Travelling: UK eases hand luggage liquid rules
Passengers are not required to remove liquids from hand bags any more
Dubai: In a surprising move, the UK government has reintroduced the 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage at six major airports. This decision follows significant delays and confusion at security checkpoints, where new regulations allowed up to two liters of liquids in hand luggage.
Affected airports and temporary measures:
The Department for Transport (DfT) clarified that the affected airports include London City, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, Aberdeen, Southend, and Teesside. These airports had previously implemented new CT scanners designed to handle larger quantities of liquids, but the rollout has led to unexpected delays and passenger confusion.
Starting from June 9, 2024, at 00:01, passengers from these airports must revert to the 100ml limit for liquids, pastes, and gels in hand luggage. This measure aims to address the severe security delays caused by the misinterpretation of the new rules.
All passengers leaving BHX can only carry containers up to 100ml in liquids, pastes and gels in their hand luggage
— Birmingham Airport (@bhx_official) June 8, 2024
❌ Do not put them in plastic bags in your hand luggage
❌ Do not remove them at security
????There is no restriction on how many 100ml containers can be carried pic.twitter.com/oUp7TJg5sS
Airport chaos and long queues:
Reports of two-and-a-half-hour queues at Birmingham Airport have emerged, with passengers standing in the rain due to the bottlenecks created by the new security measures. The airport's CEO, Nick Barton, highlighted the issues caused by non-compliant bags exceeding the liquid limit, which have significantly slowed down the security process.
Key rules for passengers:
- 100ml Liquid limit: Passengers can only carry liquids, pastes, and gels up to 100ml in hand luggage. Anything larger must be placed in checked baggage.
- Clear plastic bag: All hand luggage liquids must be stored in a single clear plastic bag and removed during security checks.
- Strict enforcement: Any liquids over 100ml will be removed and destroyed at the security checkpoint.
- Security preparation: Passengers must ensure all items, including phones, keys, coins, and belts, are removed and placed in trays before passing through security.
- Do not put them in plastic bags in your hand luggage
- Do not remove them at security
- There is no restriction on how many 100ml containers can be carried
Government and airport statements:
Barton reiterated the importance of compliance with the 100ml rule to avoid extended queuing times and ensure a smoother journey through security. He urged passengers to check their hand luggage and comply with the nationwide restriction.
This last-minute government decision highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing security and efficiency at airports. Passengers are advised to stay informed and prepared to avoid further disruptions to their travel plans.