BOTTLE IT
Mistakes you should never make at airport security according to a flight attendant – as huge queues seen at UK terminals
And all the UK airports with the brand new scanners
THERE'S been a lot of news lately about new liquid rules at airports in the UK.
On the face of it, it sounds great and we're all looking forward to the day when we can fly without having to squeeze all our liquids into tiny plastic see-through cases.
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But for the time being, it's just causing problems and confusion.
In this week's blog for Sun Travel, I'll explain how you should be preparing for your flights this summer, while we wait for everyone to get up to speed with the new rules and regulations.
First and foremost, the new scanners might be in place in your local UK airport, but they aren't in place in a lot of holiday destinations.
Plenty of airports in Greece, Spain and other favourite destinations haven't updated their security systems just yet, meaning anyone planning to take bigger bottles with them should be prepared to leave them behind.
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This is something a lot of people are overlooking and it's understandable.
No one wants to think about their flight home before they've even left the country, but it will affect how you pack your suitcase.
Therefore you should check whether or not your destination airport has the new scanners in place before you travel.
If not, I'd recommend just packing your liquids as you ordinarily would for a flight - in 100ml bottles, in a see through plastic bag.
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It'll save you having to leave your favourite cosmetics behind, or spending the last day of your holiday tracking down a transparent toiletry bag.
Fortunately for Brits, the rules haven't fully changed just yet and even airports that have the new scanners up and running aren't letting people carry liquids of more than 100ml.
What you need to know about the new airport 100ml liquid rule
Currently the only change is that the liquids can remain in their bags while being scanned.
So Brits should prepare for their holidays as they ordinarily would for the time being, until the new limits are introduced.
Another problem caused by the rule change is huge airport queues, particularly at Birmingham, which is a worrying sign considering we aren't yet at the peak of summer travel.
Some passengers have been seen queuing for as much as two hours before their flights, with the confusion around the liquid rules leading to huge meandering airport lines.
UK airports with new scanners already in place
Here's a list of the UK airports that have already introduced the new scanners
- Newcastle Airport
- Aberdeen
- London City
- Southend
- Teesside
- Birmingham Airport
- Leeds Bradford
Some people have started arriving at airports a little sooner than normal as a result, which is fine, just as long as you don't overdo it.
If everyone starts arriving way too early, it's just going to lead to more chaos and congestion.
Remember, if you're sticking to the general advice (three hours for long haul, two hours for short haul) you're already giving yourself time to accommodate delays and problems.
So you shouldn't need to give yourself more than an extra half an hour, or an hour at the most, just to make sure you get on board your plane.
If may mean you have to skip perusing the duty free, but as long as you don't miss your holiday, that's all that really matters.
Airline staff will generally do all they can to speed you through the airport if your plane is boarding and due to set off.
Just let them know and they'll let you push ahead of those whose flights aren't set to leave imminently.
So there's no need to panic - just stick to the rules and you should still get away as expected, with a lovely holiday break waiting for you at the other side.
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Meanwhile, these other UK airports are lagging behind with their plans to bring in the new scanners.
And this common airport mistake could leave you hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
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