Yahoo News Hand luggage warning to holidaymakers ahead of May half term
Brits jetting off this half term are being warned to stick to strict rules on liquids and laptops in their hand luggage. Travel Association ABTA has urged UK holidaymakers to follow the guidance to help “avoid any potential delays and confusion”.
It comes as new security scanners which will bring an end to the 100ml liquid rule are being rolled out at airports across the UK. Initially the government set a nominal deadline of June 1 2024 for the Next Generation Security Checkpoint (NGSC) Scanners to be installed in major airports.
However, extensions were granted to several airports when it was clear that they wouldn't meet the deadline, including Manchester Airport. Although some UK airports have installed them, such as Aberdeen International Airport, many overseas airports haven’t introduced them either.
READ MORE: Jet2.com and Jet2holidays named Travel Brand of the Year by Which?
This can cause confusion among travellers, so ABTA has urged holidaymakers to make sure they follow the existing rules to help keep delays at security to a minimum. In the run up to the school holidays, Manchester Airport and major airlines such as TUI and Jet2 have also urged passengers to stick to the rules.
ABTA Director of Public Affairs, Luke Petherbridge, said: “Half-term is a popular time for families to get away for some guaranteed sunshine, with European favourites such as Spain, Greece, Turkey and Portugal set to welcome significant numbers of visitors. To help everyone enjoy a stress-free experience this half-term, our message is simple – you can’t go wrong if you stick to the current rules around liquids and laptops when preparing your hand luggage.
“The new airport scanners will make things faster and strengthen security once they’re fully implemented, while we have this period whereby airports are still working to implement the changes, the best thing to do is travel as if nothing has changed.”
The current rules on liquids and electronic devices in hand luggage are:
Liquids can be no more than 100ml.
Liquids must be taken out of your bag when going through security, and put in a single, transparent, resealable 20cm x 20cm plastic bag, with just one bag per person.
Electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, are removed from hand luggage when you go through the security screening process.
ABTA is also advising travellers to look out for signage and guidance at the airport about the security rules in place.
