Airport 100ml Liquid Rule: What You Need to Know to Avoid Delays and Confusion

Changes to Hand Luggage Liquid Restrictions at UK Airports

As summer approaches, air passengers in the UK are facing potential changes to hand luggage liquid restrictions, leading to longer queues and possible confusion at various airports. Recently, Birmingham and Edinburgh airports have lifted the longstanding 100ml limit on liquids in cabin bags, allowing passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids. This move comes after both airports updated their regulations in the past week.

Current Liquid Restrictions

While Birmingham and Edinburgh have relaxed their rules, the majority of UK airports, along with most in continental Europe, continue to enforce the 100ml restriction. This inconsistency means that British travelers may find themselves unable to carry larger volumes of liquids when returning from abroad. The 100ml rule was first implemented in 2006 following a thwarted terrorist plot involving liquid explosives on flights from London to the United States.

The UK government had previously mandated all major airports to adopt next generation security checkpoints (NGSCs) by this summer. These advanced scanners provide a 3D image of the contents of passengers’ bags, which would allow for the elimination of the 100ml liquid rule. In addition, the new technology eliminates the requirement to remove laptops and tablets from hand luggage, streamlining the security process.

Delays in Implementation

The rollout of the new scanners has faced various challenges, primarily due to the complexity of installation. The government initially set a deadline of December 2022 for the majority of airports to implement these systems. However, due to significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this deadline was extended to June 1, 2024.

List of Current Liquid Rules by Airport:

• Airports Allowing Up to Two Litres:
• Birmingham

• Edinburgh

• Airports Maintaining the 100ml Limit:

• Aberdeen
• Bournemouth
• Bristol
• Cardiff
• East Midlands
• Glasgow
• Leeds Bradford
• London Gatwick
• London Heathrow
• London Luton
• London Southend
• London Stansted
• Liverpool
• Newcastle
• Teesside

At smaller airports such as London City, the 100ml rule has already been lifted following timely installation of the necessary technology. However, larger hubs like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester missed the deadline due to logistical difficulties, including supply chain issues and construction challenges related to the weight of the new machines.

Government Announcements and Future Plans

On June 7, 2023, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the previous 100ml restriction would be reinstated across all airports. However, in May of the following year, the DfT conveyed to airports that the blanket restriction would be lifted, allowing each airport to ease the rules once their scanners were installed and approved.

While Birmingham and Edinburgh have already made the transition, more airports are expected to follow suit in the coming months. However, the ability for individual airports to set their own timelines raises concerns about potential confusion and longer wait times for travelers.

Industry Reactions and Recommendations

Industry experts have voiced apprehensions regarding the timing of these changes. One airline source noted that the implementation of varying rules at different airports during peak travel periods is likely to lead to increased queues and confusion. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, echoed these sentiments, urging all UK airports to collaborate with the government to ensure clear communication of the rules to avoid traveler confusion.

Travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with the specific liquid regulations at both their departure and return airports, as discrepancies may exist.

Timeline of Liquid Rule Changes

• August 2019: Deadline of December 2022 set for major airports to deploy scanners and lift the 100ml rule.
• December 2022: Rollout delayed to June 2024 due to pandemic disruptions.
• Spring 2023: London City becomes the first airport to lift the rule.
• June 1, 2024: Smaller airports meet the deadline, while larger airports miss it.
• June 7, 2024: Government announces reinstatement of the 100ml rule.
• May 2025: Airports informed of the blanket restriction lift, allowing individual timelines for easing rules.
• July 2, 2025: Birmingham Airport lifts the 100ml rule.
• July 7, 2025: Edinburgh Airport follows suit.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of liquid regulations at UK airports presents both opportunities and challenges for air travelers. As the aviation industry adapts to new security technologies, passengers must stay informed about the latest regulations to ensure a smooth travel experience. With more airports likely to announce changes soon, communication will be key to minimizing confusion during the busy summer travel season.