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French airport tests scanners that could see 100ml liquid rule scrapped

Passengers leaving from French airports could soon see the end of the 100ml liquids rule, as well as the requirement to separate liquids in hang luggage, as trials continue of new scanner technology.

French airport tests scanners that could see 100ml liquid rule scrapped
A photograph taken on June 22, 2020, shows the inscription of the Orly airport (Photo by BERTRAND GUAY / AFP)

Already being rolled out in other international airports, Paris’ Orly airport is running the first French test of new 3D scanners, which improve the ability to distinguish contents within carry-on items.

This means that people will no longer have to take out their liquids and put them into a plastic bag, nor do they have to remove electrical items from hand luggage. Several European countries have also announced the end of the 100ml liquids rule after successful tests of the scanners. 

The 3D scanners started being tested at the Orly-Paris airport at Terminal 3 in October and the testing phase will continue for one year “in a real-life situation”, according to reporting by Le Figaro

The scanners essentially take images of both you and your bag from several angles, and according to the Paris airport operating group, ADP, this means that you do not need to “remove either electronic devices or liquids from cabin luggage”.

ADP is working “in close cooperation with government officials”, according to Le Figaro, and has trained operators regarding the new protocols surrounding these devices.

The ADP is also looking forward to other new innovations in airport security, such as the ‘shoescan’ which will allow passengers to go through checks without removing their shoes. 

What about other airports?

As of mid-February, ADP had only referenced plans to test the new 3D scanners at Orly.

But these devices have been experimented with at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports and the UK government has announced that by 2024, passengers departing from all UK airports will be able to carry up to two-litres worth of liquids on board, and will no longer have to take their electronic devices out of their bags during security checks.

These scanners are already used in more than a dozen airports in the United States.

Other airports in Europe, like the Geneva Airport, have also begun experimenting with the new technology. Spain also announced, via the newspaper El Pais, that starting in 2024 the liquid limit of 100ml for carry-on items will be dropped. 

In 2021, Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport also deployed the 3D scanners and loosened restrictions on liquids for carry-ons.

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TRAVEL NEWS

France’s SNCF to offer high-speed passenger links in Italy

French national rail operator SNCF said on Wednesday it planned to offer high-speed passenger services in neighbouring Italy from 2026, competing with rival Trenitalia on its home turf.

France's SNCF to offer high-speed passenger links in Italy

“Italy is a natural market for high speed, with 56 million passengers per year,” said Alain Krakovitch, head of intercity TGV (high-speed train) services at SNCF Voyageurs.

“But it’s a market that’s yet to mature, with many passengers still to bring in.”

SNCF plans eventually to offer nine daily return services between Turin, Milan, Rome and Naples, as well as four Turin-Venice trains.

The French heavyweight moved into Spain with intercity services in 2021, and has seen Trenitalia itself look to pick up business in France on the profitable Paris-Lyon line.

SNCF hopes to claim 15 percent of the Italian high-speed market within a decade, or 10 million passengers per year.

In Spain, it has built its passenger base to 20 percent with its low-cost Ouigo service.

European business already accounts for one-third of SNCF’s annual high-speed revenues, or €3 billion.

The publicly owned firm is also responding to explosive demand for rail travel at home in France.

READ MORE: MAP: Where high-speed trains can take you in France

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