Summer airport 'chaos' warning amid delays over important new rules
Summer 2024 could see chaos at airports with the risk of items being taken away from passengers and delays due to new rules.
Travellers might face a mix-up at different airports across the country as there's a chance that certain items in their bags could be confiscated at some but not others. This is because most airports in the UK are likely to miss the June 1 deadline to put in new liquid scanners.
At the moment, anyone flying on a plane can't take liquids in containers bigger than 100ml because of security concerns. New scanners are being installed at airports which would mean these rules wouldn't apply anymore, but a recent survey shows many are still finding it hard to get them ready by the summer.
Airport freight service 1st Move International did a study which showed that some won't be ready until next year. While London City Airport and Teeside Airport have successfully put in the new 3D scanners, several big UK airports won't be able to meet the deadline. Notably, London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester airports will still be using the 100ml liquid rule, reports Bristol Live.
Which UK airports have implemented the 100m liquid ban?
London Heathrow - partially implemented
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to fly to China for first time since 2020
London Gatwick - missed the deadline
Manchester - missed the deadline
Edinburgh - predicted by end of 2024
Birmingham - predicted June 2024
Bristol - predicted June 2024
Newcastle - predicted early 2024
Liverpool - predicted May/June 2024
Leeds Bradford - predicted February 2024
East Midlands - partially implemented
Teesside - fully implemented
Exact date to book your holiday so you swerve £25 charge to get to the airport
London City - fully implemented
Some UK airports are still making you follow the old rules about how much liquid you can take on a plane. Mike Harvey from 1st Move International says: "When planning your travels, it's crucial to be aware that the 100ml liquid restriction might still be in place depending on the specific airport you depart from. Ensure that you check all departing airports on your itinerary, including domestic layovers."
He added: "Until a universal removal of the 100ml liquid restriction is implemented across all airports, it's best to adhere to the established protocols. Continue to pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 100ml or smaller and arrange them in a clear, resealable plastic bag, to mitigate the risk of disposal.
"People who fail to remove items from their bags or travel with large bottles of liquids and creams are the biggest cause of delays at airport security. This is expected to be heightened by confusion regarding the new legislation, so we recommend arriving early in order to reduce the risk of unexpected delays caused by confusion between the new rules."
In December Transport Minister Anthony Browne told the Commons that many airports have already introduced the new technology, and urged those who had not to start bringing it in before a deadline in June next year. Consumer group Which? warned it could cause confusion during the summer holidays, because passengers may expect the hand luggage security rules to have been changed at all UK airports, only to find that is not the case, which could cause delays at security as people are carrying items that cannot be taken on planes in those circumstances.
The rules requiring liquid items to be taken through security in containers of 100ml or less and put in a clear plastic bag were introduced in 2006 after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight was foiled. Airports were originally told to bring in new scanners by 2022, before the deadline was moved to June this year.
Iain Stewart, the Conservative chair of the transport select committee told the Commons last month: “This new technology will greatly improve passenger experience at airport security. For example, it will obviate the need for those lovely little plastic bags we all just love to stick our liquids into. But there is a worry amongst airports that the passenger scanners, if they are introduced for every passenger at the one go, could lead to delays as people get used to that new technology.”
Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, previously said: “We’re now going to go into a situation where different [UK] airports have different rules, so at some places you will need to get the liquids out in advance, at others you won’t.”
He said this could cause confusion and hold-ups at security. “You only need a couple of passengers to not be prepared to end up having to wait an extra 10, 20, 30 minutes. It is disappointing that we’re in a situation just months ahead of the peak travel period... and major airports aren’t ready.”
Travel association Abta advised people planning holidays this summer to double check the rules at each end of their journey. “It’s important to remember that even if your departure airport in the UK has changed its rules around liquids when you travel later this year, you’ll also need to check the rules that are in place for the airport you’ll be returning from as they may be different,” Abta said.
A DfT spokesperson said: “The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures in the world and this cutting-edge technology will enhance security and boost the passenger experience. We are in regular contact with airports as they move towards [the] June 2024 deadline for upgrading their screening equipment and processes. For security reasons we don’t talk in detail about aviation security measures.”
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