Goodbye to Liquid Restrictions on Airplanes: Here's What Airport Security Will Look Like in 2024

Going through airport security is undoubtedly one of the most stressful moments when embarking on a new journey. It's stressful due to the long lines we often encounter, the inconvenience of having to take our electronic devices out of our luggage, and having to carry liquids separately in a bag with containers no larger than 100 milliliters.

But these inconveniences, which we have grown accustomed to when flying, will come to an end starting in 2024 due to new entry controls being implemented by Aena at several Spanish airports. This involves new, modern X-ray scanners that generate a 3D image.

The outcome could not be better: security checks will be streamlined, processes will speed up, and it will no longer be necessary to deposit liquids in a plastic bag or take out electronic devices to pass through security in separate trays.

The first airports to feature this technology are Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat, as they are the two locations with the highest air traffic in Spain. Later, as reported by Aena, it will be installed at Palma de Mallorca airport, eventually expanding to all airports in the country.

These are not the only new developments that Spanish airports will have. In fact, this is the first step in Aena's modernization project for airport security controls. It will also include biometric access controls and a new luggage inspection system in the cargo hold, among other enhancements.

Although these advancements are largely technological, it represents a significant improvement in passenger comfort that we have witnessed in recent years. In fact, it's not just that we won't have to take out liquids and electronic devices from our bags, but the maximum restriction of 100 milliliters of liquid will also be lifted.

This rule, which has been in place since 2006 at all European airports, will cease to apply in Spain in 2024. With the installation of these new scanners, travelers will be able to carry perfumes, creams, or cosmetics that exceed this limit and whose containers are classified as small or medium-sized. Bottled water and soft drinks will also be allowed.

The key lies in the new scanners, which will utilize the Automatic Cabin Baggage Explosives Detection System. This will involve powerful X-rays that create computed tomography images producing high-resolution 3D images with volume. This will enhance baggage inspection while minimizing false alarms for dangerous luggage.

These scanners will not only be installed in Spain but also at London airports Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. The British government is among those that have announced it will also change its rules in 2024. The United States is also testing these devices in up to 15 of its airports.