From 26 June, passengers beginning their journeys at Zurich Airport can carry liquid containers of up to two litres in their hand luggage, thanks to the rollout of advanced new screening technology.
The move marks a significant shift away from the familiar 100ml rule that has shaped air travel for nearly two decades.
The relaxed restrictions apply to passengers departing from Zurich and passing through the airport's Security Control Building.
Airport officials said the changes are designed to improve convenience for travellers while maintaining the highest levels of security.
The new procedures have been made possible through the installation of state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners across all security lanes.
The technology creates detailed three-dimensional images of hand luggage, allowing security staff to analyse liquids and electronic devices without requiring passengers to remove them from their bags.
As a result, travellers no longer need to transfer toiletries into transparent one-litre bags before reaching security checkpoints.
Laptops, tablets and other electronic devices can also remain packed away throughout the screening process.
Airport bosses believe the changes will not only reduce stress for passengers but also help speed up the journey through security.
The liquid rule update forms part of a wider modernisation project that has been under way since late 2025.
Traditional screening equipment has gradually been replaced with CT technology, with the final phase of the upgrade now complete.
Roman Jung, Project Manager at Zurich Airport, said: "The project is currently in its final phase. From Friday onwards, no conventional screening equipment will remain in operation."
All 26 screening lanes within the Security Control Building are now equipped with the new scanners.
However, some restrictions still apply.
Double-walled containers, including thermos flasks, must remain empty when passing through security, as their construction can make it more difficult for scanners to analyse their contents accurately.
Passengers travelling with analogue photographic film are also advised to request manual screening, as the CT technology could potentially damage film materials.
The relaxed rules do not extend to all parts of the airport.
Transfer passengers using dedicated transit screening areas must continue to follow existing regulations, which limit liquids to containers of 100 millilitres carried within a transparent one-litre bag.
Zurich Airport also warned that travellers should not assume the same rules apply elsewhere.
Liquid restrictions continue to vary between airports, particularly for those travelling onward or returning from international destinations.
While many airports across Europe have explored introducing similar technology, implementation has been uneven and several have reverted to the traditional 100ml limit following regulatory reviews.
For passengers departing from Zurich, however, the days of frantically decanting shampoo into miniature bottles and wrestling with overflowing plastic bags are officially coming to an end.
It is a change likely to be welcomed by frequent flyers and holidaymakers alike, proving that even airport security can occasionally become a little less stressful.
