'So much better': Travellers weigh in on new airport security system
Nothing dampens the excitement of a holiday more than the airport security line.
After spending what feels like an eternity in the queue, there's the frantic scramble to get your liquids and electronics out, without holding up anyone behind you.
Then you have to do it all in reverse at the other end. But thankfully, this experience will soon be a thing of the past.
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There's nothing worse than airport security lines. Getty
More and more airports are bringing in new technology that allows passengers to leave their laptops, liquids, and aerosols in their bags.
The new scanners have been introduced in many Aussie airports, reducing lines and really improving the airport experience.
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Sydney Airport confirmed to 9News it had seen a 50 per cent reduction in screening times in the new lanes.
I recently travelled through Sydney with my one-year-old, and not having to remove my liquids while also juggling a wriggly toddler was a godsend.
Wait times have been slashed by the new process. Sydney Airport
9Travel writer Sarah says the new system is a "relief", not having to worry about getting everything in and out of her bag in a hurry.
"It's also much better when it comes to dealing with those slow people you generally get stuck behind, because nobody blocks the way as they slowly put everything back in their bag," she says.
She adds that she loves the 'spots' on the floor at Sydney Airport which you stand on as you wait your turn, which means everyone moves faster.
Sydney Airport is undergoing a massive expansion. Supplied
Gabby, who frequently flies between Sydney and the Gold Coast, says she gets confused sometimes, not knowing whether to leave the laptop in or out at different airports.
"There definitely needs to be clearer signage so people aren't rearranging things and causing a hold up," she shares.
Sydney Airport has introduced signs with the new system, warning travellers to leave things in their bags - but there will always be a few teething issues.
9Travel editor Kristine points out that it saves a lot of time once everyone has cottoned on to how they work.
"I travel a lot for work with my laptop, and now also often travel with a toddler who is always extra squirmy in the security line, so not needing to unpack and repack my bag is a big help," she says.
New screening machines means travellers don't have to remove liquids, aerosols, and laptops. Sydney Airport
Meanwhile, April travelled through the new scanners at Sydney domestic airport, and she reports that it was "very smooth".
Domestic travellers have always been allowed to travel with liquids, so there's less of a transition process to the new system.
She reports there were "no major lines despite some bad weather making it a little hectic."
The new security system has been a success. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Sydney Airport's new scanners are part of a $2 billion overhaul, which aims to get passengers from check-in desks to their gate in just 15 minutes.
"Works are advancing on new self-service check-in kiosks and bag drop systems that will streamline the journey from kerb to gate to as little as fifteen minutes once complete," a spokesperson for the airport said.
Since the new lanes were introduced, 99.1 per cent of international passengers and 99.9 per cent of domestic passengers have cleared security in under 10 minutes, a spokesperson for Sydney Airport said.
