Replacing the security screening equipment at Estonia's largest airport was completed a week ahead of schedule
The new generation of security screening equipment from Rapiscan Systems enables smarter baggage screening by providing a high-resolution 3D image and software that automatically detects explosives. This reduces the need to open and manually check luggage. “Passengers no longer have to take liquids, laptops and other large technical devices out of hand luggage and place them in a separate box – this reduces the time spent at the security check for each passenger,” said Tari Pihlakas, aviation security manager at Tallinn Airport.
Restrictions on the liquids that can be carried in hand luggage have also changed. Until now, all liquids had to be packed in containers no bigger than 100 millilitres and passengers could carry a total of 1 litre of liquids, which had to be packed in a resealable plastic bag. They can now carry liquids in containers of up to two litres and there is no limit on the total volume. This means that all large shampoos, sunscreens, and toothpaste tubes, as well as soft drinks and liquid foods, can be placed in hand luggage. However, passengers must ensure that the weight of their hand baggage is within the weight limits set by the airline. It should also be considered that the same liquid volume restrictions do not yet apply at all airports, so it may happen that larger volumes of liquids cannot be placed in hand luggage on the return flight.
Pihlakas added: “Safety is paramount in aviation and all rules must be followed when changes are made. We’re very grateful to the passengers for their patience during the transition period. The team has been trained and we’ll do our best to make the security screening process quicker and more convenient.”
