UK airports to delay scrapping of hugely unpopular rule this summer
NEW rules being introduced across UK airports are to be delayed this summer, in a blow for British holidaymakers.
The government issued a deadline of summer 2024 for the introduction of new airport scanners.
These new scanners will mean Brits no longer have to abide by the 100ml liquid rules, and can keep them in their hand luggage rather than take them out.
And the new CT X-ray technology will also allow laptops to be left in suitcases as well.
This hopes to speed up the airport security process, as well as make it easier for travellers without checked luggage.
A number of smaller airports in the UK have already installed the new scanners, such as London City Airport and Teesside Airport.
And Leeds Bradford Airport said the new scanners should be fully installed by next month.
However, the larger UK airports such as London Heathrow and London Gatwick have warned that they will miss the June 1, 2024 deadline.
Heathrow Airport has introduced the new scanners in three out of four scanners, while Gatwick Airport said full installation will be by early 2025.
A Manchester Airport spokesperson said that while progress was ongoing, completion wasn’t expected until 2025 either.
Aviation expert Sally Gethin told the BBC that the delay is due to the scanners being “very heavy” so this can result in both new staff training being needed as well as terminal renovations so the floors can support them.
And Which? has warned this could cause problems this summer for passengers unaware of the different rules in place across different airports.
Which? Travel Editor Rory Boland said: “We’re now going to go into a situation where different [UK] airports have different rules, so at some places you will need to get the liquids out in advance, at others you won’t.”
He added it was not only “disappointing” but could cause delays at security for passengers left confused by the different restrictions.
Until then, Brits should check the rules before heading to the airport.
The 100ml liquid limit was introduced in 2006 following a terrorist plot to prevent the use of liquid explosives.
In the meantime, there are a number of ways to get through airport security quickly if you are rushing for your flight, including not wearing certain clothing.
One airport security expert explained: “Shoes or boots with lots of laces slow people down prior to the X-ray screening.
“[And] shirts and pants with elaborate decorations (such as sequins) may make secondary screening more likely.”
And one traveller revealed how to find a quieter airport security gate without breaking any rules.
