October 13th 2024.
In recent news, there have been changes to the liquid regulations at certain UK airports. This brings good news to passengers departing from Bournemouth Airport, as new hand luggage rules have been put into effect immediately, potentially making the security process a bit faster.
While the limit for liquids in cabin bags is still 100ml, passengers will no longer be required to present them in small plastic bags. Instead, they can now keep their liquids inside their carry-on bags while going through the scanners. The same goes for electronic devices such as laptops and speakers. This means that, in theory, security lines should move more efficiently, with less time spent taking items out of bags and figuring out what goes in the tray.
This change is all thanks to the successful implementation of new CT scanners, which analyze the molecular structure of the contents of a passenger's bag to detect any potential threats. A statement from Bournemouth Airport shared on social media stated, "Bournemouth Airport has completed the process of installing and testing new security screening equipment to improve passenger security."
It's worth noting that Bournemouth Airport is not the only UK airport to introduce this technology. The first CT scanners were introduced in Ireland in 2022, and around 350 scanners are in use across Europe. Although the Government had committed to a nationwide rollout of the new technology by June 2024, many airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester Airport, have faced delays. However, smaller airports like Bristol and London City were able to successfully implement the new scanners on time.
Passengers flying from airports that have successfully implemented the new technology can now keep their liquids and electronics inside their bags, rather than presenting them separately. These airports include Bournemouth, Bristol, London Luton, Newcastle, Teesside, Leeds Bradford, Birmingham, London Southend, and London City. However, other airports, such as Aberdeen and Stansted, have the new scanners installed but are currently unable to use them, meaning that the previous rules still apply.
A map has been released, showing all the airports where the new liquid rules are in effect. The airports highlighted in green no longer require plastic bags for liquids. This change will undoubtedly be welcomed by many travelers. One American traveler in London recently shared on Twitter that the previous liquid rules in the UK were a "nightmare." She wrote, "The way you have to take out all liquids in the airport here is a nightmare. I spent so much time organizing my toiletry bag yesterday, and now it's a hot mess."
However, some travelers are becoming frustrated with the confusion caused by different airports having different rules. One person wrote, "Why does every airport in this country have a different policy for carrying liquids through security? It's annoying."
But why do we even have a 100ml liquid rule in the UK? The answer goes back to the drastic changes made following the 9/11 attacks. Before then, there were hardly any restrictions on what passengers could bring onto a plane. Knives up to four inches in length were even permitted. However, after the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot, where terrorists planned to smuggle liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks, everything changed. As a result, unprecedented security measures were initially implemented at airports. On August 10, 2006, new rules were introduced, resulting in many cancelled flights, long delays, and queues at UK airports.
In 2006, Metro reported, "Yet despite the increased aggravation, the public's desire to fly was undiminished. Nothing - not fear of terrorism, long queues, or the credit crunch - deterred Britons from wanting to travel to foreign destinations."
But what about the 100ml rule? While the clear bags rule for liquids has been removed at airports with CT scanners, there has been some back and forth about potentially ending the "tiny toiletries" rule as well. This is because the new scanners initially allowed passengers to carry liquids in containers over 100ml. However, due to issues with the new generation scanners, the Government reintroduced the ban on liquids over 100ml. This caused travel chaos at some airports, such as Birmingham and Bristol, where confused passengers faced major delays while airport staff tried to make sense of the new rules following a last-minute change.
For now, all passengers must adhere to the 100ml rule at all airports, including those with new scanners. It's unclear when the rules will change again. Do you have a story to share about your experience with the new liquid rules? Please get in touch by emailing us.
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