Liquids on boardNew explosives detectors allow Aussies to carry liquids

Travelers in Australia will soon be allowed to bring liquids on board airplanes thanks to sophisticated new explosives detection technology.

Beginning in 2013, passengers will once again be permitted to travel with bottles of water, shampoo bottles, and other liquids, gels, or aerosols.

According to the Australian government, new scanning equipment will be installed in airports that can determine if a liquid is dangerous or not.

In tests conducted at the Sydney and Melbourne airports, security screeners were able to determine the difference between ordinary liquids and explosives using the new scanners which rely on multi-view explosive detection x-ray technology that can measure the density of a liquid. With explosives measurably more dense than water or juice, screeners can readily discover contraband.

The new regulations regarding liquids will only apply to travelers flying out of Australia and passengers will still be required to remove laptops from their bags.