Even though the 100 ml liquid rule in airports was initially seen as a temporary measure back in 2006 when it was introduced, travellers around the world have since become used to bagging and restricting all liquids to 100 ml. However, thanks to new 3D scanning technology that overhauls the traditional security liquid rule, travelers flying from Denmark’s Billund Airport will soon be allowed to carry up to two liters of liquids in their hand luggage.
New Security Technology Changes the Game for Travelers
A major shift in airport security protocol is coming to Denmark. Billund Airport, the country’s second largest air hub, has been approved to implement modern 3D scanners that allow passengers to bring up to two liters of liquid in their hand baggage.
This innovative change means that travelers will no longer need to squeeze shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and other liquids into tiny 100-milliliter containers or clear one-liter plastic bags. Instead, larger bottles and containers may now pass through security—so long as the total volume does not exceed two liters.
What the Change Means for Passengers
The rollout of the 3D scanner system is aimed at simplifying the airport process and improving passenger experience. With the new equipment, there is no longer a need to remove liquids or electronic devices from hand luggage at security checkpoints. The scanners provide detailed images, which allow security officers to detect dangerous items without asking passengers to unpack or separate specific possessions.
For travelers, this means not only more convenience but also shorter wait times at security lines. The typical frustrations with bagging toiletries or dumping out water bottles will soon be a thing of the past—at least at Billund.
Over the last six months, Billund Airport has been gradually testing the new equipment behind the scenes. With approval from relevant authorities now in place, the technology is ready for full implementation. It marks the first Danish airport to introduce the system, setting the stage for potential adoption across the country.
Backed by Updated EU Guidelines about Liquid Rules at Airports
The adoption of 3D scanners in Denmark follows a broader trend across several European airports. The European Commission has recently updated its regulations on cabin baggage in response to emerging technologies that enhance detection capabilities.
This development reflects a growing recognition that traditional security measures—in place since the early 2000s—are becoming obsolete due to outdated limitations on liquids and electronics. By using high-resolution 3D imaging, security screeners can now visually inspect items in a bag with greater detail and accuracy than ever before.
Impact Beyond Billund: A New Era of Air Travel?
With approximately 3.7 million passengers traveling through Billund Airport annually, the introduction of this new 3D screening process is poised to have a major impact. Frequent fliers, families, and business travelers alike will benefit from faster, less stressful screening procedures.
More importantly, this initiative could pave the way for further modernization at other airports in Denmark, including Copenhagen Airport, the nation’s largest. If the change proves successful in Billund, other transport hubs will likely follow suit in the shift toward liquid-lenient and tech-enabled security systems.
Looking Ahead: Soon the 100 ml Liquid Rule Could be a Thing of the Past
Billund’s advancement is part of a broader European movement that aims to strike a balance between safety and passenger convenience. London’s Heathrow and Amsterdam’s Schiphol have already started introducing similar 3D scanning systems. According to EU aviation data, these countries project close to a 40% reduction in average passenger screening times with the adoption of this technology.
Though no rollout timeline has been confirmed at other Danish airports, the success at Billund may prompt faster adaptation. For now, passengers traveling from Billund can look forward to a smoother airport experience—and a backpack that doesn’t rely on miniature toiletry bottles to remain TSA-compliant.
As air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, such technological upgrades are expected to play a central role in shaping a more efficient and passenger-friendly airport future.
