For the past seven years, flyers have been restricted to no more than 3.4 ounces of liquids allowed in carry-on bags both in the U.S. and Europe.

Now, new technology could allow airports around the country to ease the rules, CNN's Rene Marsh reports.

London is taking the first step toward the goal of lifting restrictions on liquids by 2016. They are planning to install new liquid scanning technology at Heathrow Airport.

The Ohio-based company which developed the machines says it scans containers in less than 10 seconds, uses radio frequency and ultrasonic technology and alerts security personnel of suspicious substances. The company didn't specify the margin of error only saying it was "very low and varied on factors such as the type of container."

All European airports have been mandated to have technology capable of scanning for liquid explosives by 2014.

The TSA tells CNN developing liquid scanners that would allow them to lift restrictions "remains a long-term goal."