Shocking News: UK Airports Reimpose Hand Luggage Rules Despite New Scanners
MORE confusion has been sparked after five major UK airports were forced to reinstate strict hand luggage rules – despite new scanners. Holidaymakers travelling through the selected airports were glad to wave goodbye to the 100ml liquids rule.
Reimposition of Old Hand Luggage Rules
But, passengers have now been informed they will have to revert back to the old restrictions. The Department for Transport (DfT) is reimposing the dreaded liquid limit at the five UK airports where it had been erased in what they describe as a “temporary measure”. New CT scanners were set to be installed across major UK airports that would allow people to travel with 2litres of liquids.
Temporary Reintroduction of 100ml Limit
Despite improved scanners, from Sunday, holidaymakers will again be limited to 100ml containers in their hand luggage. A statement from the Department of Transport read: “From 0001 on Sunday 9th June 2024, 100ml restrictions on liquids will temporarily be reintroduced for passengers travelling from six regional airports where Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) are in full operation.
The Impact of Delayed Scanner Implementation
The new tech was supposed to be in place everywhere by June 1 this year. However, London Gatwick, London Stansted, East Midlands and Manchester Airport have now confirmed scanners will not be functional until 2025. The scanners were also aimed to reduce queues by allowing passengers to keep their laptops and liquids loose in their hand luggage while going through security.
Explanation of Hand Luggage Rules at UK Airports
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.
Overview of New Scanner Implementation
Last year, the Department of Transport implemented a deadline of June 2024 for airports to have new scanners in place. Several small airports in the UK have already had the new scanners installed, including Teesside Airport in County Durham, London City Airport in London and Aberdeen International Airport in Aberdeen. London Luton Airport and Bristol Airport also aim to introduce the new technology by the June deadline.