By Anita McSorley

Copyright irishmirror

Dublin Airport passengers are set for a major change when it comes to packing their hand luggage, with the long-standing 100ml liquids rule finally relaxed.

Thanks to the rollout of next-generation security scanners, travellers will no longer need to remove liquids, gels or electronics from their bags at security in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

From today, departing passengers can carry up to two litres of liquids and gels in their hand luggage, and there’s no requirement to pack them in clear plastic bags. Laptops, tablets and other electronics can also stay in your bag.

The changes come as part of a multi-million-euro investment by daa, which has installed around 30 state-of-the-art C3 scanners and body scanners across both terminals. These scanners, which operate like hospital CT machines, generate 3D images of luggage to detect prohibited items without requiring passengers to unpack their belongings.

Dublin Airport is now one of the first airports in Europe to fully adopt this technology. Managing Director of Dublin Airport Gary McLean said: “Passengers have been looking forward to the day when the 100ml rule would be gone for good – and today is that day. The new C3 scanners are best in class in terms of security detection standards and they significantly enhance the passenger experience, permitting passengers to leave all liquids and laptops inside their cabin bags.

“This investment puts Dublin Airport on a par with the best airports in the world when it comes to having the best and most efficient scanning technology available. I want to thank the Dublin Airport teams who have worked tirelessly on the roll-out of the equipment over the past two years.”

While the 100ml restriction has been lifted in Dublin, travellers returning from other airports in Europe or the UK should check the rules at their departure airport, as not all have implemented the same scanners.

What’s changed for passengers:

Liquids, gels and electronics can stay in hand luggage. There’s no limit on the number of liquids allowed, and you can carry up to two litres per passenger. No need for clear plastic bags.

What’s staying the same:

Belts, jackets, hoodies, footwear extending above the ankle and oversized jumpers must still be removed. All items must still be removed from pockets, including keys, wallets and phones.

daa CEO Kenny Jacobs added: “A safe and smooth security experience is a cornerstone of any airport’s passenger offering and that’s why we’re working so hard to make it great at Cork and Dublin airports. Rolling out almost 30 scanners across two terminals, whilst ensuring no disruption to passengers during the busiest years in the airport’s history, has been no small task and I want to say a big thank-you to the team that has worked so hard over the past three years to make it happen.”

He also issued an update on upgrades at Cork Airport, adding: “Cork Airport won’t be far behind, with work starting this month on the construction of a new mezzanine floor, which will extend over the existing Arrivals concourse and become home to a larger passenger security area equipped with the latest C3 scanning technology. This marks the first phase of a €200m capital investment by daa in Cork Airport to make it even better for passengers.”

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