Britons going abroad will be very well versed in the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on bags, and the stress of fitting their shampoos, shower gels and more in a small plastic bag.
But this rule will soon be scrapped as airports will now be required to install 3D scanners. This will end the need to remove liquids and laptops during pre-flight security checks. Rather, flyers will be able to bring up to two litres through the scanners.
The deadline for installing these scanners was June 1, 2024, although Birmingham Airport will be the only major UK airport to meet this date.
However, several smaller airports across the UK have already made the change, including Teesside International Airport in Durham, Newcastle International Airport, and London City Airport.
Birmingham International Airport will have the scanners installed by June 1
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Both Luton and Bristol airports are aiming to introduce the new technology by June.
In Ireland, Shannon and Donegal have 3D scanners in operation and have consequently lifted their restrictions.
It is understood that Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport will have until June 2025 to install the scanners and implement the new rules.
Britons travelling from UK airports have been encouraged to check the latest rules before travelling.
When all UK airports have installed the scanners, it is likely to speed up the process of going through security.
As it stands, Britons flying with a carry-on bag must fit all their liquids – no more than 100ml per product – in a 20cm by 20cm resealable plastic bag.
They must place this bag inside a tray alongside electronics such as laptops.
The addition of 3D scanners in the security process will now mean that laptops do not have to be removed from cabin bags.
But Britons travelling abroad for the half-term school holidays have been advised to stick to what they know for now.
ABTA’s Director of Public Affairs, Luke Petherbridge, said: “Half-term is a popular time for families to get away for some guaranteed sunshine, with European favourites such as Spain, Greece, Turkey and Portugal set to welcome significant numbers of visitors.
“To help everyone enjoy a stress-free experience this half-term, our message is simple – you can’t go wrong if you stick to the current rules around liquids and laptops when preparing your hand luggage.”
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It is expected that Heathrow Airport will have implemented the change by June 2025
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Britons can look forward to “faster” and “strengthened” security once all the airports have installed the scanners though.
In other travel news, Jet2 has launched new routes from 12 UK airports to sunny destinations including Spain, Cyprus and more.
Flights will go from Belfast International, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool John Lennon, Manchester, Newcastle International and London Stansted Airports.