The new security scanners are being rolled out at airports across the UK and use more advanced technology to provide a detailed look into the contents of luggage
Manchester Airport has issued a clarification on the rules passengers must adhere to concerning liquids in hand luggage, following confusion over the guidelines.
This comes as new security scanners are being introduced at airports across the UK, utilising more advanced technology to provide a detailed view of luggage contents. As a result, passengers will no longer need to remove liquids and large electronic devices, such as laptops, from their bags.
The new scanners also allow travellers to carry liquid containers of up to two litres, a significant increase from the previous 100ml limit. The stringent 100ml liquid rules were implemented in 2006 after a thwarted terror plot involving homemade liquid bombs.
READ MORE: UK gardeners with tomatoes in garden told to take action before SaturdayREAD MORE: ‘My son live blogged his suicide then I bought the poison he used – it needs to be banned’
Airports like Edinburgh and Birmingham have already completed the rollout of these new scanners. At Manchester Airport, the new scanners have been gradually introduced, but the advice to stick to the 100ml rules remains unchanged, as passengers won’t know if they’ll pass through an old or new scanner, reports the Manchester Evening News.
However, this has led to mixed experiences for passengers regarding what they need to do with liquids.
A Reddit user sparked a debate after asking: “do you still need to put liquids in little transparent bags? Terminal 2 carry on luggage.”
One respondent said: “Flew to Barca today (09.09), no clear bags required but needed to be under 100ml” while another added: “T2 has been bagless for months”. A third chimed in with: “Flew this week. No bags just under 100ml.”
However, some users were quick to point out that the rules haven’t changed, with one stating: “You don’t need to take it out of your bag, but all liquid has to be in a transparent bag still, 100ml rules still apply.”
One Reddit user suggested that using the plastic bags was simply more convenient: “Personally I’d put them in the bags but you normally don’t need to take them out.”
They explained their reasoning: “For two reasons really. Firstly they might notice something they don’t like and pull your bag, if they do it’s just easier that they’re all in the same place”.
“Secondly, not all airports use this equipment yet so best to do it just in case you need it for the return journey.”
A spokesperson for Manchester Airport clarified the current regulations, saying: “New security technology is already in use across all three Manchester Airport’s terminals and the majority of passengers are screened with the new equipment.
“In accordance with Department for Transport guidance, passengers should prepare as normal and travel with liquids in containers no larger than 100ml in their hand baggage and follow instructions when they get to security, where plastic bags will be available if needed.”
Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We’d love to hear from you!