My most recent trip to Vanuatu highlighted the ridiculous inconsistency of sizes of liquid containers at airport security checkpoints — and it is rather annoying, as the screener at one airport decided to take it upon herself to deem one container which has been through numerous airports worldwide as not acceptable for travel.
The Ridiculous Inconsistency of Sizes of Liquid Containers at Airport Security Checkpoints
The airport in question is Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, whose airport code is VLI and is the largest airport in Vanuatu. The small airport only serves Air Vanuatu and eight other airlines on a regular basis throughout the year — plus one cargo airline. The airport has a small security checkpoint.
After wading and waiting through a very slow line on which everyone will have been passengers aboard the same airplane, we were finally able to place our bags on the conveyor belt to be scanned. Unfortunately, one of our bags were pulled over to the side.
“This container is not the standard size for liquids”, we were told — despite it passing through countless security checkpoints in numerous countries on several continents.
We were forced to relinquish the container of sunscreen lotion.
Final Boarding Call
This experience reminded me of the one at Kiruna Airport in Sweden pertaining to the size of the clear plastic bag that holds liquids.
Well, the world is substantially safer because the people who work at the security checkpoint at Bauerfield International Airport absconded with a container of sunscreen lotion. I am guessing the line was painfully slow because they were catching fellow passengers off guard with their self-imposed inane and unnecessarily superfluous requirements.
“In light of recent events pertaining to increased airport security prohibiting liquids and gels from being carried on-board an aircraft, it is interesting that even the most seasoned of travelers are confused as to what is allowed to be carried on a flight and what is not allowed” is what I wrote in the very first official article that was posted at what was then known as The Gate on Friday, August 18, 2006.
Apparently, that statement is still true greater almost 19 years later.
I remain unconvinced that the restriction on liquids and gels at security checkpoints at airports has resulted in safer transportation rather than inconvenience millions of passengers since then; but I look forward to the day when going through a security checkpoint at an airport is as simple, fast, and easy as it was almost 19 years ago — but with more secure technology.
Please be sure to also read the following articles for more information and details about the restrictions on liquids and gels — which I have always believed should be eliminated or substantially pared down — at security checkpoints at airports world:
- Why Limitations on Liquids and Gels Should Be Eliminated At Airport Security Checkpoints
- Should the Limitations on Liquids Be Repealed?
- Stupid Tip of the Day: Traveling With Liquid Toiletries
Photograph ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
