New Airport Scanners: Better Security, Slow Adoption

Airports are upgrading their security systems with new scanners that can better detect liquid explosives. This development has raised hopes among travelers that restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage might be eased in the future.

The new scanners use advanced technology called CT (computed tomography) to produce clearer images of bag contents. They allow security staff to see items from different angles and distinguish between harmless liquids and potential threats more accurately.

However, the implementation of these new scanners faces challenges. Currently, only about half of the airports in the United States have installed them. The high cost and the need for infrastructure changes make the upgrade process slow. As a result, it may take years before all airports are equipped with this new technology, and liquid restrictions can be universally relaxed.