We are all now very used to taking out our 100ml liquid containers when clearing airport security. Not long ago, you could take liquid containers of any size through security and onboard the aircraft. The limitations were only introduced in 2006, following specific plots uncovered on transatlantic flights.
Increasing security after 2001
There were many changes to flight and airport security following the terrorist incidents of September 11th 2001. Security processes and technology were stepped up, and airlines and regulators began mandating secure cockpit doors. In the US, the Transport Security Administration (TSA) was formed as a separate authority to deal with passenger and airport security.
These changes led to much stricter airport security and screening processes globally – but they did not introduce a ban on liquids. This followed after security services uncovered and prevented another set of terrorist attacks.
The ‘liquid bomb plot’
In August 2006, British security services uncovered a plot to carry improvised explosive devices onboard several transatlantic flights and detonate these during flight. The plot involved using hydrogen peroxide as an explosive. This would be carried onboard inside standard drinks containers and assembled into an explosive device onboard.
This led to immediate and severe restrictions being imposed. Rules were brought in overnight, and from the morning of August 10th, passengers from the UK and US could not carry anything onboard the aircraft except one small personal item. Liquids were banned – apart from a concession for mothers to bring baby milk.
This had a significant effect on the aviation sector. The pressure on baggage systems (particularly at Heathrow) was severe, many flights were canceled, and many passengers switched to alternative transport. According to reporting in The Independent, over the week after the ban, British Airways canceled over 1,500 flights, and the UK aviation sector overall lost over £50 million ($69 million).
New rules for liquids
The rules were brought in suddenly, causing confusion and long delays at airports. Since then, procedures and understanding have improved, as has screening and scanning technology to detect and test liquids.
There is hope that technology improvements may soon start to remove restrictions. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is now more readily available and can better detect liquids, and other items. CT scanners produce a 360-degree image of luggage and its contents. Liquids, and their volumes, can be detected this way – hopefully allowing changes in policies.
So far, scanners have been tested at many airports (including London Heathrow in 2019) and installed at several – including many large US airports and Amsterdam Schiphol. Making the technology sufficiently available to change the restrictions, though, will likely take some time.
They allow much faster screening, often removing the need to remove liquids and electronics from luggage. Changing restrictions to re-allow liquids is much further away, though. What started as a temporary response to a security incident has already been in place for more than 15 years, and likely will be for some years yet. It should hopefully become easier to manage.
Source: simpleflying.com