Birmingham Airport liquid rules laid out as BHX braced for final security change

Birmingham Airport has confirmed its hand luggage liquid rules as it braces for one final, and major, security change. The airport's "state-of-the-art" security hall upgrade is now complete, with new search areas and check-points in operation for travellers.

A key change already in operation is that hand luggage liquids no longer need to be in plastic bags and can stay in hand luggage. The same goes for electrical items like laptops, which previously had to be removed.

However, despite the security hall's opening, one major rule has yet to come into force. The airport is poised to bring in its two-litre liquid rule once regulatory approval is given, but until then, passengers must stick to existing liquid restrictions.

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Once the rule receives regulator approval, passengers will be able to transit through security with up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage - a major change.

However for now, travellers anxiously await a time when security queues will cut down, with the hope it will happen ahead of the summer holiday rush, particularly after scenes of snaking queues and passenger frustration over half-term.

Airport bosses have pledged a "world class" security experience for holidaymakers going through the new hall - but until then, travellers have been told to stick to bringing through liquids of 100ml and under.

Providing an update on the security hall, a Birmingham Airport spokesperson said on June 5: "Birmingham Airport is one of the first UK airports to meet the June 1 Government deadline for the implementation of new security screening standards for passenger and cabin baggage. However, certain liquid restrictions will remain in place.

"In due course this new equipment will allow liquids of up to two litres to be taken through in cabin baggage, however some restrictions temporarily remain in place. Until further notice, passengers are advised that they can only carry liquids up to 100ml, albeit it can stay in hand luggage and no longer needs to be in a plastic bag, when departing from Birmingham Airport.

"The Airport has invested £60m in its new larger security area. This area is purpose built with simpler, streamlined equipment and will futureproof Birmingham Airport from its current 12 million passengers per year in 2024, to accommodate 18m passengers per annum by 2033."

BHX liquid advice going forward:

• Customers can only take liquids, pastes and gels up to 100ml in their hand luggage.

• The quantity of individual items at 100ml is unlimited.

• Liquids should not be in plastic bags, just loose in hand luggage.

• Liquids, pastes, and gels stay in hand luggage during the security search area, do not remove them.

• No liquids, pastes or gels over 100ml are allowed through security.

• No bottles/cans of water, carbonated or soft drinks over 100ml can be carried through in hand luggage.

• Insulated water bottles can be carried through security but need to be empty, refill stations can be found here.

• Leave all electricals in hand luggage during the security search.

• When going through security please ensure all items are out of pockets including phones, keys, coins, and tissues etc. Watches can be left on.

Al Titterington, terminal operations director for Birmingham Airport, said: “Once we receive the regulatory approval that will allow two litres to be carried as hand luggage through Birmingham Airport, we will then be able to transform the customer experience with this world class security screening equipment.

“In the meantime, customers are reminded that they can only carry up to 100ml in their hand luggage and certainly no bottles/cans of water, carbonated or soft drinks over 100ml. Plastic bags for liquids are not required, and electricals can stay in hand baggage too, no longer needing to be presented separately.

"The airport looks forward being able to announce when it receives its regulatory approval for the carriage of two litres, until this time customers should prepare as above.”