In what will be welcome news to anyone who’s had to throw a bottle of moisturiser away at the airport because they couldn’t get it through airport security, the UK government has confirmed that those pesky liquid rules are set to be eased.
But not until June 2024.
The move means passengers at most major UK airports will be able to carry liquids in containers holding up to two litres in what will be the biggest relaxation of aviation security regulations in decades. To put things into perspective, the current limit is 100ml.
Travellers will also no longer need to carry the containers in clear plastic bags, or remove tablets and laptops from hand luggage at checkpoints.
The Department for Transport said major airports will be required to install new technology which gives security staff more detailed images of what is in passengers’ bags.
It will lay new legislation around the changes in Parliament on Thursday.
Current airport security rules were introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot to blow up planes flying from London to the US with home-made liquid bombs.
Travellers failing to adhere to them is one of the biggest causes of delays at airport security.
Transport secretary Mark Harper said: “The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change.
“I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security.”
He said by 2024 major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, “reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats”.
Until then, passengers “must continue following the existing rules and check before travelling,” he added.
The deadline of June 2024 is being introduced after several trials at airports which started in 2018.
The CT scanners create a 3D image of what is inside passengers’ bags. It is already being used at overseas airports such as Schiphol in Amsterdam and several in the US.
Christopher Snelling, policy director at industry body the Airport Operators Association, said: “This investment in next generation security by the UK’s airport operators will provide a great step forward for UK air travel, matching the best in class around the world.
“It will make the journey through the UK’s airports easier and air travel itself more pleasant.”