The summer of 2024 marks a big change in airport security rules, one that has caused much confusion and frustration for passengers ever since it was first introduced back in 2006. The change will mean that passengers no longer have to worry about measuring the liquids they are carrying in their hand luggage, and those clear plastic baggies could become a thing of the past.

What Are the New Airport Security Rules?

Airports have previously taken a very strict stance on liquids carried in hand luggage, limiting passengers to no more than 100ml of liquid per container while also restricting the total amount of liquid that could be carried through security by a single passenger (usually 1 litre). Liquids were also required to be placed in clear bags measuring approximately 20cm x 20cm.

Now, many airports have introduced new high-tech scanners that give security officials more control while making life easier for passengers. Known as ‘Next Generation Security’, these scanners will permit passengers to carry up to 2 litres and should make for smoother passage through those troublesome security lines.

The new scanners also mean that passengers can leave electronics like tablets and laptops in their hand luggage and no longer need to remove them and send them through conveyor scanners alone.

It’s not all good news, though, at least not yet. The introduction of these scanners didn’t go without a hitch and caused chaos at airports across the UK, leading many airports to temporarily scrap new rules and revert to old ones. Even now, weeks after the initial rollout, passengers in many UK airports are still being asked to wait, with Manchester, Stansted, and Gatwick just a few of the airports that have yet to fully adopt the new rules.

When Were Airport ‘Liquid Rules’ First Introduced?

The 100ml liquid restriction was first implemented in 2006 following a terrorist plot to smuggle liquid explosives on a plane. But this was just one of the many changes made following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre. Prior to 2001, passengers could even take bladed objects and other ‘weapons’ on planes, and security officials didn't bat an eyelid if a passenger left a laptop or other electronic device in their hand luggage.

Although the rules on carrying liquids and electronics are set to change, security staff will remain vigilant, and it’s important to check and follow all of these rules to ensure a hassle-free free trip.

Summary: Easier Security Clearances for Travellers

If you’re planning a holiday this summer, make sure you check your departure airport to learn the rules. As noted above, there have been a few issues with the implementation of this new system, and some major UK airports are projecting that they won’t have a complete rollout until 2025.

Still, things are changing quickly, and this could be a big boon for the airport industry, one that should shorten security lines while giving passengers more freedom and ensuring they don’t have to discard bottles of perfume or pop.