The UK Government has temporarily reinstated the 100ml liquid rule at six regional airports due to issues with new security scanners.
This change has led to confusion and delays for passengers as they navigate the updated security protocols.
Background of the 100ml Rule
The 100ml liquid rule was first introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot. The rule mandates that liquids in hand luggage must be in containers no larger than 100ml and all such containers must fit within a single, clear, resealable plastic bag.
This restriction was implemented to prevent potential liquid explosives from being smuggled onto planes.
New Security Scanners and Initial Relaxation
Recently, several UK airports, including London City, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leeds/Bradford, Southend, and Teesside, installed advanced 3D CT scanners.
These next-generation security checkpoints were designed to create detailed images of the contents of passengers’ bags, allowing for more relaxed liquid restrictions.
With the new technology, passengers were initially allowed to carry up to two liters of liquids in any size bottle without removing them from their bags at security.
Temporary Reintroduction of the 100ml Rule
However, on June 9, the Department for Transport announced that these airports would temporarily revert to the original 100ml liquid rule. This decision was made to facilitate further improvements to the new checkpoint systems.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport explained, “This temporary move is to enable further improvements to be made to the new checkpoint systems and will only affect a small number of passengers.”
Impact on Passengers
The reintroduction of the 100ml rule has led to significant confusion among passengers. Many travelers, accustomed to the relaxed rules at airports with new scanners, have faced delays due to incorrect packing of liquids.
Birmingham Airport, which has also installed the new scanners but maintained the 100ml limit due to regulatory restrictions, reported long queues and delays.
Airport authorities partly blamed passengers for not adhering to the packing guidelines and noted that the new scanners sometimes misidentified harmless items as threats, exacerbating the delays.
Current Liquid Rules at UK Airports
As of now, all UK airports are operating under the 100ml liquid rule, regardless of whether they have new scanners.
For airports with new scanners, the rules previously allowed more flexibility, but this is currently suspended.
Passengers traveling from these airports should check the latest security requirements with their departure airport before traveling.
Future of Liquid Restrictions
The Department for Transport aims to improve the new security systems and eventually lift the temporary 100ml restrictions.
In the future, with fully operational next-generation scanners, airports will allow passengers to carry liquids in containers of any size, totaling up to two liters, without the need to remove them from their luggage at security checkpoints.
Conclusion
The temporary reinstatement of the 100ml liquid rule at six regional UK airports has caused confusion and delays for travelers.
While the new 3D CT scanners promise a more streamlined security process, further adjustments are needed to ensure their effective implementation.
Passengers are advised to stay updated on current regulations and pack their liquids accordingly to avoid issues at security checkpoints.
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