Removing your laptop and tablet on the slow approach to the airport security belt, ensuring you have put all LAGS (liquids, aerosols and gels) in the right proportions – up to measly 100ml – into a transparent plastic bag to show at the security point, can be stressful.
This measure was put into place at airports around the world after a terrorist attempt to blow up a flight from Heathrow to the USA was foiled in 2006. It was supposed to be “a temporary measure” to protect against explosives, but for the best part of two decades, travellers have had to endure long queues moving at a snail’s pace through airport security.
The alternative is to pack toiletries in the hold luggage or to buy whatever you need at airport shops.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to ease the restrictions on liquids for those passing through UK airports in 2022, but Rishi Sunak delayed this to 2024. Unfortunately, the technology at that time was not optimal, so the rules were reversed. Until now.
Restrictions are easing at UK airports
Some UK airports that have advanced CT scanners already in place – including London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, Teesside, Aberdeen, and Southampton – no longer require laptops and liquids to be removed from carry-ons. Some have removed the 100ml liquid limit, replacing it with two litres of liquids.
A spokesperson for the DfT said: “Some airports are rolling out new technology that will allow liquid containers up to two litres to be taken through security in hand luggage. As this will be happening at different times at UK airports, passengers should continue to check security requirements with airports before they travel and come prepared with liquids in containers no larger than 100 mL in hand baggage unless advised otherwise.”
This is, of course, all great news – until your return journey. There does not seem to be conformity worldwide and rules are still in place. In American airports, they are stringently adhered to with extra security measures in place regarding “power-like substances”.
According to the Transportation Security Administration: “If you are flying from any of the last-point-of-departure airports into the US, you may experience a more extensive screening process and should prepare for additional screening of your property and personal electronic devices. We encourage you to place powder-like substances over 350 m; in your checked bags. Powders in carry-on baggage may require secondary screening, and powders that cannot be resolved by security officials will be prohibited from the cabin of the aircraft.”
What can you not carry in Cabin baggage?
Understandably, knives, firearms and weapons cannot be carried through security.