BRITS going on holiday have been warned as six UK airports have brought back strict hand luggage rules.
Restrictions on the carriage of more than 100 ml of liquids in hand luggage have been temporarily introduced at regional airports.
The change came into effect from midnight on June 9 and applies to Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, London City, Aberdeen, Southend and Teesside airports.
All six affected have Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) in full operation and have waived the 100ml liquid rules by introducing high-tech CT scanners.
The Department for Transport said the resumption of restrictions would “allow for further improvements to the new checkpoint systems” and was not in response to any specific threat.
Bristol Airport was due to lift the 100ml limit on liquids that someone can have in hand luggage from 14 June.
This will now be delayed.
A Bristol Airport spokesman said: “The rule remains a maximum of 100ml for each liquid taken in hand luggage.”
Most UK airports, including London Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester, still have restrictions in place as their new scanners have not yet been installed.
Six regional airports warned passengers to pack liquids in checked bags whenever possible to avoid delays at screening.
Any liquid, including aerosols and gels, placed in hand luggage should not exceed 100ml.
A spokesman for Newcastle International Airport said the airport was working to “minimize disruption to traffic”.
Transport Minister Mark Harper advised passengers to check airport websites for any specific rules before departure.
Mr Harper told BBC Breakfast: “The rules haven’t changed at all for the majority of passengers so far, so they won’t change tonight.”
He said the restrictions were re-introduced to allow “changes” to be made to the scanning equipment.
He added: “It is a temporary measure and we will specify when this can be reversed in due course.”
The government initially told all UK airports to update the new scans by 2022, but the deadline was later pushed back to 1 June 2024.
Large airports were then allowed to miss this rollout date.
New airport scanners explained
The Sun’s head of travel, Lisa Minot, explained how the new scanners will change the way Britons travel through UK airports.
She said: “The new generation of CT scanners will be a huge boost for passengers departing from UK airports.
“Laptops and other electronic devices can remain in your luggage and there is no need to stick to the current 100ml limit on liquids that has been in place for the last 18 years.
“Eventually, you’ll be able to take up to two liters of liquids without having to take them out of your hand luggage.
“But the scanners are a huge logistical nightmare for airports, which have to install new machines while still clearing large numbers of passengers through the old ones.
“Birmingham will be the first major UK airport to switch to the new scanners on 1 June – giving passengers a faster and less complicated security experience. Teesside and London City Airports are already using the new system.
“However, it should be remembered that not all airports around the world have such facilities.
“You might be able to fly away with liquids over 100ml – but if the airport you’re flying home from doesn’t already have them, you could find yourself arriving as a crop.
“As we transition over the next few years, you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of the measures at every airport you fly through.”
The new scanners are larger and heavier than the older ones modelswhich has meant that some airports have to make physical changes to their security areas and in some cases also reinforce the floors.
All six smaller airports met the deadline and dropped the 100ml rule.
Teesside Airport said it was “proud” to be the first airport in the UK to reduce the limit to 100ml and has invested significantly in the new technology.
A spokesman said this meant passengers had a smoother journey, but added: “We acknowledge and respect the Department for Transport’s announcement and will fully comply with all requests.
“We hope this nationwide problem is resolved as quickly as possible.”
The ‘100ml’ hand luggage rule at UK airports explained
Going through airport security can be a stressful experience, so it’s important to be aware of the strict hand luggage rules before you travel. Most UK airports will implement the following rules:
- All liquid items packed in a passenger’s hand luggage must be less than 100ml
- Liquids include, for example, gels, aerosols, moisturizers, sunscreens, and make-up
- All liquid items must fit into a sealed 20cm x 20cm plastic bag before going through the airport scanner
- Electronic items such as laptops and tablets must be removed from bags and placed in a separate bin.
New CT scanners have already been installed at Teesside, London City and Aberdeen airports, so holidaymakers will be able to pack two liters of liquids in their hand luggage.
Birmingham Airport had already upgraded to new equipment but had to maintain the 100ml rule.
However, passengers are not required to remove liquids up to 100 ml from hand luggage when going through security.
It attributes this to “extraordinary regulatory approval of its new screening machines”.
Airports that missed the installation deadline could apply individually for an extension, meaning passengers may have to wait until June 2025 for the restrictions to be lifted.
The DfT has previously said the Civil Aviation Authority will impose financial penalties on airports that fail to meet the deadlines.
Consumer Champions Which? warned in January that extending the restrictions could cause chaos during the summer holidays.
The 100ml limit in a clear plastic bag was introduced in 2006 following the foiling of a bomb plot to blow up a transatlantic flight.
CT X-ray technology is used in the new scanners to provide 3D images, so items can be left in bags and liquids up to two liters will be allowed.