With the peak summer holiday season approaching, many UK travellers are preparing for trips abroad and are being urged to check airport liquid rules before flying, as restrictions still vary significantly across the country.
Although the long-standing 100ml liquid limit is gradually being phased out at some airports following the rollout of advanced CT security scanners, the changes have not yet been implemented consistently nationwide. As a result, passengers may face completely different security procedures depending on where they depart from.
Under current aviation security regulations, liquids have traditionally been restricted to containers of no more than 100ml carried inside a clear plastic bag. However, several airports equipped with the newer scanners now allow passengers to leave liquids and large electronic devices inside their hand luggage during screening.
The biggest differences concern the amount of liquid passengers can carry. Airports including London Gatwick, Heathrow and Birmingham now allow liquids in containers of up to two litres in hand luggage, although some restrictions still apply to metal or insulated containers. Meanwhile, airports such as Stansted, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Luton continue to enforce the 100ml per-container rule, despite no longer requiring liquids to be removed from bags or placed inside plastic pouches.
Travellers are also being reminded that rules abroad may differ from those in the UK. Many overseas airports still operate older screening systems that continue to require liquids to be placed in clear bags and removed separately during security checks.
A travel industry expert said the introduction of the new scanners was helping make airport security quicker and less stressful, particularly for families travelling with toiletries, electronics and baby products. However, passengers are still being warned that confusion remains because rules continue to vary between airports.
Some airports have also issued additional advice to help reduce delays at security. Gatwick and Liverpool recommend packing powders and food products in hold luggage where possible, while several airports warn that liquids may still be subject to random screening tests.
Travel experts continue to advise passengers to check the latest guidance directly with both their departure and return airports before travelling, in order to avoid delays or having items confiscated at security.