British holidaymakers will notice different security rules when travelling this summer as Birmingham and Edinburgh airports have scrapped the 100ml liquid limit.
Both Birmingham and Edinburgh now permit passengers to carry liquids up to two litres in hand luggage following the installation of advanced 3D scanning technology. But as rules now vary from airport to airport, a travel expert shares how to prepare for your next journey.
For example, travellers using Heathrow, Manchester and Liverpool must still adhere to the traditional 100ml restriction because of delays in implementing the new equipment.
The inconsistent rollout across UK airports means passengers could easily be caught out, particularly those flying from multiple airports during their journey. The expert shared everything you should consider to avoid confusion.
GETTY | The 100ml liquid rule has been scrapped at some airports
Marketing manager at North America travel specialist Journeyscape Rebecca Harley urged travellers to carefully check regulations at all departure points.
She said: "When planning your travels, it's crucial to be aware that the 100ml liquid restriction might still be in place depending on the specific airport you depart from, especially for your return journey, as the rule change only impacts UK airports and not international ones.
"Meaning you might be able to take more than 100ml of liquids with you when you depart, but be forced to bin them for your return journey. Ensure that you check all departing airports on your itinerary, including any layovers."
Holidaymakers who may pack larger bottles when departing from Birmingham or Edinburgh could be caught out if they have to dispose of these at foreign airports on their return.
The situation varies across UK airports, with some allowing liquids to remain in bags despite maintaining the 100ml limit.
At Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, London City and Teesside, passengers must still follow the 100ml restriction but can keep liquids inside their luggage during scanning.
Meanwhile, Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and East Midlands require travellers to both observe the 100ml limit and remove liquids from bags entirely.
Only Birmingham and Edinburgh have fully modernised their systems, permitting bottles up to two litres without removal requirements. The disparate approaches stem from varying stages of 3D scanner installation across terminals, with some airports partially upgraded whilst others await full implementation of the technology that enables relaxed liquid rules.
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|Knowing the rules where you are travelling will make it easier to get through the airport
Rebecca recommended staying aware despite the rule changes at some airports, and noted there could be delays caused by general confusion when visiting airports in the near future.
She said: "Until a universal removal of the 100ml liquid restriction is implemented across all airports, it's best to adhere to the established protocols. Continue to pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 100ml or smaller and arrange them in a clear, resealable plastic bag to mitigate the risk of disposal.
"People who fail to remove items from their bags or travel with large bottles of liquids and creams are the biggest cause of delays at airport security.
"This is expected to be heightened by confusion regarding the new legislation, so we recommend arriving early in order to reduce the risk of unexpected delays caused by confusion between the new rules."