The 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage may be on its way out, but confusion and congestion may be arriving on the same plane as travelers face a period of perhaps years in which travelers will need to know in advance how each airport in their itinerary is handling it.
That’s because the rule, limiting travelers to container 3.4 oz (100ml) or smaller that fit into one one-quart bag per traveler, will only be lifted for airports where latest-generation CT scanners are in use. Travelers will have to know in advance not only if their home airport is equipped, but also any airport they are returning from. And for the next few years, that will be a constantly-changing list.
That could lead to serious upset and slowdowns for travelers who didn’t check or whose airport changes. That’s what happened a year or so ago when a few British airports lifted the rule, with such results that they almost immediately withdrew the change.
The rule, imposed in 2006 by the U.S. after a foiled attempt to use liquids to create a bomb in flight, quickly became in international standard. The U.S. has said it is considering changes as well. In addition to the limits, the rule has also required the 3-1-1 bag be removed at scanning for inspection; with CT scanners that will no longer be needed.
