Despite the promise of smoother security procedures at major airports in 2024, the plan to roll out advanced scanners that would eradicate the need to separate liquids and electronics and adhere to the strict 100ml rule has hit more than a few road bumps. Since the technology update was first announced by the UK government in 2018, many airports stated they would miss the June 2024 deadline – and those that did manage to meet it have now been forced to revert back to previous carry-on rules. But it isn’t just the UK that is impacted by these delays and changes .
Come Sunday 1 September , airports in EU countries will likewise have to make a U-turn, as the European Commission will be enforcing temporary regulations until a “tech issue” with the equipment is rectified. While there have been other reports that the EU will also be simultaneously standardising the size of hand luggage to make things fairer for passengers, a spokesperson for the European Commission has confirmed to Condé Nast Traveller that this is not true. “Unfortunately, there has been some misinformation spreading as no upcoming EU regulation foresees changes to hand luggage rules.
“What is correct is that in July 2024, the Commission services organised a workshop with all interested stakeholders to discuss possible common industry standards on the weight and dimensions of hand luggage. This initiative responds to a call from former Transport Commissioner Vălean in December 2023 to the industry to develop such standards in collaboration with other stakeholders. The Commission expects to hear further details from industry on the progress towards common standards soon and plans to organise a follow-up workshop in autumn.
” Here, we take a look at what is set to change around hand luggage rules – and what the restrictions will mean for tourists. The rules for liquids are not new , but they are being reinstated in some airports on Sunday 1 September. As has been the case since 2006, passengers travelling to an EU airport will be restricted in the amount of liquids, gels, and creams they can take in their carry-on luggage.
Such substances should be in containers of 100ml or less and passed through airport security in a clear plastic bag of around 20cm x 20cm. Your liquids must then be placed into a tray, separate from your luggage and other items. Liquids include (but are not limited to): Exceptions are sometimes made for those with small babies, dietary and/or health requirements, though this should be checked with the airport in advance.
Those carrying medication may need a note from a doctor, as well. The changes will mostly impact airports that have already installed the new scanners. This is because other airports without scanners would still adhere to the 100ml liquid rule.
Although this is true and these specific rule changes only apply to airports in EU countries , there will be a knock-on effect for those travelling from other destinations to countries within the EU. Passengers should factor in their return journey, even if their airport of origin has the scanners in place. Those travelling to and from airports in the UK that previously scrapped the liquid rule should also be mindful, as these locations have also reverted back to the 100ml rule.
Once rolled out, the new airport CT scanners will enable security to detect explosives in toiletries and electronics with higher accuracy, displaying high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the contents of passengers’ carry-on luggage . This advanced EDSCB technology will allow airports to scrap the 100ml rule, which, in theory, will reduce wait times and queues while still ensuring safety. Passengers will also be able to keep their liquids, toiletries and electronics inside their luggage instead of separating them and placing them into the tray beside their other belongings.
However, several setbacks have prevented the rollout. Firstly, the installation process has proven expensive. Not only is the equipment pricey, but most airports have to reinforce their terminal floors to withstand the weight of the machines.
Speaking to The Times, Birmingham airport’s chief executive Nick Barton explained: “The existing scanner is like a large domestic washing machine. The new machines are the size of a Ford Transit.” Moreover, there are also supply chain issues, and many airports are struggling to get hold of the equipment in the first place.
Major airports such as Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester all missed the government-imposed deadline of June 2024 but have stated the rollout should be complete within the first three months of 2025. Several other UK airports, including Aberdeen, Leeds/Bradford, London City, Newcastle, London Southend, Teesside and Birmingham, all have the new scanners in place but have since reverted back to the 100ml rule – a report by the European Commission, which was sent to the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) last May, outlined there was a “technical issue” with the scanners that prevented the software from reliably detecting harmful substances with content over more than 330ml. A spokesperson for the European Commission told Condé Nast Traveller that while the reinforcement of the restrictions was a temporary measure, they did not have a specific end date.
They stated: “The machines themselves, which are of high quality, are not in question. Also, the Commission is not acting on any new threat but responding to a temporary technical issue, in alignment with our international partners.” In theory, seeing as most travellers are well-accustomed to these rules already, there should be little impact from the U-turn.
However, some travellers would have booked their flights in advance, believing that the new scanners would be in place by the time of their trip – and, therefore, might not have bought hold luggage. Tim Hentschel, the CEO and co-founder of HotelPlanner.com , tells Condé Nast Traveller: “Many passengers could now face the dilemma of paying extra to upgrade their luggage to accommodate their toiletries and other liquids.
” The price of holding luggage or excess baggage at the airport varies depending on the airline, but it can sometimes cost you more than £95. Even beyond the last-minute costs and general confusion around the rule changes, airports have experienced severe queues since introducing the new scanners. According to a 2024 report by Which? , Birmingham airport had the worst security wait times of any other UK airport, with an average of 29 minutes.
It attributed some of the delays to the work going on to install the machines. Tim recommends staying informed and allowing plenty of time. “With yet another U-turn, there is a risk of severe delays due to abnormally lengthy queues to get through security, and this is creating a sense of chaos for those who may risk missing their flights.
So it’s now more important than ever to stay informed,” he says. “It’s advised that travellers stay aware of the additional time spent queuing at security and allow extra time at the airport before departure. The ‘three-hour rule’ has previously been considered enough time.
Still, with queues expected to take an hour plus, travellers are heavily advised to reconsider how early they arrive at the airport.”.
