Travellers flying from Newcastle Airport are being warned about liquid restrictions after hand luggage rules were brought back.
Newcastle International Airport is one of six where the 100ml limit on liquids has been reintroduced, alongside London City, Aberdeen, Leeds/Bradford, Southend and Teesside airports. The Government required that all airports install new scanners allowing for liquids up to two litres in volume to be stored in hand luggage when passengers go through security.
Larger airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester missed the latest deadline, set for June 1, for installing the technology because of logistical challenges. However, Newcastle Airport completed a £20m transformation ahead of the deadline, including the equipment that should in theory allow travellers to leave liquids and electronics in their hand luggage.
The Department for Transport (DfT) unexpectedly announced on June 7, that the old rule – only allowing liquids, gels and pastes under 100ml to be taken through security – would be reinstated. The DfT has not said when the measure will be reversed.
Newcastle International Airport issued a statement saying: “The Government has implemented a restriction on liquids carried by passengers in their hand luggage, effective from midnight on Saturday 8th June. Passengers are advised to pack all non-essential liquids in their hold baggage.
“Any liquids, gels or creams being carried in hand luggage must be in containers of up to 100ml and placed in a bag. We are working with our airline partners to keep disruption to a minimum.”
Now travel experts 1st Move International have provided an insight into what these changes mean for travellers and how to keep your journey as smooth as possible. Mike Harvey, managing director of 1st Move International, said: “All individuals travelling from the UK need to return to packing all 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.
“This is regardless of if the airport you are travelling from previously removed this restriction, and you may be charged or asked to dispose of your items if they are more than 100ml. People who fail to remove items from their bags or travel with large bottles of liquids and creams are the biggest cause of delays at airport security.
“This is expected to be heightened by confusion regarding the sudden u-turn on the recent legislation, so we recommend arriving early in order to reduce the risk of unexpected delays caused by confusion between the new rules.”