Liquids in the Airport – the changes!

There are a number of airports that are in the process of installing new machines to offer a new service which will ‘see-through’ liquids at security, and change the amount of liquid that is permitted within our hand luggage.  These airports at the moment are; Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, and although not fully up and running, there are some delays to the machinery being finished.

Please be aware that as usual and is the case currently, the UK Government is only allowing liquids under 100ml to be carried through security at most airports. Late last week, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that there would be a revised “liquid rule” to be introduced at six UK airports: London City, Teesside, Aberdeen, Leeds-Bradford, Newcastle and Southend in the coming months.

As with all changes, the shift will be slow, and you might experience delays, as was recently the case at London City and Birmingham Airports, when confusion caused significant delays for passengers.
It is always a good idea to be prepared, as airport staff may need to open the items to screen the liquid at the security point and this may take time and additional waiting and queues.

Advice for anyone travelling at UK airports when carrying liquids in your hand luggage:

• containers must hold no more than 100ml
• containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
• contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
• the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
• you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person
• you must show the bag at the airport security point

There are very few exemptions to this rule as listed on the Government website stating you can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security at all UK airports if they:

• are for essential medical purposes
• are for special dietary requirements
• contain baby food or baby milk

You can also take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty free) through security if:

• the items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them
• the receipt for the items is sealed in the security bag and visible