What are the rules for liquids in your hand baggage?
So you’ve arrived at Schiphol, and you’re about to go through security: your hand baggage is packed and ready, and your electronic items and your see-through plastic bag for liquids are at the top of your bag so you can get through the scanners in good time. But did you know that you can sometimes leave these items in your bag? Here’s how to tell if this is one of those times.
New CT scanners
We’re not kidding: sometimes you can leave your electronics and your one-litre bag of liquids in your hand baggage. It all depends on where you go through security, as some parts of the airport now have new CT scanners in place. If you’re flying to a non-Schengen country you’ll definitely be going through the new scanners, and one security check on passengers heading to Schengen countries already has these scanners in place, too. This technology means that security staff can get a 360-degree view of the contents of your hand baggage. They can also turn the image round on the screen for a really thorough inspection, so you can leave everything in your bag and the whole process can go more smoothly.
Full roll-out of new CT scanners in 2020
If you go through security at a place with an ordinary X-ray machine, you’ll still need to send your electronics and your bag of liquids through the scanner separately. All Schiphol’s security checks are due to have the new CT scanners installed by the end of 2020. The security personnel will let you know if you can leave your items in your bag.
Packing tip
To avoid delays, it’s still a good idea to keep your electronic items and liquids within easy reach. Liquids should be packed in containers with a maximum volume of 100 ml, packaged in a resealable plastic bag with a maximum volume of 1 litre. After all, many other airports haven’t installed these new CT scanners, so there’s a good chance that you could still have to get those items out of your bag on the return journey or if you change planes. Then you’ll be glad you came prepared! There’s also the chance that staff could ask to inspect your items individually for security reasons.
Click here to read more tips for a fast, smooth security experience
