AIRPORTS in the UK are slowly scrapping the 100ml liquid rules – with some even implementing the changes already.
Others however are lagging behind to bring in new scanners that will make passing through security much smoother for travellers.
The new scanners mean passengers don’t have to remove liquids from their bag
Once in place, the new scanners will allow passengers to carry much more liquid in their hand luggage, putting an end to the strict 100ml liquid rules currently in place.
It will also mean people won’t have to remove laptops and electronics from their bags while they’re being scanned.
Last year, the Department of Transport implemented a deadline of June 2024 for airports to have the new scanners in place.
However, some places are facing delays until as late as 2025.
This is due to installation issues with the new security equipment, as well as the need to keep security in operation while bringing the new scanners in.
For smaller airports, installing the new equipment has proved to be easier, with Teesside and London City already bringing in the new equipment.
According to a report put together by international shipping company 1st Move International others aren’t much further behind.
Leeds Bradford is expected to have its new scanners in place soon, while Newcastle is also making good progress.
Liverpool, Bristol and Birmingham are all expected to hit the deadline, while East Midlands could also finish their instalment in time.
Edinburgh airport looks set to fall short, with work to change the scanners there expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, London Heathrow has partially introduced some of the new machines, but isn’t expected to finish until some time next year.
Manchester and London Gatwick are also set to miss the deadline.
Hand luggage rules for UK airlines
We’ve rounded up how much hand luggage you can take on UK airlines when booking their most basic fare.
Ryanair
One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
EasyJet
One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm
Jet2
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg
TUI
One personal item that its underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg
British Airways
One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg
Virgin Atlantic
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg
This means that passengers travelling through some of the UK’s busiest airports will still have to abide by the strict liquid rules.
Originally introduced in 2006, they restrict holidaymakers to carrying just 100ml of liquids in their carry-on luggage, which must be stored in a sealed, clear bag.
Mike Harvey, Managing Director, 1st Move International, advised people to make sure which rules they need to follow while travelling, with not every airport ready to meet the deadline.
He said: “When planning your travels, it’s crucial to be aware that the 100ml liquid restriction might still be in place depending on the specific airport you depart from.
“Ensure that you check all departing airports on your itinerary, including domestic layovers.
“Until a universal removal of the 100ml liquid restriction is implemented across all airports, it’s best to adhere to the established protocols.
“Continue to pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 100ml or smaller and arrange them in a clear, resealable plastic bag, to mitigate the risk of disposal.
“People who fail to remove items from their bags or travel with large bottles of liquids and creams are among the biggest cause of delays at airport security.
“This is expected to be heightened by confusion regarding the new legislation, so we recommend arriving early in order to reduce the risk of unexpected delays caused by confusion between the new rules.”
Taking too much liquid is one big mistake that people make at airports, but there are plenty of others.
Belts and shoes
Wearing complicated clothes, including belts and shoes, always slows people down.
They dress forgetting that those items need to be removed and scanned, which not only holds them up, but everyone else behind them.
People are advised to dress with airport security in mind to speed things up.
Using airport screens
Relying on screens for information in the airport is not advised, according to flight attendants.
It turns out that the screens are updated later than other places and checking online is a much more reliable way to get details about your flight.
Buying transport tickets at airports
Onward travel from the airport can be expensive – but people often pay much more than they need to.
At UK airports, buying tickets for train travel from the machines at the stations is often much more expensive than buying them online.
It’s always worth checking the prices online when you arrive before buying the tickets.
Meanwhile, these two sneaky methods can help you avoid flight cancellation chaos.
GettyCurrently passengers have to follow strict liquid rules[/caption]