Liquids at airports – the latest
While the major airports at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted have not yet finished installing new machines to ‘see-through’ liquids at security, several regional airports now have these machines.
Unfortunately the UK Government is not yet allowing liquids over 100ml to be caried through security at most airports. Late last week, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the so-called “liquid rule” would be reintroduced at six UK airports: London City, Teesside, Aberdeen, Leeds-Bradford, Newcastle and Southend. There has also been confusion at London City and Birmingham airports, causing significant delays for passengers.
Our advice for anyone travelling this summer at UK airport is as follows if you do take liquids in your hand luggage:
- containers must hold no more than 100ml
- containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
- contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
- the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
- you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person
- you must show the bag at the airport security point
There are very few exemptions to this rule as listed on the Government website stating you can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security at all UK airports if they:
- are for essential medical purposes
- are for special dietary requirements
- contain baby food or baby milk
You can also take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty free) through security if:
- the items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them
- the receipt for the items is sealed in the security bag and visible
Airport staff may need to open the items to screen the liquid at the security point.