The latest generation of scanners allows passengers to carry electronic devices and liquids without quantity restrictions, but the European Commission questions their reliability and calls for a temporary restoration of the previous model.
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00:00The debate between efficiency and security has returned to European airports.
00:07Brussels has reversed its approval of new-generation C3 scanners at baggage screening.
00:13From the 1st of September, airports will have to revert to the X-ray model,
00:17which requires electronic devices in containers with liquids of more than 100 millilitres
00:22to be removed from suitcases.
00:24Passengers' reactions have been mixed.
00:28The current system of not having to remove liquids
00:31makes it much easier for me to enter the airport
00:35and I can go with 20 minutes less delay.
00:39The new machines that they added where you don't have to take everything out
00:42is very convenient because you just keep everything inside
00:45and you just go right through, it's faster.
00:48I like the security of going through the checkpoints
00:51so I don't mind it if it takes another 10 minutes, it's nice.
00:55The new C3 technology scanners can display detailed,
00:59three-dimensional, high-resolution images of the inside of luggage,
01:03so it's not necessary to extract the contents.
01:06The European Commission has justified the move after a technical report
01:10that found that the equipment can't detect explosive material in liquids
01:13larger than 330 millilitres, so security won't be guaranteed.
01:18Brussels has made it clear that the decision is a purely technical matter
01:22and not a response to a specific threat.
01:25But the measure has not gone down well with airports
01:28that have invested in this new technology,
01:31which is up to eight times more expensive and difficult to maintain
01:34than traditional scanners.
01:36They're worried about financial losses and delays at checkpoints.
01:42It's unclear when the restrictions on the new scanners will be lifted,
01:46but travellers in a hurry will have to be patient at checkpoints from next month.
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