BIRMINGHAM Airport has refused to implement a queuing feature introduced by Alton Towers in a bid to tackle two-hour security lines.
Just weeks after the 100ml hand baggage rules were abolished, crowds of holidaymakers gathered at the entrance to West Midlands airport.
Jetsetters are constantly warned to arrive early for their flights, with queues snaking around the car park around 5am most days.
And as passengers grow restless as the peak season and summer holidays approach, they have suggested BHX bosses add ‘queue markers’.
Just like at theme parks, the signs show how long you have to wait at certain points in the line.
However, the suggestion was rejected by airport executives who said Birmingham is “somewhat different from Alton Towers”.
BHX said: “The airport environment and security sensitivities/requirements are slightly different to Alton Towers.
“Getting on a plane and the time it takes to ensure everyone is kept safe is different from getting on a roller coaster and should rightly take longer.
“The real-time tacker was an estimate of the queue at the time. When construction work began, this facility was removed.
“We will assess the availability of this position once construction work is completed.”
Airport departure screens previously showed a large number of flights with a ‘last call’ warning as people rushed to catch their plane.
Airmen have had countless stressful mornings not knowing if they would make it through security on time.
A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport previously pointed out the problems with travelers arriving with more than 100 ml of liquid in their luggage.
They said: “Our new security area has been designed and equipped to cope with the increase of two liters of hand luggage. This cannot currently be used with the temporary restriction.
“In order to fully comply with this new directive, we have further adapted our business process.
“We now have ‘liquid check stations’ at all terminal entrances, where colleagues directly assist passengers to ensure liquid containers over 100ml are removed.
Why are there long queues at Birmingham Airport?
BIRMINGHAM Airport has recently opened a new £60 million state-of-the-art security hall.
The hall is part of a wider upgrade of the airport, which is expected to handle 18 million fliers per year by 2033.
The upgrade will ultimately allow passengers to carry liquids of up to two liters in hand luggage.
But regulatory approval has yet to be granted for the increased liquid limits in Birmingham.
A spokesperson previously said that work on the hall will continue.
“Although our new security hall is operational, construction work is still ongoing on site and we are awaiting regulatory approval allowing liquids up to two liters to be carried in hand luggage.
“This construction work will continue for the foreseeable future as we redevelop the airport, which is part of our planned and previously announced £300 million investment.
“Until further notice, passengers are advised that they should only take liquids up to 100ml with them when departing from Birmingham Airport, although this can remain in hand luggage and no longer in a plastic bag.”
“With these extra checks we have seen that a large proportion of customers are still arriving with liquids over 100ml in their bag and these unfortunately need to be removed and thrown away.
“Containers that can hold more than 100 ml are permitted, but must be completely empty.
“Our security flow has been continuous today, aided by these additional checks, and we welcome and appreciate our passengers’ cooperation in eliminating excessive liquids from their carry-on luggage.
“The outside queues we are seeing today are from ‘liquid check stations’.
“Since the opening of our new security zone in May, substandard bags have continued to pass through security, causing unnecessary queues and delays to customers’ journeys.
“This new step in the process is to resolve the issue before customers move forward.
“It is now more necessary than ever that customers adhere to the 100ml rule.
“This additional layer of control threatens to slow down the security process without the support of passengers.
“For customers who are less able to stand for long periods of time, we recommend that they book the assisted travel service.
“However, if a customer is queuing during our peak periods and feels like they need help, our customer ambassadors are nearby and can help them without losing their place in line.”
The 100ml carry-on rule at UK airports explained
Going through airport security can be a stressful experience, so it’s important to be aware of the strict carry-on rules before you travel. Most UK airports will implement the following rules:
- All liquid items packed in a passenger’s hand luggage must contain less than 100 ml
- Liquids include things like gels, aerosols, moisturizers, sunscreen, and makeup products
- All liquid items must fit into a sealed 8″ x 8″ plastic bag before going through the scanner at airport security
- Electronic items such as laptops and tablets should be removed from bags and placed in a separate bin.
New CT scanners have already been installed at Teesside Airport, London City Airport and Aberdeen Airport, allowing holidaymakers to carry two liters of liquid in their hand luggage.