Passengers with hand luggage on flights urged 'make this immediate swap'
If you're carrying liquids on board your flight this summer you will probably still be required to have them in a clear bag.
The rules surrounding taking liquids on board an airplane are set to change soon with UK airports hoping to scrap them this summer. And while some hubs have the technology that allows for liquids to be carried in hand luggage without restriction, the 100ml rule still applies at the moment.
And that means that millions of passengers are packing their liquids into small plastic bags to comply with security protocols. This is only adding to the stark figures that show as many as 235 million single-use plastic bags will be used in 2025.
New data from plastic waste specialists at BusinessWaste.co.uk also showed that a whopping 3.5 billion of these small, sealable bags have used since the rules first came into place in 2006.
And it's easy to see why. There are more than 313 million passengers estimated to use UK airports this year and this means the number of single-use plastic bags used and then thrown away could reach 235 million.
That's enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools in just a year in the UK alone. And if the plastic bags used at airports in the last 19 years were laid end to end they would be long enough to take 18 trips around the earth's equator or would equal four times the height of Mount Everest when stacked up.
So passengers are being asked to make a simple switch to reusable plastic bags for their plane trips in a bid to stop the damage done by the single-use pouches which are made from soft plastics which are rarely recyclable.
BusinessWaste said they often end up in landfill where they can take 1,000 years to break down. And as they do, they release tiny particles known as microplastics which pose a threat to both human and animal health.
What can you do?
Be sure to ensure you check the rules of your departure airport. With many now adapting to the new rules, you may not need to consider bagging liquids at all. If you have hold luggage, don't put any liquids in your hand luggage. This removes the need for any little plastic bags and can also save you time at security.
If this isn't an option, BusinessWaste is urging passengers to swap disposable clear plastic bags for reusable ones when travelling through UK airports this summer.
They say the best alternative is to use the wealth of reusable options on the market—just ensure that the dimensions are 20cm x 20cm, it's transparent, carries no more than one litre, matches airport regulations, and that any products can be sealed (by a zipper).
Lastly, you can consider using airside click-and-collect options for toiletries. This is a great way to avoid the high airport prices and skip the need to put liquids in your carry-on bag. You'll save space, money, and help the environment."
Gov.uk says: "Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions. Some airports may allow you to take containers of liquid up to 100ml through security in your hand luggage.
"Check with the airport before you travel. Also check the rules at other airports you'll be travelling through - for example on your return journey."
Graham Matthews, plastic waste specialist at BusinessWaste.co.uk, comments: "The plastic bags we use to bring liquids through airports are a huge blight on the environment. While you may only go on holiday once or twice a year, this quickly adds up as the UK now sees around 300 million air passengers a year.
"We're really happy to see the new scanners in place and hope that this reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bags. However, old habits die hard, and many people will be nervous to change to the new system, or find that their return airport still requires liquids to be bagged.
If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, at most airports:
containers must hold no more than 100ml
containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
you're limited to one plastic bag per person
you must show the bag at the airport security point
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Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Passengers with hand luggage on flights urged 'make this immediate swap'
If you're carrying liquids on board your flight this summer you will probably still be required to have them in a clear bag. The rules surrounding taking liquids on board an airplane are set to change soon with UK airports hoping to scrap them this summer. And while some hubs have the technology that allows for liquids to be carried in hand luggage without restriction, the 100ml rule still applies at the moment. And that means that millions of passengers are packing their liquids into small plastic bags to comply with security protocols. This is only adding to the stark figures that show as many as 235 million single-use plastic bags will be used in 2025. New data from plastic waste specialists at also showed that a whopping 3.5 billion of these small, sealable bags have used since the rules first came into place in 2006. And it's easy to see why. There are more than 313 million passengers estimated to use UK airports this year and this means the number of single-use plastic bags used and then thrown away could reach 235 million. That's enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools in just a year in the UK alone. And if the plastic bags used at airports in the last 19 years were laid end to end they would be long enough to take 18 trips around the earth's equator or would equal four times the height of Mount Everest when stacked up. So passengers are being asked to make a simple switch to reusable plastic bags for their plane trips in a bid to stop the damage done by the single-use pouches which are made from soft plastics which are rarely recyclable. BusinessWaste said they often end up in landfill where they can take 1,000 years to break down. And as they do, they release tiny particles known as microplastics which pose a threat to both human and animal health. What can you do? Be sure to ensure you check the rules of your departure airport. With many now adapting to the new rules, you may not need to consider bagging liquids at all. If you have hold luggage, don't put any liquids in your hand luggage. This removes the need for any little plastic bags and can also save you time at security. If this isn't an option, BusinessWaste is urging passengers to swap disposable clear plastic bags for reusable ones when travelling through UK airports this summer. They say the best alternative is to use the wealth of reusable options on the market—just ensure that the dimensions are 20cm x 20cm, it's transparent, carries no more than one litre, matches airport regulations, and that any products can be sealed (by a zipper). Lastly, you can consider using airside click-and-collect options for toiletries. This is a great way to avoid the high airport prices and skip the need to put liquids in your carry-on bag. You'll save space, money, and help the environment." says: "Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions. Some airports may allow you to take containers of liquid up to 100ml through security in your hand luggage. "Check with the airport before you travel. Also check the rules at other airports you'll be travelling through - for example on your return journey." Graham Matthews, plastic waste specialist at comments: "The plastic bags we use to bring liquids through airports are a huge blight on the environment. While you may only go on holiday once or twice a year, this quickly adds up as the UK now sees around 300 million air passengers a year. "We're really happy to see the new scanners in place and hope that this reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bags. However, old habits die hard, and many people will be nervous to change to the new system, or find that their return airport still requires liquids to be bagged. If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, at most airports: containers must hold no more than 100ml containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top you're limited to one plastic bag per person you must show the bag at the airport security point
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Anyone going UK airports with hand luggage told one swap can save time
Making the one change not only saves you time and money but also helps the environment UK airports are keen to ditch the 100ml liquids rule for anyone carrying hand luggage through security this summer. However, until that happens, travellers must continue to limit and pack any liquids from their hand luggage in a clear bag for security reasons. This has led to a surge in the use of disposable clear plastic bags for toiletries and other liquids across the country. Some UK airports have relaxed the rules around liquids in hand luggage, reducing the need for these plastic bags. However, others still enforce the rule. The lack of consistency across the UK means many holiday -goers will continue to rely on putting their 100ml liquids in a disposable plastic bag. Even though the UK is eager to abolish the rules as soon as possible, thanks to advanced scanners, you may find that the airport you're returning from still insists on bagged 100ml liquids. Fresh data from plastic waste experts at suggests that a staggering 235 million single-use plastic bags could be used in 2025. The data also reveals that an astonishing 3.5 billion bags have been used since the rules were first introduced in 2006, reports the Liverpool Echo. The 100ml liquid regulation at airports, which mandates that liquids be stored in transparent, resealable plastic bags, was put in place in 2006 after a terror plot to blow up transatlantic flights was prevented. This plot involved the use of liquid explosives that were concealed as soft drinks in carry-on luggage. With an estimated 313 million passengers expected to pass through UK airports this year, the number of single-use plastic liquid bags used and discarded could hit 235 million. That's enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools in just one year in the UK. Data projections indicate that a staggering 3.5 billion bags may have been used at UK airports over the last 19 years. When arranged end to end, this quantity of bags equates to 18 journeys around the Earth's equator or four times the height of Mount Everest when piled up. Why does it matter? These bags are crafted from soft plastics, which are rarely recyclable. They frequently end up in landfill sites, where they can take as long as 1,000 years to decompose. As these plastic items deteriorate, they can generate minuscule particles known as microplastics. Studies reveal that these pose a threat to both human and animal health. The energy and materials needed to manufacture these bags are depleting our planet's natural resources, with 98% of single-use plastic products made from fossil fuels or virgin feedstock. What steps can you take? Firstly, make sure you're familiar with the regulations of your departure airport. With many soon to adjust to new rules, there might be no need to bag liquids at all. If you're checking in luggage, avoid placing any liquids in your hand luggage. This eliminates the requirement for any small plastic bags and could also save you time at security checks. If reusable options aren't feasible, BusinessWaste is requesting travellers ditch single-use clear plastic bags in favour of reusable ones at UK airports this summer. The company recommends switching to reusable ones and says there is an array of reusable choices available online and in stores, like Boots and Superdrug. However, just make sure they measure 20cm x 20cm, are transparent, have a capacity no greater than one litre, comply with airport regulations, and can be securely sealed (by a zipper). Another tip is to use airside click-and-collect services for toiletries. This not only bypasses steep airport prices but also eliminates the need to carry liquids in hand luggage, saving space, money, and benefiting the environment. If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, at most airports: containers must hold no more than 100ml containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top you're limited to one plastic bag per person you must show the bag at the airport security point For those who do bring liquids in their carry-on, advises: "Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions. Some airports may allow you to take containers of liquid up to 100ml through security in your hand luggage. Check with the airport before you travel. Also, check the rules at other airports you'll be travelling through - for example, on your return journey." Graham Matthews, a plastic waste expert at says making the swap from disposable plastic bags to reusable ones for 100ml hand luggage liquids should be done as soon as possible to avoid even more waste building up. He said: "The plastic bags we use to bring liquids through airports are a huge blight on the environment. "While you may only go on holiday once or twice a year, this quickly adds up as the UK now sees around 300 million air passengers a year. We're really happy to see the new scanners in place and hope that this reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bags. "However, old habits die hard, and many people will be nervous to change to the new system, or find that their return airport still requires liquids to be bagged. For anyone in this position, and until the new rules are firmly in place, we strongly encourage passengers to consider utilising hold luggage, switching to reusable options, or making use of airside click-and-collect."
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