BRITISH holidaymakers have been warned as six UK airports have introduced strict hand luggage rules.
Temporary restrictions have been introduced at regional airports on carrying more than 100 ml of liquids in hand luggage.
The change came into effect from midnight on June 9 and is in force at Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, London City, Aberdeen, Southend and Teesside airports.
All six of those affected have their Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) fully operational and have dispensed with the 100ml liquid rule due to the arrival of the high-tech CT scanners.
The Department for Transport said reducing restrictions would “allow further improvements to the new checkpoint systems” and was not in response to a specific threat.
Bristol Airport is set to remove the 100ml limit for liquids in a person’s hand luggage from June 14.
That is now postponed.
A spokesperson for Bristol Airport said: “There remains a rule of a maximum of 100ml for any liquid carried in hand luggage.”
Most airports in Britain, including London Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester, are still under restrictions because their new scanners have not yet been installed.
The six regional airports warned passengers to put liquids in checked baggage where possible to avoid security delays.
The amount of liquid, including aerosols and gels, carried in hand luggage may not exceed 100 ml.
A spokesperson for Newcastle International Airport said the airport is working to “minimize disruption”.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has advised passengers to check airport websites for specific rules before traveling.
Mr Harper told BBC Breakfast: “For most passengers the rules haven’t actually changed at all and therefore won’t change tonight.”
He said the restrictions had been reintroduced to allow “changes” to the scanning equipment.
He added: “It is a temporary measure and we will determine when it can be reversed in due course.”
The government had originally told all UK airports to upgrade the new scanners by 2022, but the deadline was later pushed back to June 1, 2024.
Large airports were then allowed to miss that rollout date.
The new airport scanners explained
Lisa Minot, The Sun’s head of travel, has explained how the new scanners will change the way Britons travel through UK airports.
She said: “The new generation of CT scanners will be a huge boost for passengers flying from UK airports.
“Laptops and other electronic devices can remain in your luggage and you do not have to adhere to the current 100ml liquid restriction that has been in place for the past 18 years.
“Ultimately you can carry up to two liters of liquid without having to take it out of your hand luggage.
“But the scanners are a huge logistical nightmare for airports that have to install the new machines while still processing large numbers of passengers through the old ones.
“Birmingham will be the first major UK airport to switch to the new scanners on June 1, giving travelers a faster, 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 around the world have the equipment.
“You may be able to fly home with liquids over 100ml, but if the airport you’re flying home from doesn’t have them yet, you could be left behind.
“As we transition over the coming years, make sure you are aware of the arrangements at every airport you fly through.”
The new scanners are larger and heavier than older ones modelswhich meant that some airports had to make physical changes to their security areas, and in some cases even strengthen floors.
All six smaller airports had met the deadline and dropped the 100ml rule.
Teesside Airport said it was “proud” to be the first UK airport to drop the 100ml limit after making a significant investment in the new technology.
A spokesperson said this meant passengers had a smoother journey, but added: “We acknowledge and respect the Department for Transport’s announcement and will fully comply with all requirements.
“We hope that this national problem will be resolved as soon as possible.”
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 baggage 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.
Birmingham Airport had already upgraded to the new equipment but had to maintain the 100ml rule.
However, passengers are not required to remove liquids up to 100 ml from their hand luggage when passing through security checkpoints.
It attributes this to “excellent regulatory approval for its new screening machines”.
Airports that missed the installation deadline could individually apply for an extension, meaning passengers may have to wait until June 2025 before restrictions are lifted.
The DfT previously said the Civil Aviation Authority would impose financial penalties on airports that continued to miss deadlines.
Consumer Champions Which ones? warned in January that extending restrictions over the summer holidays could cause confusion.
The 100ml limit in a clear plastic bag was introduced in 2006 after a bomb plot to blow up a transatlantic flight was foiled.
The new scanners use CT X-ray technology to provide 3D images, so items can be left in bags and liquids up to two liters are allowed.