During the pandemic, travel has become more and more complicated, but there is some encouraging news from airport security at London Heathrow Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Both airports have invested in next-generation baggage scanning technology, allowing passengers to pass through security checks without having to laboriously remove liquids and laptops from their hand luggage.

Heathrow Airport has invested 50 million pounds in the most advanced CT scanner from engineering expert Smiths Detection, which uses 3D images and advanced explosive detection to display items in passenger luggage. The first batch of machines is expected to be installed later this year, in line with the expected increase in passenger numbers.

As reported by The Evening Standard, Heathrow’s Chief Operating Officer Chris Garton said: “Heathrow Airport has a proud history of investing in making every journey better, and that’s why we are so happy. Launch our new CT equipment.

"This cutting-edge kit not only uses the latest technology to ensure airport security, but also means that our future passengers can focus on continuing their journey and reduce the time required to prepare for security."

British Aviation Secretary Baroness Vere added: "Passenger safety remains our top priority and the plan clearly demonstrates our high priority to safety.

"This innovative new equipment will ensure that Heathrow Airport continues to provide passengers with a safe and smooth travel experience, as we hope to introduce this new security technology at airports across the country."

At the same time, in Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport has replaced outdated X-ray machines with modern CT scanners that can create and rotate 3D images of any object inside. Schiphol Airport is the first major European airport to provide this new technology at the security checkpoint. The 21 safe passages on the mezzanine on the departure level 1 adopt new technology and can be connected to another 14 safe passages at the departure point. 2. Together, these 35 safe passages constitute one of the largest and most efficient safety filters in the world.

"This is a world first," said Hedzer Komduur, Deputy Director of Safety, Security and Environment at Royal Schiphol Group. "This is great news for passengers, because they no longer need to remove liquids and electronics from their bags when they pass security checks. This is also good for security personnel. CT scanning allows them to check their luggage in 3D on the screen, even 360 Degree rotation.” According to The Points Guy, in theory, the new CT scanner may mean that passengers can carry liquids in bottles or containers larger than 100 milliliters, but airport officials do not recommend taking risks.

Bottles and containers over 100ml are only allowed to be used with CT scan and approval by security personnel. Since almost all other airports still impose restrictions on liquids in hand luggage, this may cause problems for passengers on connecting or returning flights.

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