Going through airport security is always a stressful business that involves lots of rules to follow.
In most UK airports, it’s a case of taking off shoes, coats and belts, and removing all liquids and electronics from your bag before sending it through the scanners. Most passengers will be familiar with these processes and are well aware of the 100ml liquids rule for hand luggage, but to confuse matters, two major UK airports have now scrapped this rule at security checkpoints.
A policy on the amount of liquids holidaymakers can carry in their hand luggage has been in place since 2006, with rules stating liquid containers must not exceed 100ml. If containers are larger than this, they must be packed inside hold luggage instead. Passengers carrying liquids in their hand luggage must place these items in a transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm, and this bag must be removed from luggage at security.
But both Edinburgh Airport and Birmingham Airport have lifted the 100ml liquid rule and now allow passengers to carry liquids in containers up to two litres inside their hand luggage.
Edinburgh Airport became the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule after installing eight new top-of-the-range X-ray scanners as part of a £24 million investment to transform its security.
Alongside liquid containers up to two litres, passengers travelling through both Edinburgh and Birmingham airports can also now keep large electricals, such as laptops and tables, inside their bags when they go through security.
But there are nine other UK airports where passengers don’t have to remove liquids or electronics from their bags thanks to new CT scanners, although the 100ml rule currently still applies. These are:
- London Gatwick
- London Luton
- Glasgow
- Belfast
- Aberdeen
- Newcastle
- East Midlands
- Leeds Bradford
- Cardiff
Meanwhile, London Heathrow, London Stansted and Manchester Airport are all in the process of implementing new CT scanners, so passengers may discover they don’t need to unpack and repack their liquids and electronic devices at security.
Jane Bolton, travel expert from tailor-made package ski holiday operator Erna Low, has shared advice for airline passengers travelling from the UK, as several airports now follow different rules at security checkpoints.
She said: “Airports outside the UK operate according to their own rules and regulations so be sure to check the rules of the airport you will be departing from and returning from.
“Allow yourself plenty of time to make your way through security. It is recommended that passengers arrive two hours prior to boarding. However during the upcoming transitional period, you may want to allow more time for delays.
“If you are travelling to and from multiple airports, stick to the 100ml rule with liquids in plastic bags to avoid items being confiscated. Where possible, comply with the 100ml liquids rule to avoid delays and confiscated items. Purchasing travel sized toiletries or reusable travel bottles is a great way to stay under the limit.
“Medication, baby food and baby liquids are, for the most part, exempt from the standard 100ml rules however passengers should always check the departure and arrival airport regulations. You may need a prescription or letter from a medical professional for liquids over 100ml.”