People flying from Birmingham Airport today (June 18) are expecting longer queues than normal to get checked in and onto their flights, after days of travel disruption that has seen some travellers queuing for hours before boarding.
Yesterday, passengers reported having to queue from 5am to 7am, before even getting in the airport lift. Issues getting into the airport, as well as last-minute change to the 100ml liquids rule, are said to be contributing to the long delays.
Despite airport bosses hiring another 100 workers to help with delays, many are being asked to turn up for their flight hours ahead of schedule to ensure they get to their flight on time. One passenger flying today asked on social media: “Have to travel for work tomorrow, flight is 8.40am, been told to get to airport by 4.30am. So ridiculous!”
This is a liveblog, it will be updated as travel information comes in.
04:13William Morgan
What is the 100ml rule?
Despite plans to relax restrictions on the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage due to improvements in security technology, the failure to install these improvements at every airport caused the Government to change their guidance at the last minute, reverting the change just over a week ago.
You can only carry 100ml containers in your hand luggage. BHX states the rules explicitly on its website:
- Only liquids, pastes and gels in containers up to 100ml can be carried in hand luggage – anything larger needs to be in checked in luggage.
- No liquids above this size.
- Anything above the 100ml will be removed and destroyed.
- There is no limit on the amount of under 100mls containers that can be carried.
- Containers that can carry more than a 100ml, such as insulated bottles, are permitted but need to be completely empty.
- Do not put your liquids, pastes and gels into plastic bags (please leave them loose in hand luggage).
- Do not take them out of your hand luggage when you’re in the security search area.
- Leave all electricals in hand luggage during the security search.
- When going through security please ensure all items are out of pockets including phones, keys, coins and tissues etc. Watches can be left on.
04:06William Morgan