It’s not long until thousands of families are expected to jet off abroad for a sun-soaked escape during the October half-term, with airports bracing for the hectic travel period. While anticipation creeps in, holidaymakers have been issued a warning and are urged to ensure they are fully prepared for the new airport regulations.
Several UK airports have upgraded their security screening equipment, which means passengers can now take up to 2 litres of liquid through security and are no longer required to separate liquids from their hand luggage. Further requirements have also been brought in for security procedures, which can differ between airports, adding to the confusion when travelling internationally.
To help ensure holidaymakers are thoroughly prepared before departing abroad in the coming weeks, Heathrow Airport released an update for all passengers. Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, the UK’s busiest airport revealed its “top tips” for passing through security and cautioned that “Security requirements may vary by destination, both within and outside the UK.”
This follows Heathrow’s upgrade of its security screening technology. On the airport website, they stated: “You can now keep liquids and large electronic items in your cabin bag, so getting through security is quicker and easier”. They subsequently advised that travellers going through Heathrow should:
- Keep liquids in your cabin bag
- Carry liquids in containers of up to 2 litres each
- Empty metal and insulated bottles before security. You can refill them after security
- Keep laptops, tablets and other large electronic items in your bag
The change is due to advanced CT scanners that provide security staff with detailed 3D images of bags, enabling passengers to retain their two-litre liquids in their hand baggage as they pass through airport security checkpoints, reports the Mirror. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognise that “not all airports use the same security equipment”, as Heathrow cautioned.
They stated: “If you’re flying from another UK or international airport, check the local security rules before you travel. Liquid limits and security checks may be different.” They went on to clarify that “many airports outside Heathrow still have a 100ml liquids limit” and advised checking the regulations prior to departure. This equally applies to UK airports, with numerous facilities still maintaining the 100ml restriction.
UK airports that have ditched 100ml rule
- Belfast International
- Belfast City
- Birmingham
- Bournemouth
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
UK airports that still have 100ml liquid rule
- Aberdeen
- Bournemouth
- Cardiff
- East Midlands
- Glasgow International
- Glasgow Prestwick
- Inverness
- Isle of Man
- Leeds Bradford
- Liverpool
- London City
- London Stansted
- London Luton
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Norwich
- Southampton
- Teesside
While numerous UK airports continue to maintain the 100ml liquid restriction, some have eased requirements. Several airports no longer mandate that travellers store their liquids in a transparent plastic bag, and travellers can keep them in hand luggage during security screening. However, since particular regulations can differ, it’s advisable to verify directly with your departure airport, particularly ahead of the October half-term period.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
