AIRPORTS in the UK are slowly scrapping the 100ml liquid rules – with some even implementing the changes already.
New CT scanners are being installed across UK airports that will allow passengers to carry more liquid items in their hand luggage, putting an end to the strict 100ml liquid rules currently in place.
It will also mean people won’t have to remove laptops and electronics from their bags while they’re being scanned.
Last year, the Department of Transport implemented a deadline of June 2024 for airports to have the new scanners in place.
Even though the deadline is a few weeks away, several small airports in the UK already have the new scanners installed.
Teesside Airport, County Durham
In March 2023, Teesside Airport in County Durham became the first airport in the UK to install the new scanners.
At the time, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Once again Teesside is at the forefront of developments in the aviation industry, with our C3 scanners in place and already being used in the roll-out of the new rules, coming into force elsewhere next year.”
London City Airport, London
At the end of March 2023, and just in time for the Easter holidays, London City Airport became the second airport in the country to ditch the 100ml liquid rule.
Robert Sinclair, CEO of London City Airport said passengers are going to love the new security experience.
He told The Times: “The good news for anyone planning a holiday or a business trip is that we will be the first mainstream UK airport to offer a fully CT security experience from the end of this month.
“The new lanes will not only cut hassle but also queuing times, which I know passengers will love.”
Aberdeen International Airport, Aberdeen
Earlier this year, Aberdeen International Airport became the third airport in the UK to install the scanners.
The new airport scanners explained
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot has explained how the new scanners will change the way Brits travel through UK airports.
She said: “The new generation of CT scanners will be a huge boost to passengers flying out of UK airports.
“Laptops and other electronic devices can stay in your luggage and there’s no need to stick to the current 100ml liquid restriction that has been in place for the last 18 years.
“Eventually, you’ll be able to take up to two litres of liquids without having to remove them from your hand luggage.
“But the scanners are a huge logistical nightmare for airports who have to install the new machines while still processing large numbers of passengers via the old ones.
“Birmingham will be the first major UK airport to switch to the new scanners on June 1 – giving travellers a quicker, less complicated security experience. Teesside and London City airports are already using the new system.
“But it’s worth bearing in mind that not all airports across the globe have the equipment.
“You may well be able to fly out with liquids over 100ml – but if the airport you fly home from doesn’t have them yet you could find yourself coming a cropper.
“While we transition over the next couple of years you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of the arrangements in any airport you fly through.”
William Wallace, who is the Security Manager at Aberdeen International Airport, said: “We are delighted to have the NGSC scanners operational at Aberdeen.
“We are well ahead of the deadline set by the Government thanks to all the hard work from our staff and contractors.
“This is one of the biggest changes in airport security so we would ask passengers to be prepared for this new process and to have patience as we enter the biggest change in aviation security in nearly two decades.”
A few other airports in the UK are hoping to install the new CT scanners before the deadline at the end of June.
Birmingham International Airport
Birmingham International Airport will be the first major transport hub to scrap the 100ml liquid regulations.
The Midlands-based airport is set to have the scanners in working order by June 1, which coincides with the final weekend of the half-term holidays.
What about other UK airports?
Luton and Bristol airports are also hoping to introduce the new technology by June, with Bristol Airport said to be investing more than £10million in the new security equipment.
Unfortunately, it will be some time before the new 3D scanners are in place at all UK airports, with some of the country’s largest travel hubs set to miss the government deadline.
Airports in the UK were initially given a deadline of June 2024 by the Department for Transport (DfT), but several major airports have fallen behind.
The likes of London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester Airport have all been given an extension until summer 2025 to make sure they have fully installed the new scanners.
Even though work has begun on implementing the new technology, those airports haven’t been able to complete a full transfer from the old scanners.
Current hand Luggage rules at UK airports explained
Going through airport security can be a stressful experience, so it’s important to be aware of strict hand luggage rules before you travel. Most UK airports will be implementing the following rules:
- All liquid items packed in a passenger’s hand luggage must be less than 100ml
- Liquids include items like gels, aerosols, moisturisers, sunscreen and makeup products
- All liquid items must fit into a 20cm x 20cm sealed plastic bag, before they go through the scanner at airport security
- Electronic items like laptops and tablets must be removed from bags and placed in a separate tray.
New CT scanners have already been installed at Teesside Airport, London City Airport and Aberdeen Airport, which means holidaymakers will be able to pack two litres of liquid in their hand luggage.
London Gatwick Airport expects to have its remaining scanners in place by the first three months of 2025, which is thought to be a similar time frame to both London Stansted and Manchester Airport.
Structural problems, and keeping security operations up and running, while installing the new machines, have been the source of most of the delays.
This means that passengers heading away this half-term shouldn’t get too excited about being able to travel without tight restrictions on their liquids.
Travel trade association ABTA has warned anyone heading abroad during that time to stick to the current 100ml rules, saying that many overseas airports also don’t have the new scanners in place.
Its message is simply to carry on “as if nothing has changed” for the time being, until more airports have the tech in place.
Luke Petherbridge, ABTA’s Director of Public Affairs, said: “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.
“The new airport scanners will make things faster and strengthen security once they’re fully implemented.
“While we have this period whereby airports are still working to implement the changes, the best thing to do is travel as if nothing has changed.”
Meanwhile, Luton Airport is hoping to also scrap the rules well before the 2024 deadline.
Until then, this is how much liquid you can take on board a plane.