on baggage, supported by the data provided by the travelers themselves and that can be more easily verified together with the data in passports, will undoubtedly be a great advance in the screening of airport passengers, who will even be able to carry in their carry-on bags, toothpaste, nail clippers, laptops and even check-in without removing their shoes or jackets.

 

By standardizing these processes and technologies at airports, travelers will be able to rely on a much greater security base than at present while benefiting from faster screenings, and airports will rely on technology, optimizing resources more efficiently and requiring fewer specialized personnel.

 

However, specialists have stated that these new systems are not based on racial or religious data, but are an update of the current systems that, supported by human observers, will provide a more efficient service for the facilities and undoubtedly for passengers who minimize their waiting times at airport facilities.

 

In a continuous commitment to R+D+I, the airline industry seeks to satisfy its passengers by providing higher quality services and thus building the loyalty of millions of passengers who travel year after year. 

 

But industrial digitization now allows having huge databases and analysis systems that are supported by artificial intelligence that can become a great ally that greatly facilitates the daily work of employees on the ground, finding unattended market niches and in turn providing the necessary security required by the industry in its risk assessments.

 

How is the security at airports?

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Airports are one of the most regulated places in terms of security systems, but how do they manage to control the high amount of luggage and hundreds of travelers at the same time? In this article we will review how the different types of airport screening work and some of their most common practices to make their facilities a safe place for their customers and workers.

 

Concerning passengers, the first checkpoint they must go through is the one before entering the restricted area where they must check their boarding pass. Either employing a scanner that reads the code printed on their boarding pass or directly on their cell phone. It is expected that soon this control will be carried out using biometrics with facial recognition systems, as is already being done in many airports as a test. 

 

After entering the restricted area, passengers must go through a second checkpoint, where their hand luggage will be checked by a second scanner. At this point, the objective is to check that no passenger or employee can access the terminals with prohibited or potentially dangerous objects. For them, passengers must introduce their hand luggage, shoes, and other belongings, and using X-rays will be able to detect any restricted object.

 

This type of scanner at this checkpoint manages to greatly streamline the transit and entry to the facilities since this control should be done manually and individualized. 

 

But what about checked baggage? While passengers enter the terminal, the bags they have previously checked-in are also subjected to several security controls. Once they are received by the airline, the bags pass through the “cheeks yard”, which is nothing more than conveyor belts that take the luggage through 5 different types of control and allow them to avoid dangerous situations such as explosions or fires.

 

Once they have entered the terminal, the controls do not stop, passengers must pass through one or another checkpoint where their data is verified, especially before entering the aircraft. For this reason, airport security personnel play a fundamental role in risk detection and are a key part of the whole security system in the airport. They require very specific training and constant renewal, especially because this area is constantly renewing its technologies and, today they can rely on multiple devices for early detection of risks. 

 

For this reason, GP Nauticals has developed a software called Pax AIMS that allows airports to keep track, control, and audit all passengers entering the airport facilities, deploying fixed or mobile checkpoints and allowing concessionaires to validate boarding lists.

 

If you are interested in learning more about the company or any of its AIMS Suite products, you can visit its website https://gpnauticals.com/ or contact any of its consultants.