Just in time for the start of summer vacation in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland, travelers at Vienna-Schwechat Airport are experiencing more relaxed security checks. What's changing for air travelers at Austria's major hub.
Starting Saturday, July 4th, liquids in containers with a capacity of up to two liters may be carried in carry-on luggage. This is made possible by modern equipment that will be in operation at all checkpoints at the start of the vacation season.
The new scanners work similarly to a CT scanner and create three-dimensional images of carry-on luggage, allowing liquids to be checked much more accurately than before. This brings a second convenience for passengers: liquids and electronic devices such as laptops or tablets no longer need to be removed separately from luggage during security checks. The previous requirement to remove individual items from carry-on luggage is being replaced by instructions to keep everything packed as much as possible. This shortens waiting times and makes the process at checkpoints smoother.
Up to two liters instead of 100 milliliters
The relaxation of liquid restrictions is the most striking innovation. Previously, liquids could only be transported in containers up to 100 milliliters; the new scanners enable larger quantities and will now allow up to two liters per container. This is made possible by EU approval of the new technology. The annoying process of transferring liquids into small travel bottles and the clear plastic bag are thus eliminated. It remains important that containers are sealed and leak-proof - open containers such as coffee-to-go cups are still not permitted.
Airport Executive Board member Julian Jäger announced the changeover on the "Wien heute" program "Bei uns". By the end of June, around 30 of the total 35 checkpoints had been upgraded, with the remaining stations set to follow in time for the start of vacation season. The airport invested around 25 million euros in the major project with 35 security checkpoint lanes.
Only for departures from Vienna
Vacationers should note one restriction: the new regulation applies exclusively to security checks at Vienna-Schwechat Airport. Anyone returning from another airport must still inform themselves about the regulations in effect there, as many airports have not yet deployed the new technology and the 100-milliliter limit may still apply. In Europe, Milan, Rome, and Bologna, among others, have already made the switch, with additional locations gradually upgrading.
Peak travel season with high volume
The date is no coincidence: summer vacation runs from July 4th to September 6th, 2026 in Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Vienna, while it doesn't begin until July 11th in the other federal states. The terminals will be correspondingly crowded. In 2025, Vienna Airport reached a new record with 32.6 million passengers; for 2026, the airport expects around 30 million air travelers. The most popular summer destinations recently included Antalya, Mallorca, and Barcelona. The faster checks are coming at the right time, but travelers should still plan sufficient time buffers during peak season.
