Airport security – the hand luggage and screening checks you do each time you fly – is changing.  

UK airports are working to introduce new generation scanners, which will change the rules around hand luggage, meaning you would no longer need to remove liquids and electronic devices (laptops, tablets etc) from your hand luggage, and you could carry liquids in quantities larger than 100ml. 

However, many UK and overseas airports will not be fully up and running with the new security scanners for travel this summer, which is why ABTA is advising travellers to continue to follow the existing rules around liquids and removing electronic devices when preparing for their trips. Travellers can also check with their airport in advance to see what rules will be in place.    

It is also important to remember that even if the UK airport you are travelling from has the new generation scanners and security screening rules in place, the destination airport you are returning from may not. So you will need to follow their guidance and should be particularly mindful of the 100ml liquid rule.

How to prepare for your travels this summer

For now, the best advice is to stick to the current hand luggage rules around liquids and electronic devices, which are:

  • Liquids can be no more than 100ml.
  • Liquids are taken out of your bag when going through security, and are put in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, with just one bag per person.
  • Electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, are removed from hand luggage when you go through the security screening process.

Sticking to the current rules will help you avoid being caught out with a larger amount of liquids in your hand luggage than may be allowed through your departure or return airport. It will also mean that you are ready to remove your liquids and devices should airport security require it, avoiding any unnecessary delays to yourself and other passengers. 

As some UK airports are operating under the new rules, you can plan in advance by checking with the airport. You must make sure you check the rules for the specific terminal you are travelling from, as the rules could vary between terminals in the same airport. You should also check the rules for your return airport.