Two UK airports FINALLY scrap much-hated 100ml liquid rules

Scottish Sun

3 days ago

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TWO airports have confirmed that they have scrapped the long-running 100ml liquid rules.
Both Birmingham and Edinburgh Airport will allow holidaymakers to take up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage.
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Birmingham Airport is the first in England to scrap the 100ml liquid rules
Credit: Alamy
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Edinburgh Airport has since followed suit
Credit: Alamy
The 100ml policy has been in place since 2006 after a thwarted bomb threat.
However, it has been scrapped at two UK airports following new equipment being rolled out.
Edinburgh Airport said it has installed eight new top-of-the-range X-ray scanners as part of a £24million investment to transform its security.
And Birmingham Airport credited its £60million investment in equipment and infrastructure to being able to lift the rules.
Large electricals, such as tablets and laptops, can also remain in bags, along with the 2l liquids.
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: 'This is a big day for our passengers and the airport team – we are delighted to be able to lift this rule and really transform the whole security process, making it easier for everyone.
'A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule to be the case, so it really is a momentous day as we become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule since it was introduced in 2006.
'The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology."
And a Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: "This change will enable a faster and more efficient processing of hand luggage.
"We are pleased passengers can now benefit from this change in ruling, made by the Government in time for the summer peak.'
The Sun's travel editor Lisa Minot talks Birmingham Airport scrapping 100ml liquid rules
What do the new rules mean for your holiday?
The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot has explained how the new scanners will change the way Brits travel through UK airports.
"The new generation of CT scanners will be a huge boost to passengers flying out of UK airports.
"Laptops and other electronic devices can stay in your luggage and there's no need to stick to the current 100ml liquid restriction that has been in place for the last 18 years.
"Eventually, you'll be able to take up to two litres of liquids without having to remove them from your hand luggage.
"But it's worth bearing in mind that not all airports across the globe have the equipment.
"You may well be able to fly out with liquids over 100ml - but if the airport you fly home from doesn't have them yet you could find yourself coming a cropper.
"While we transition over the next couple of years you'll need to make sure you're aware of the arrangements in any airport you fly through."
The liquid rules were meant to be scrapped last year, although the government backtracked at short notice.
Leeds Bradford, London City, Aberdeen, Southend, and Teesside airports had initially been the first to scrap the 100ml rules.
They were forced to reintroduce them last year.
At the time, The Department for Transport (DfT) said: "From 0001 on Sunday 9th June 2024, 100ml restrictions on liquids will temporarily be reintroduced for passengers travelling from six regional airports where Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) are in full operation.
'This temporary move is to enable further improvements to be made to the new checkpoint systems and will only affect a small number of passengers.
Holidaymakers also risk facing huge confusion as many airports still have the restrictions in place in the UK.
Not only that, but most European airports also have the liquid restrictions in place, so tourists will have to use up their liquids or throw them away.
Mr Dewar added: 'But it is important that passengers continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet.'
Last summer, nearly £300million of toiletries were confiscated at UK airports.