There's been plenty of changes to travel rules this year, including security liquid restrictions. If you're wondering what to expect if you're travelling through a UK airport soon, we're here to lend a hand.
Below, we explore what changes have been made to the 2006 airport liquid rule and when they're set to happen. We also take a look at what the current situation is, so you can enjoy a stress-free travel experience.
What are the current rules around taking liquids on planes?
Since 2006, travellers have had to carry liquids, aerosols and gels in 100ml containers through airport security. The items need to be stored in a transparent plastic bag that measures 20cm x 20cm, and can total no more than 1 litre.
But, this is set to change.
What’s changing?
Computed tomography (CT) scanners are used in airports. They can produce 2D images of the contents of bags to flag potential threats. Now, 3D scanners are being introduced, which have the ability to offer more detailed images that can be rotated 360 degrees.
Thanks to these new scanners, travellers should soon be able to bring up to 2 litres of liquids in their carry-ons. The best part? You won't need to remove them from your carry-on, or store them in a clear plastic bag like before. Yippee!
The changes don't stop there, either. You'll also be able to leave large electronics in your bag when going through security, such as laptops. With the old 2D scanners, you'd need to remove them from your main carry-on and place them into the scanning tray.
When does the 100ml liquid rule change?
Airports were due to relax the 2006 liquid limit rule on 1 June 2024.
But, many airports were unable to get the new scanners installed in time. This included the UK's busiest airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted.
Several UK airports were able to meet the deadline, though. These include:
- Leeds Bradford (LBA)
- London City (LCY)
- London Southend (SEN)
- Newcastle (NCL)
- Teeside (MME)
- Aberdeen (ABZ)
- Birmingham (BHX)
At the time, Bristol airport also said it would have the new scanning equipment installed by 14 June 2024.
But, the 100ml liquid rule was reinstated across UK airports that had the new scanners installed on 9 June 2024. It wasn't a complete reversal to the 2006 rules, though. The airports with the new scanners have let travellers leave liquids in their carry-on bag, but they need to be 100 ml bottles or less.
This happened because new scanners were mistakenly flagging harmless items as potential threats. This caused long security delays, as staff had to manually check each flagged item by hand. For now, airports have stopped using the scanners so they can improve them. Airports aren't sure how long the 100 ml restriction is going to last. Or, when the new CT scanners will be fully operational.
How much liquid can you take on a plane in a bag you’ve checked in?
In UK airports, there's no specific limit on the amount of liquids you can pack into checked luggage.
This means that you can bring full-sized bottles of gels, aerosols and liquids in luggage going into the hold. In other words, you should be able to pack your holiday essentials, like sun cream, without any problems. Yay!
But, some items could be subject to airline-specific restrictions or international regulations. For example, alcohol limits.
Top tip: Unsure about what liquids you can pack into your checked luggage? Contact your airline or airport - they can give you a hand.
Tips for travelling with the new rules
Going through airport security can be stressful at the best of times! With the ongoing changes to the liquid rules, follow these travel tips for a smoother experience:
Pack a spare plastic bag, just in case you need it!
The airport you're departing from might allow liquids to be kept in your carry-on. But, that might not be the case for the airport you're coming home from.
It's worth packing a spare plastic bag in your luggage. That way, if you do need to take liquids out of your bag on the way home, you'll be prepared. No stress at airport security here!
Stay updated on your airport's specific liquid rules
There seems to be airline-specific rules for liquids at the moment.
For example, Bristol airport currently allows travellers to keep liquids in their bags. But, they still need to be 100ml or less. This isn't the case for all UK airports, though. So, it's worth checking what the liquid rules are for the airport you're travelling from. That way, you can help yourself avoid any problems.
Helpful hint: You should be able to find information for current liquid rules on the airport's website.
Stick to 100ml bottles for now
As we've already mentioned, airports aren't ready to fully roll out the new scanners yet. Until they are, they've been asked to revert to the 100ml rule. So, until further notice, you'll still need to stick to 100ml liquid containers or less. This also applies if you're going to an airport that allows you to keep liquids in your carry-on.
You still might need to remove large electronics and liquids from your carry-on at some airports
Heads up - some airports have been rolling out the new 3D CT scanners, lane by lane. So, you might be asked to take your liquids and electronics out of your carry-on at the last second. It can depend on whether you join a security lane using a new 3D scanner or an older 2D scanner.
Some airports also haven't been able to install new CT scanners yet, like Cardiff airport. At airports that are still using old scanners, expect to follow 2006 security rules. Again, you should be able to find current liquid rule information on the airport's website.
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