Schiphol tests new scanner; no need to remove electronics from luggage

Starting on Monday Schiphol is launching a test with a new security scanner in Departure hall 3, which scans in 3D. This means that security staff can see more clearly what is in luggage and that travelers no longer have to remove electronics and liquids from their bags. The airport hopes that this scanner will make the security checks go smoother and faster, ANP reports.

The airport started experimenting with this 3D scanner last year, though only for transfer passengers. "This scanner really needs to prove itself now", Daan van Vroonhoven, senior manager of security at Schiphol, said to the news wire. "If all goes well, we want to roll out the system on a large scale next year at the airport."

Despite the fact that scanning in 3D takes longer, the new scanner wins time t the start and end of the security checks. With it passengers no longer have to empty their hand luggage of electronics and liquids, place them in separate boxes, send them through the scanner separately and then pack their belongings back into their bags. The better image 3D scanning gives also means that people have to open their bags for an in-person check less often.