Birmingham Airport has launched a new liquid check area in a bid to help passengers pass security 'quicker' from today, Wednesday, June 19. 'Check stations' were rolled out this morning in a bid to stem the "chaos" that arises in the early morning rush.
BHX confirmed that an enlarged temporary structure will provide multiple ‘liquid check stations’ to ensure that customers’ cabin baggage complies with new Government regulations. The airport has also recruited 100 "liquid consultants" to deal with the fall-out over the sudden UK liquid rule change.
Over the last few weeks there have been scenes of "chaos" as hundreds of passengers queue to get into the terminal through building works, particularly at peak early morning times.
READ MORE: Birmingham Airport confirms fate of escalators as building works near their end
The airport confirmed the staff had been drafted in as it worked to stem queues at peak times. The staff will be based before any scanners to help ensure passengers are only carrying 100ml containers of liquid.
So far this week, there have been fewer reports of disruption, but passenger anxiety remains over what to do with liquids and how long to leave before a flight.
This morning, June 19, one BHX traveller said he was through security in one hour and ten minutes from his car to departures.
Birmingham Airport's chief executive Nick Barton took BirminghamLive around the airport on June 11 to update us on the terminal works, where we put key questions to him on issues such as escalators, lifts, and other worries from travellers over scenes of long snaking queues
Mr Barton revealed that key features such as escalators had been removed for "health and safety." The under-fire boss went into detail on how they are battling chaos caused by queues, you can read more on that here.
Are you travelling through BHX today? Email - naomi.desouza@reachplc.com
This is a live blog, updates below.
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Key Events
When do queues die down?
Anecdotally, we are hearing that queues from the morning rush die down at around 10am. This was the scene at 11am when we visited BHX last Tuesday.
What will today's big change mean for travellers?
The airport has launched a new liquid check area in a bid to help passengers pass security 'quicker' from today. An enlarged temporary structure will provide multiple ‘liquid check stations’ to ensure that customers’ cabin baggage complies with new Government regulations introduced this month. Everything you need to know on this new area, can be found here.
'Lucky window' to fly - according to passengers
Birmingham Airport passengers have issued their verdict on the best time to travel through Birmingham Airport for the most efficient experience, and their answers may change your holiday plans. Some spoke of a "lucky" window, others said what they would do differently. Read what passengers had to say, here.
New signs up in the airport
Birmingham Airport recruited 100 staff members, who were said to be in place by Friday June 14, to deal with the fall-out over a sudden UK liquid rule change. A raft of new signs have gone up across the terminal to remind passengers of liquid rules.
Birmingham Airport 'fast track' tickets double in price as queues continue
A fast track service that allows Birmingham Airport passengers to skip the queues on the way home from their journey will cost holidaymakers an extra £13 from the start of next month. More on that, here.
Software being checked
As we reported, a last minute UK Government directive insists that passengers only carry liquids, pastes and gels up to 100ml in their hand luggage. BHX had anticipated that by June 1, the 2 litre rule would come into play, easing nearly 20-year restrictions on liquid and bringing into play the airports new state-of-the-art kit. But government transport chiefs announced they needed to re-validate all the software on every machine (including at other UK airports such as London City, which had already rolled out the 2 litre allowance).
England fan tells of his experience this morning
England fan Chris McBride got in touch to share his experience this morning. Chris said: "Flew out of Birmingham this morning to Frankfurt (for the England game).
"Flight was at 5.55am and I arrived at 2.30am. The queue was just outside the lifts and in total it took me 30 minutes from joining the queue to being sat in Wetherspoons with a beer and a breakfast!
"Plenty of staff around to help and direct and the new scanners worked really well."
Every single liquid rule laid out
Birmingham Airport warns non-compliant liquids will be 'removed and destroyed'
- Only liquids, pastes and gels in containers up to 100ml can be carried in hand luggage – anything larger needs to be in checked in luggage.
- No liquids above this size.
- Anything above the 100ml will be removed and destroyed.
- There is no limit on the amount of under 100mls containers that can be carried.
- Containers that can carry more than a 100ml, such as insulated bottles, are permitted but need to be completely empty.
- Do not put your liquids, pastes and gels into plastic bags (please leave them loose in hand luggage).
- Do not take them out of your hand luggage when you're in the security search area.
- 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.
New liquid check area launched
Birmingham Airport has launched a new liquid check area in a bid to help passengers pass security 'quicker' from today, Wednesday, June 19. An enlarged temporary structure will provide multiple ‘liquid check stations’ to ensure that customers’ cabin baggage complies with new Government regulations introduced this month. Everything you need to know, here.
Wednesday morning traveller reveals 50 minute experience
Another happy traveller took to X this morning to share their experience. @BitsandBots_ wrote at 5:19am: "We joined the security queue at 4am this morning and it took 50 mins to get into departures."
What has happened to the escalators?
It is the question repeatedly asked of Birmingham Airport by BirminghamLive readers; are the escalators coming back? Terminal escalators were removed last year amidst ongoing works to get the "state-of-the-art" security hall completed. We have the answer right here.
How long should I leave before my flight?
Most airlines have told BHX flyers to arrive at the airport three hours before departure.
This was echoed by BHX boss Nick Barton who said: "Check with your airline - they're all giving very good up-to-date information. Typically it's three hours, but it depends on the airline. Follow that advice."
BHX boss gives explanation
We managed to track down and speak to BHX CEO Nick Barton following weeks of travel chaos at the airport. Watch our video interview below.
Last Wednesday was also a quieter day
Last Wednesday we reported how passengers appeared to face an easier morning after days of long outdoor queues to clear security. Wednesday is a quieter day to fly out, but you would also hope that the plan BHX has put in place to stem long snaking queues and passenger frustration is now paying off.
BirminghamLive reporter flew out in and out of Birmingham Airport on consecutive days
Our reporter Nick Horner flew out in and out of Birmingham Airport on consecutive days last week, and shared his experiences. Nick was heading out to see England in their first Euro 2024 match against Serbia and found himself caught up in the queues he so often reports on. More on his experience, here.
New liquids signs have been put up across BHX
'Plenty of staff'
BHX's decision to recruit a wave of liquids staff seems to be paying off. @NigghatF23757 took to X just after 5am to say: "Birmingham Airport in and through in 15 mins, plenty of staff. Got there 4 hours before in anticipation. Arrived at 0945. Flight at 1pm."
Jet2 passenger arrives earlier than usual
John Wright @juanfelipe1 took to X, formerly Twitter to share his views at 6:35am today, June 19.
Arrived at @bhx_official this morning at 5.00am using #airparksexpress car park. Baggage dropoff quite quick with @jet2tweets and was through security by 6.10. Earliest I've ever been given flight is 8.30. #birminghamairport
— John Wright (@juanfelipe1) June 19, 2024
Where are the new staff based?
Airport chief executive Nick Barton told BirminghamLive that BHX has hired specialist 'liquids consultants', to monitor every single entrance to the airport and help passengers get their bags ready for the security hall.
Good morning
Good morning. Birmingham Airport has recruited 100 "liquid consultants" to deal with the fall-out over a sudden UK liquid rule change. Over the last few weeks there have been scenes of "chaos" as hundreds of passengers queue to get into the terminal through building works, particularly at peak early morning times.
