Passengers flying from Liverpool Airport may see the 100ml liquid rule scrapped before the end of 2023. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool John Lennon Airport may be set to ditch the 100ml liquid rule later this year.
In the last few days it has been revealed that London City Airport will become the first airport in the UK to permanently install the latest CT X-ray technology to provide a 3D image of what’s in passengers’ bags.
Following a successful trial of the technology the UK Government mandated all airports to have the new scanners installed and in operation by mid-2024.
It will mean passengers will no longer have to remove items such as tablets, laptops and liquids from their cabin baggage.
Until now, liquids have been limited to 100ml and must be in a clear plastic bag. This requirement will eventually be lifted, and the 100ml liquid container limit will be extended to two litres.
It is expected this will speed up the time it takes passengers to move through airport security.
Liverpool Airport expects to start rolling out its scanners ahead of the deadline. A spokesperson told LBN: “We’ll be commencing our roll out of this latest generation security equipment later this year.”
This technology is also being introduced at other airports overseas but passengers will still have to beware of restrictions from some airports when travelling back to the UK.
It was in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that security at airports was tightened considerably.
In August 2006, British security services uncovered a plot to carry improvised explosive devices onboard several transatlantic flights and detonate these during flight.
The plot involved using hydrogen peroxide as an explosive. This would be carried onboard inside standard drinks containers so as not to arouse suspicions at security, and subsequently assembled into a bomb onboard. This led to the 100ml liquids rule.
Kevin Harrison, managing director of business travel specialist, Good Travel Management, said: “From the Easter holidays onwards, passengers flying to and from London City Airport will be able to take up to two litres of liquid in hand luggage.
“Liquids will also no longer need to be placed in transparent, resealable plastic bags thanks to the new technology.
“This small change is sure to provide business travellers with more flexibility for packing and could help save on the cost of purchasing a checked bag.
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“In addition to this, travellers will no longer be required to remove electronics such as laptops, tablets or other large electrical items from their hand luggage ahead of security checks, significantly speeding up time spent going through security.
“While the changes will undoubtedly provide a more efficient service to all passengers, corporate travellers are sure to feel the greatest benefit.
“These new rules allow those travelling solely with cabin luggage – as most business tourists do – to overcome the hurdle of slow security checks, enabling them to move quickly throughout airports and get on with doing business.
“However, it’s important to note business travellers will still need to check what security measures are in place ahead of travelling, particularly when flying overseas. This may differ depending on the airport.”