Airports begin relaxing the 100ml liquid rule
The era of miniature toiletry bottles may soon come to an end as airports begin relaxing the 100ml liquid rule. Introduced in 2006 as a response to an attempted terrorist plot, this restriction could now be phased out thanks to advancements in scanning technology.
By using Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray technology, airports can generate detailed 3D images of the contents of bags. This allows the scanner to differentiate between liquids such as water, hydrogen peroxide, or high-strength alcohol. This is a significant improvement on the 2D imaging methods used at most airports.
Changes will shorten airport security waiting times and reduce the use of small plastic bottles caused by travellers choosing larger ones over smaller ones.
In the UK, Teesside airport and London City airport took the lead in adopting this new technology. Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, and Heathrow plan to roll out the new scanners by 2025.
Adventure starts after retirement
It looks like retirement is becoming a time for adventure rather than relaxation, with a growing number of retirees choosing to take a ‘golden gap year’.
A recent survey by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines reveals a third of retirees (29%) are travelling more now they’ve retired. So, instead of spending their retirement years at home, over-55s are choosing to globe-trot, immerse themselves in different cultures and explore the world.
Retirees are now venturing into new territories, with more than a third (34%) never returning to the same place twice. For many, it’s an opportunity to finally live out dreams that working and family had previously put on hold.
So, it seems retirement is less about winding down and more about gearing up for the journey of a lifetime!
Why do airlines weigh passengers?
Finnish airline Finnair made headlines recently by inviting passengers to ‘weigh in’ before their flights.
Why the odd request? Every aircraft has a weight limit for safe flying. Airlines can estimate weight using official data or by conducting their own measurements. But this airline found voluntary weigh-ins to be a more accurate way of understanding passenger and hand luggage weight.
While many passengers had no issues stepping onto the scales anonymously, some travellers had concerns about ‘body shaming’ and financial penalties based on their weight.
The airline plans to weigh-in passengers until May.
