The ban on passengers carrying more than 100ml of liquid in hand luggage will be lifted at most major UK airports by June 2024, ministers announced last night.
Travelers also no longer have to take out items such as drinks, ice and make-up and put them in clear plastic bags when going through security.
The new limit for liquids is two litres.
Due to the biggest upheaval in aviation security in decades, laptops and tablets no longer need to be removed from hand luggage.
In the photo: Man packs things into transparent plastic bags at the airport (file photo). The ban on passengers carrying more than 100ml of liquid in hand luggage will be lifted at most major UK airports by June 2024, ministers announced last night
This will drastically reduce the time it takes passengers to get through security.
CT scanners, which will be installed at most major airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, will use X-ray technology to provide a 3D image of the contents of bags.
This allows security guards to inspect a bag from any angle, giving security guards a more detailed picture of what people are carrying. Most current machines only produce a 2D image.
Similar technology already exists in the US and at airports such as Schiphol.
Ministers will introduce legislation today that will make the changes possible, which will also drastically reduce the need for plastic at airports. Most major airports have until June 2024 to install the technology.
The biggest cause of security delays is passengers not removing items from their luggage or traveling with large bottles of liquids and creams.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “I am tightening hand luggage rules at airports while increasing security. By 2024, major UK airports will be equipped with the latest security technology to reduce waiting times, improve the passenger experience and, most importantly, detect potential threats.
“Obviously this will not happen immediately, it will take two years to fully implement.
Until then, passengers should continue to comply with the existing rules and inform themselves before starting their journey.
In the photo: Sign at the airport (file photo). Travelers also no longer need to take out items such as drinks, ice cream and make-up and put them in clear plastic bags when going through security
The 100ml rule was introduced 16 years ago after an Islamic terrorist attack was foiled in 2006. Extremists planned to bring down seven Heathrow flights with liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks.
It would have been the largest al-Qaeda attack in the West since 9/11.
The new technology has already been tested at Gatwick and Heathrow. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the process in 2019, but the spread of Covid-19 delayed its rollout.
It was launched this year at Shannon Airport in Ireland, scrapping the 100ml rule. The airport has announced that passenger handling times have been halved.
However, there are fears passengers will face mixed messages if they are introduced at some airports before June 2024 and not others.
Christopher Snelling, of the Airport Operators Association’s industry body, said: “This investment in next generation safety… will be a major step forward for the UK airline industry, which is among the best in its class in the world. It will make traveling through UK airports easier and the flight itself more enjoyable.’
Source link
James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
