The UK government has eased rules around taking liquids and laptops through airport security. The rules will come into effect from June 2024, the government said.
Passengers at most UK airports will be able to carry liquid containers with a holding capacity of two litres. Passengers were formerly only allowed to carry 100ml of liquids.
Adding to the relaxed measures, passengers will also no longer need to carry containers in clear plastic bags, or remove tablets from their hand baggage at checkpoints.
According to the Department for Transport, major airports will also have to install new technology for security staff to see detailed images of the contents of passengers’ bags. New legislation around the changes will be laid out in the parliament on Thursday.
Current airport security rules were first introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot to blow up planes flying from London to the US with homemade liquid bombs, The Guardian reported.
“The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change. I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security,” transport secretary Mark Harper said.
Harper added: “By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queueing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats. Of course, this won’t happen straight away – this is going to take two years to be fully implemented. Until then, passengers must continue following the existing rules and check before travelling.”
Trials of relaxed rules began taking place in 2018, however, the June 2024 deadline was introduced following the several trials at airports.
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