Holidaymakers with flights booked during the half-term break have been urged to 'stick to the rules' when packing their hand luggage to avoid 'delays and confusion' at airport security.
Airports across the UK are installing new security scanners that will put an end to the 100ml liquids rule and allow electronic devices such as laptops and tablets to remain in passengers' bags during the screening process. Some airports have already upgraded their systems while others including Birmingham Airport will make the switch on June 1.
However, other major airports have delayed the rollout, which means that the hand luggage rules for UK tourists travelling during the May half-term holidays will be different depending on where they're flying from. Concerns have been raised that the lack of consistency will cause confusion for people flying this summer and Birmingham Airport reported last month that more bags were being 'rejected' at security due to them being 'non-compliant' and blamed 'confusion' over the rules for longer wait times.
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Travel association ABTA has issued advice to holidaymakers travelling this half-term, saying the 'simplest approach for all' travellers is to follow the existing rules around liquids and electronic devices. 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.”
ABTA said that many UK airports will not be fully up and running with the new scanners by June 1 - the government's original deadline - while many overseas airports are also still in the process of upgrading to the new technology. The current hand luggage rules include a 100ml limit on liquids, which must be taken out of your bag when going through security and placed in a single, transparent, resealable 20cm x 20cm plastic bag.
Electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets need to be removed from hand luggage when you go through the security screening process. Passengers should check their airport's security advice before they travel and can keep an eye out for signage and guidance at the airport about the current rules in place.
If you're looking to upgrade your luggage before your next holiday, luxury suitcase brand Antler has launched its big summer sale with 25% off all bags until May 28. This includes the Chelsea Overnight Bag, which is specifically-designed to fit under the seat in front of you on the plane - now £105 when you enter code SUMMER at checkout, down from £140. The same code makes Antler's Jet2 and TUI-approved Clifton Cabin Bag cost £127.50, originally £170.
