There has been a lot of news lately about new liquids rules at UK airports.
At first glance, it sounds fantastic and we’re all looking forward to the day when we can fly without having to stuff all our liquids into little clear plastic cases.
4
4
4
But at the moment, it is only causing problems and confusion.
In this week’s blog for Sun Travel, I’ll explain how you should prepare for your flights this summer, while we wait for everyone to get up to speed with the new rules and regulations.
Firstly, the new scanners may be installed at your local UK airport, but not in many holiday destinations.
Many airports in Greece, Spain and other favorite destinations have yet to update their security systems, meaning anyone planning to carry larger bottles should be prepared to leave them behind.
Read more about flight attendants
This is something that many people overlook and it is understandable.
No one wants to think about their flight home before they even leave the country, but it will affect how you pack.
Therefore, you should check whether your destination airport has the new scanners before you travel.
Otherwise, I would recommend packing your liquids as you normally would for a flight: in 100ml bottles, in a clear plastic bag.
You’ll save yourself from having to leave behind your favorite cosmetics or spend the last day of your vacation looking for a transparent toiletry bag.
Luckily for Brits, the rules haven’t completely changed yet and even airports that have the new scanners up and running don’t allow people to carry liquids larger than 100ml.
Currently the only change is that liquids can remain in their bags while they are scanned.
Britons should therefore prepare for their holidays as they normally would for the time being, until new limits are introduced.
Another problem caused by the rule change is huge queues at airports, particularly in Birmingham, which is a worrying sign considering we are not yet at the peak of summer travel.
Some passengers have been seen queuing up to two hours before their flights, and confusion over liquid rules has led to huge winding queues at airports.
UK airports with new scanners already installed
Here is a list of UK airports that have already introduced the new scanners.
- Newcastle Airport
- Aberdeen
- City of London
- south
- Teesside
- Birmingham Airport
- Leeds Bradford
As a result, some people have started arriving at airports a little earlier than normal, which is fine, as long as you don’t overdo it.
If everyone starts arriving too early, it will only lead to more chaos and congestion.
Remember, if you follow the general advice (three hours for long rides, two hours for short rides), you’ll already be giving yourself time to adjust to delays and problems.
So you shouldn’t need to spend more than an extra half hour, or an hour at most, just to make sure you get on board your plane.
This may mean you have to skip duty free, but as long as you don’t miss your holiday, that’s the only thing that really matters.
Airline staff will usually do everything they can to expedite your passage through the airport if your plane is boarding and taking off.
Just let them know and they’ll let you get ahead of those whose flights aren’t scheduled to depart imminently.
So there’s no need to panic – just follow the rules and you’ll still be able to escape as you hoped, with a lovely holiday waiting for you on the other side.
Meanwhile, these other UK airports are falling behind in their plans to introduce the new scanners.
And this common airport mistake could leave you hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
4
