One of the most frustrating parts of flying may be phased out in three years. The restrictions on the amount of liquids European passengers can carry with them in their hand luggage will be a thing of the past come April of 2013 as the EU overhauls its aviation security policies.

For the last several years, passengers around the world have faced the 100ml (3.5oz) limits on liquids, gels, pastes and creams before being allowed to pass through security. Bins full of discarded beverages and other "banned" items have told the daily story of confused and frustrated travellers forced to get rid of every type of item from luxuries like expensive perfumes to necessities such as eye wash solutions. Come 2013, travellers in Europe will have one less thing to worry about.

Those of you who have purchased duty free items from one airport only to have them confiscated at another will see relief even sooner. By next year, the EU plans to lift the ban on liquids purchased at duty free shops outside the EU or aboard non-EU airlines. Currently, only duty free items from select countries are permitted onboard. All duty free items will need to be sealed and screened before boarding.

The current rules went into effect after a liquid bomb plot was foiled by U.K. authorities in 2006. Three British citizens had planned to blow up several airplanes by smuggling liquid explosives hidden in soft drink bottles. The EU will lift the liquid restrictions in 2013 provided that airports in Europe install new technology that can detect liquid explosives. There is no indication thus far that authorities in North America or elsewhere are prepared to follow suit.

Source: Reuters