British passengers warned over two major liquid rule changes at UK airports

UK holidaymakers are being urged to familiarise themselves with the specific rules at each airport they travel through due to variations in security policies. Those jetting out of the UK, whether for a sun-soaked holiday, family visit, sports tournament, business trip, or overseas studies, should note that not all airports have yet installed CT scanners at the security checks.

These scanners eliminate the need for passengers to remove liquids and electronics from their luggage. Previously, liquids were restricted to 100ml and had to be housed in a clear plastic bag, while electrical items had to be removed and scanned separately. However, as not all airports have implemented the new systems, the old rules still apply in many locations.

The state-of-the-art CT scanners utilise computer image processing with X-rays, significantly reducing security waiting times. This also means travellers should be able to journey with bottles and containers holding up to two litres of liquid, with no restriction on the number of bottles they can carry, reports Birmingham Live.

However, it's not time to disregard the old rules just yet. There is evident confusion about which airports have the scanners fully operational and which do not, as online searches on the topic have more than doubled.

Experts at One Sure Insurance said: "With some airports such as London City Airport having installed CT scanners in April 2023, others such as London's Heathrow are not expected to make a full switchover soon, due to the cost of the new technology - expected to be around £1 billion - and the retraining of staff that's required.

"It's important to remember when returning from your trip that you still need to follow the rules from your departing airport, including liquid, electronic and customs restrictions and protocols.

"Otherwise, you may face delays and/or losing expensive belongings in the bin. You might leave from an airport where two litres are fine, but return from one that still enforces the 100ml rule. Not all airports are ready, and that could cause problems.

"There's a big risk of confusion right now, but technology has the power to change the way we fly. Until airports around the world catch up with newer technology, travellers should stay proactive to avoid being left behind."

This involves verifying airport websites, storing liquids in carry-on baggage, maintaining essential items at 100ml when uncertain, allowing sufficient time at terminals to potentially separate liquids and electronics, and remaining particularly vigilant when flying back to different airports or during multi-destination holidays. As we approach the peak of the summer holiday season, millions of UK passengers are expected to pass through airports, some of which will still be operating under the old rules.

Which airports have installed the new security scanners?

Edinburgh and Birmingham airports have fully implemented new CT scanners at security. This means passengers can keep liquids of up to two litres inside their cabin bags, with no limit on the number of two-litre bottles or containers allowed.

Bristol Airport has fully embraced the new rules, allowing passengers to keep electrical items in their hand luggage along with liquids, which can now be up to two litres per container.

However, most other UK airports are still operating under the old regulations regarding liquids and electronics, although more are expected to introduce CT scanners over the summer.

Gatwick Airport has announced that passengers no longer need to remove liquids and gels from their hand luggage, but the containers must still not exceed 100ml. However, electronic items do need to be removed and screened separately.

Luton Airport's guidelines state that all liquid containers in your hand luggage must be under 100ml/100g each, including creams, pastes, lotions, and gels. Passengers can keep their liquids inside their bags for security screening, as a plastic bag is no longer required.

Electronics can also be kept in baggage.

Stansted Airport is still adhering to the old rules, stating that passengers can pack liquids in their hand luggage, but containers must be under 100ml each and in a clear, resealable plastic bag. This bag should be removed from hand luggage and placed clearly in the tray provided, along with any electrical item above A5 size (20cm x 20cm).

Manchester Airport also maintains the old rules. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be under 100ml each and packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm.

Manchester passengers are limited to packing one clear bag of products in their hand luggage, with the stipulation being one per person. These should be removed from hand luggage and placed in the tray for scanning.

Furthermore, any electrical item larger than A5 (20cm x 20cm) should also be removed from your bag and placed in the tray.

Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester airports are progressively introducing new CT scanners lane by lane, meaning some passengers may be asked to remove liquids and electronics while others may not.

It's worth bearing in mind that you might not be able to leave liquids or electrical items in your bag on your return journey. According to consumer website Which, at most airports in France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, as well as the US, you will need to remove liquids from your hand luggage and place them in a clear plastic bag.