The major UK airport set to ditch 100ml liquid rule in time for summer holidays
A MAJOR UK airport is set to ditch the 100ml liquid rule later this year.
Waiting to have luggage scanned, or queueing up to pass through metal detectors, is one of the easiest ways to get held up while passing through an airport.
But new technology is being introduced at airports across the country that’s set to make the 100ml liquid rule a thing of the past.
The new CT scanners not only remove the need for people to take liquids out of their hand luggage, it also increases the liquid limit from 100ml to two litres.
Additionally, laptops and electronic items won’t need to be removed from hand luggage either, speeding up the whole security process.
In 2022, the Department of Transport implemented a deadline of June 2024 for airports to have the new scanners in place.
Last year, Teesside Airport became the first airport in the UK to ditch the 100ml liquid rule.
Earlier today, Birmingham International Airport announced that it will also meet the June deadline, with plans to introduce the new scanners by June 1, 2024.
Passengers travelling through Birmingham International Airport will be able to keep everything in their bags instead of being asked to remove laptops and ditch liquids over 100ml at screenings.
Luggage will then pass through the CT scanners which allows airport security to inspect bags from a 3D image, which will be a vast improvement from the 2D images currently used.
Nick Barton, boss of Birmingham Airport, told the Metro: “Birmingham Airport has invested £60 million in a new security hall and scanning equipment.
“From June 1, our customers will see the benefits of the new security systems as we roll them out, which will result in a quicker and easier pre-flight security screening process for our customers.
“In the meantime, up until the 1st June date, our existing security restrictions remain in place.”
Leeds Bradford, Liverpool and Bristol are also expected to hit the deadline, while East Midlands could also finish their instalment of the new scanners 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
Airport Liquid Rule
Originally introduced in 2006, the rules 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 to know 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.”
Taking too many liquids 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.
Earlier this week, Birmingham International Airport became the first UK airport to welcome a brand-new easyJet base for the first time in 8 years.
Meanwhile, these two sneaky methods can help you avoid flight cancellation chaos.