UK airport to scrap strict hand luggage rules ahead of £100million renovation
ONE of the UK’s biggest airports has revealed plans to scrap some of the strict security restrictions from next year.
Currently, holidaymakers have to remove items such as liquids and electronics from their hand luggage when going through airport security.
This can often cause delays with people forced to unpack their bags, especially with a soaring number of passengers travelling with hand luggage suitcases.
Leeds Airport has confirmed that new technology being introduced will scrap this rule, making it much faster going through airport security.
The airport said in a statement: “We’re enhancing your travel experience with cutting-edge security infrastructure by Leidos, set to be fully operational in February 2024.
“Say goodbye to removing items from your hand luggage during security checks!”
They also revealed plans for other new systems to speed up the process, including more e-gates.
The airport continued: “Plus, we’re introducing new body scanners, e-gates, and smart tray return systems to make your journey smoother than ever!
“No more unpacking hand luggage, just a seamless journey through security.”
The airport added that passengers should still arrive three hours before departure.
Brits have praised the news, saying it was a great improvement to the system.
One person said: “Anything that speeds up the system is welcome! I always manage to miss something and it gets knocked off.”
Others said that they had tried this out at other airports including London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schipol and Rome, with it making the process much faster.
The announcement comes ahead of a huge £100million renovation project at Leeds Airport.
A three-story extension will be added to the side of the terminal, with other improvements including more seating, shops and restaurants as well as a larger baggage reclaim area.
The scrapping of the strict hand luggage rules was first announced back in 2022, with all UK airports to follow suit by next year.
The new rules mean Brits no longer have to follow the strict 100ml liquid rules, and can take more than one small plastic bag in their hand luggage as well as keep them in their bags at security.
Teesside Airport was one of the first to scrap the liquid rules earlier this year, followed by London City Airport back in April.
And earlier this month Gatwick Airport revealed its £250million renovation.
The upgrade works, which started in 2020, included a new concourse and more escalators at Gatwick’s train station due to fears of overcrowding.
And new works on the track have sped up train times, with the journey between London and Gatwick Airport five minutes faster.
Here’s another airport that revealed plans for a huge new renovation, including longer runways.