The new CT scanners at Berlin Brandenburg Airport: A big step for safety and comfort
If you are flying out of Berlin Brandenburg Airport in the next few weeks or months, you may notice a really positive change at security checkpoints. BER Airport has started to implement new computed tomography, or CT, scanners that offer a range of benefits for travellers, especially holidaymakers.
These new devices improve efficiency, speed and security at the airport and before travelling. But what exactly do these new scanners mean for you as a holidaymaker, and how do the scanners help you get through security checks faster and more conveniently?
In this blog article, we take a look behind the scenes at the new CT scanners at BER, how they work exactly, what advantages they offer for security checks and why they are a real relief for you as a traveller.
What are CT scanners and how do they work?
Computerised tomography, or CT for short, is an imaging technique that originated in the medical field. It involves a device that uses X-rays to create high-resolution and, above all, three-dimensional images of an object or person. In the context of the airport, the scanners are used to examine passengers' baggage in detail and from different angles, and to take pictures. What is special about this is that the CT scanners are able to detect potentially dangerous objects – such as weapons or explosives – without the baggage having to be opened.
The advantages of the new CT scanners for travellers
Less hassle when packing: liquids and electronics can stay in your luggage. If you have ever flown before, you know that with conventional security checks, you have to remove laptops, tablets and other electronic devices from your hand luggage. Liquids must also be packed in small containers (maximum 100 ml) and presented separately in a transparent bag. This is often a tiresome procedure, especially if you are in a hurry or carrying a lot of technology. That means you no longer have your hands full with luggage and an extra bag for liquids, and on top of that, you may still have a laptop under your arm and a smartphone at your ear. Thanks to the new CT scanners, this is largely a thing of the past. The advanced technology also allows security officers to look inside your carry-on luggage, without you having to unwrap any electronics or liquids. This means less stress and less time spent packing and going through security.
Shorter waiting times: more efficient security checks Another major advantage of CT scanners is the speed of the entire baggage inspection process. Because these devices can scan the baggage from different angles in 3D, they detect potentially dangerous objects faster and more reliably than conventional scanners. This speeds up the control process overall. Instead of airport staff having to manually inspect a piece of baggage, the CT scanner immediately provides detailed information that enables a quick decision.
For you as a holidaymaker, this means shorter waiting times at security checkpoints in terminals that have a CT scanner. This can be a considerable advantage, especially at peak times or during holidays. The aim of Berlin Brandenburg Airport is to use the new scanners to guide passengers and travellers more quickly and efficiently, which should ultimately help you reach your gate more relaxed and without unnecessary delays.
Higher security: more precise detection of hazards: Security at the airport is always essential, and the new CT scanners help to improve it. The three-dimensional representation of the baggage allows security officers to quickly and reliably identify potential hazards. Even the smallest details, which could easily be overlooked in conventional 2D scans, are revealed thanks to advanced CT technology. This means that the likelihood of dangerous items getting through the checkpoints has been drastically reduced. We think that's a real plus!
For you as a holidaymaker, this means more security without you having to go through any additional steps. The new technology not only helps to make travelling safer, but also ensures that the checks run more smoothly and efficiently.
Less stress: more relaxed travel: Travelling can often be stressful, especially when it comes to security checks and the associated queuing at the terminal. For many holidaymakers, the unpleasant aspects of travelling by air include having to search for laptops, sort liquids or worry about whether their baggage will be screened again. The new CT scanners at BER Airport help to minimise this stress.
Impact on airport operations at BER
The introduction of the new CT scanners is part of the comprehensive modernisation of the airport in Berlin/Brandenburg. Especially after the challenges during the Corona pandemic and the increase in travel, it is particularly important to BER to increase efficiency for passengers. The CT scanners are a pilot project that should significantly improve airport operations over the next few years.
An important aspect of this is the verifiability of the technology. While the new scanners are initially being used at selected points in the airport, there are plans to gradually expand their use to all security areas.
Less time is needed for manual follow-up checks, and the high precision of the scanners reduces the risk of false positives. These gains in personnel resources ultimately also benefit passengers by reducing waiting times and optimising the entire process at the airport.
Preparing for the future: BER as a pioneer
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is not the first airport in the world to introduce CT scanners, but with this innovation it is positioning itself as one of the leading airports in Europe in terms of security standards and convenience.
Other major airports, such as London Heathrow and Schiphol in Amsterdam, have also started to switch to CT scanners, thus giving modern technology a prominent place.
For you as a traveller, this means that the experience at BER could become the standard at other airports in the future. Travelling will become more comfortable and efficient overall, while security standards will be maintained at a high level. Soon, not only the departure in your home country, but also the return flight home will be a relaxed experience. This is an important development, especially in times when more and more people are flying again and the demand for stress-free travel is increasing.
Tips for your next trip through BER Airport
As promised, we would like to share a few tips for your next trip through BER. Even though the new CT scanners make many steps at security easier, there are still a few things you should keep in mind to make your trip as pleasant as possible:
Arrive early: Despite the improved efficiency, it is still advisable to arrive at the airport early to avoid delays, especially during peak times.
Find out about the latest local regulations: Even though you no longer have to remove liquids and electronics from your hand luggage, the general security regulations still apply. So find out in advance which items are not allowed in your hand luggage.
Pack well organised: Despite the new technology, it still helps to prepare your hand luggage well organised so that security officers have quick access to relevant items during a manual check. After all, this is still necessary on a random basis.
Relax before you arrive: thanks to the new scanners, the security check will be more relaxed overall. Use the time at the airport to get in the mood for your trip and don't let the check stress you out.
Conclusion: a big step forward for holidaymakers
The introduction of the new CT scanners at Berlin Brandenburg Airport marks a major step forward in terms of efficiency and security.
With these new measures, BER Airport is positioning itself as a pioneer in Europe, offering its passengers a modern, comfortable and safe travel experience.
