UK airports from Gatwick to Manchester prepare to scrap 100ml liquids rule
There are plenty of rules around what you can and can't take in hand luggage, but one restriction that never fails to frustrate holidaymakers is the 100ml liquids limit.
Under the current restriction, still in place at other UK airports, you can take liquids under 100ml but these must be in a re-sealable plastic bag that can be no larger than 20cm x 20cm and cannot exceed one litre. It's worth noting that you’re limited to one plastic bag per person.
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel as UK airports have been told to scrap the rules by June 2024 by the government, with London City becoming the first UK airport to ditch the restriction this week.
The move comes as the airport has introduced new high-tech scanners which allow electronics to be kept in hand luggage.
(Getty Images)For now, it's just London City Airport that has ditched the restriction, so if you're planning to head abroad from a different airport, you'll still need to adhere to the rules - although passengers have found easy tricks to get around the 100ml restriction.
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Other UK airports are due to follow suit to meet the government's deadline. Some such as Liverpool and London Stansted could look to bring in new tech later this year, although the majority of airports are looking to implement the changes in 2024.
We take a look at the biggest airports' plans for scrapping 100ml liquid restrictions including Manchester, Gatwick, Luton, Bristol and Liverpool.
Check out their latest updates below...
London Stansted
A spokesperson for the airport told the Mirror: "London Stansted is currently undertaking passenger trials of new computer tomography (CT) security equipment as part of plans to meet regulatory changes that require all UK airports to replace current X-ray machines and increase the number of body scanners in operation by 2024.
"The trial is being conducted on behalf of all MAG airports (London Stansted. Manchester and East Midlands) in a dedicated security building on the terminal forecourt and does not affect passengers using the regular security lanes in the main search area. Feedback from passengers and colleagues has been extremely positive so far, and more new security lanes will be introduced in the coming months."
London Gatwick
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: "We are currently trialling this new technology in one security lane and will meet the government’s deadline of June 2024 to implement it across the airport.
"At present, the vast majority of passengers at Gatwick will experience security as normal, so should continue to follow all existing rules, ensuring they do not carry any liquids, gels, pastes, or creams of more than 100ml in their hand luggage. Any items below 100ml need to be placed in a transparent, resealable bag to be screened through security, while laptops, tablets, coats, watches and belts also need to be removed and placed in a separate tray.
"By being prepared, we hope to get passengers through airport security quickly, so they can go on and relax ahead of their flight, enjoy a drink or sit down for a meal."
Manchester Airport
The Mirror understands that Manchester Airport is still finalising its plans, although no exact date has yet been shared by the group as to when the liquids rule may be scrapped from its security process.
London City Airport
London City has become the first UK airport to scrap the 100ml liquids rule, following the launch of new scanners at airport security.
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Under the new restrictions, travellers will be able to bring up to two litres of liquid, and toiletries will no longer have to be put in separate bags. Laptops and other gadgets will also no longer need to be put in separate trays.
Newcastle International Airport
A spokesperson told ChronicleLive earlier this year: "Newcastle International Airport is making the investments required to meet the new security regulations. These will be completed in 2024, and until then there will be no change to the liquids requirements when travelling through Newcastle."
Bristol Airport
A spokesperson told the Mirror: "Bristol Airport continues to align ourselves with all regulated guidance issued by the Department for Transport to deliver security requirements and welcome the introduction of new technology which could further improve the airport customer experience in the future from 2024 onwards.
" However, customers should be reminded there are no immediate changes to the rules governing what can be taken through security as a result of this initiative, and the current hand luggage restrictions remain in place."
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
A Liverpool John Lennon Airport spokesperson commented: "It’s a requirement for all UK airports to have these latest technology machines in place by mid-2024 and we'll be commencing our roll out of this latest generation security equipment later this year."
London Luton
A spokesperson for the airport said: "London Luton Airport will have all new-generation equipment available in line with the DfT direction date for UK airports."
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