Published on
August 12, 2025
Canada is set to revolutionize airport security with the introduction of advanced screening technology that allows passengers to keep liquids and laptops inside their carry-on bags. This breakthrough aims to drastically reduce wait times and ease the stressful experience of airport checks, addressing one of the most common travel frustrations. By enhancing both efficiency and convenience, this innovation promises to make flying smoother and more enjoyable for travelers across the country.
For years, airports have balanced the challenge of strengthening security while trying to keep the screening process fast and hassle-free for travelers. Easier said than done, of course.
Emerging technologies are now stepping in to help bridge this gap. Despite last year’s easing of the 3-1-1 liquids rule—just in time for the holiday rush—issues persist. For example, Canadian passengers still often have to remove liquids, even essential items like toddler formula.
Behind the scenes, trials are underway at airports around the world. Calgary International Airport recently integrated cutting-edge screening systems, with plans to continue experimenting with these innovations for the foreseeable future.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits these technologies offer and explore the latest tests at Dubai International Airport, where a new screening method is allowing passengers to keep liquids and laptops inside their carry-on bags.
Calgary International Airport Implements Technology That Lets Passengers Keep Liquids and Laptops in Carry-Ons
Although the TSA relaxed the liquids policy, permitting breast milk and formula in necessary amounts, many parents still face scrutiny. On a recent flight from Montreal to Italy, a TSA officer carefully inspected my 10-month-old son’s formula to confirm it was indeed formula—a reminder of the thoroughness required.
Airports across North America are committed to improving passenger experience, with this technology already trialed at various U.S. and Canadian airports.
Travelers remain optimistic that these innovations will soon be fully approved, promising to save valuable time—especially for those who frequently travel with liquids and electronics in their hand luggage.
Passengers arriving from the U.S. at Calgary International Airport were allowed to keep their liquids and laptops inside their carry-on luggage.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has announced plans to deploy this technology widely across airports in Canada over the coming years.
Computed tomography offers rotating X-ray images, allowing for more detailed examination of luggage and improved detection of dangers like explosives or other risks.
This marks a significant improvement over the existing two-dimensional scanning technology. The primary objective is clear: to simplify and speed up the travel experience for passengers.
Canadians can look forward to a much smoother experience with liquids in the near future as this technology expands across airports nationwide in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Dubai Airport has recently introduced comparable systems aimed at enhancing passenger convenience.
Dubai Airport is currently trialing innovative screening equipment to upgrade its security process.
AI is set to revolutionize airport security by analyzing the contents of passengers’ carry-on bags with remarkable precision. Dubai International Airport is currently testing this cutting-edge technology to speed up security procedures. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, confirmed that once proven effective, this AI-driven system will be implemented airport-wide.
This technology promises to identify items inside luggage on a molecular level, offering a far more detailed scan than current methods.
At present, the new machines remain in the trial stage, with no official timeline for full deployment. Their future depends on how well the technology performs and the adoption of new security protocols.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., the TSA eased its carry-on liquids restrictions last year, albeit with some limits still in place.
The familiar rule remains that travelers may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), all fitting into a single quart-sized bag.
However, TSA recognizes 12 essential items that are exempt from these limits, including:
- Breast milk and formula in reasonable quantities
- Water and baby food
- Prescription liquid medications
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Nasal sprays and saline solutions
- Eye drops and artificial tears
- Contact lens solution
- Non-flammable aerosol deodorant
- Dental prosthetic liquids
- Medical creams and lotions
- Live aquatic specimens like fish
- Medical freezer or ice packs
Laptop rules remain unchanged: travelers must remove laptops from their bags and place them separately for X-ray screening.
Passengers are eager to see these advancements rolled out broadly, hoping for faster, smoother security checks in the near future.
What do you think about these innovations being tested in Canada and Dubai? Will this technology make your future travels easier? Share your thoughts below!
