Good news for passengers travelling through a handful of UK airports as new rules for hand luggage mean liquids and laptops no longer need to be removed during security checks.
In a move that will be welcomed by passengers, certain airports featuring the latest computer tomography (CT) scanning equipment, are now able to allow travellers to keep liquids and large electronic devices in their hand luggage when passing through the security screening process. Liquids are however limited to 100ml containers.
New CT scanners at Bournemouth
Bournemouth declared an immediate change to its rules on liquids in hand luggage over the weekend following the installation and testing of new security screening equipment to improve passenger security.
The announcement comes after a number of airports across the UK and the EU had to reinstate liquid rules for hand luggage despite having installed the new scanners earlier this year. The UK government mandated that all airports serving more than one million passengers must fit new scanners enabling passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids in hand luggage. While major hubs including London Heathrow and London Gatwick had failed to meet the original 1 June installation deadline, various regional and smaller airports including London City, Teesside, Leeds-Bradford, Aberdeen and Southend had all been successful in meeting the deadline. However, the Department for Transport (DfT) reinstated the original rule, that only 100ml containers of liquid carried in clear plastic bags could be taken through security checkpoint systems.
Significant change
Belfast City also announced earlier this week that following a £3m investment in security screening equipment it had also lifted the rule that 100ml liquids or laptops had to be removed from hand baggage during security screening. Mark Beattie, COO at Belfast City Airport, said: “This is a significant change to how passengers will move through security with cabin baggage.” He also noted that the airport prides itself on delivering an exceptional passenger experience “and the new security screening technology will further support this commitment.”
Elsewhere, Glasgow Airport is also in the process of installing new security equipment and has issued a notice to passengers regarding upcoming rule changes for international travel. It said the airport is “making changes to its central search area in preparation for the deployment of new security equipment.”
