Birmingham Airport ‘unlimited’ liquids hack that could save you hundreds of pounds

An ‘unlimited’ liquids rule at Birmingham Airport could save travelers hundreds of pounds – and it’s already in place. The airport announced this week that tourists can pass through security with an “unlimited” amount of individual liquids per 100ml.

This is a big change for customers, who until June 1 had to put their liquids in a clear plastic bag. Anything over that wasn’t allowed, meaning passengers had to limit what was carried and buy necessary extra liquids like expensive sunscreen and face washes at the other end.

With popular face creams costing more than £10 and some make-up items such as mascara often priced between £10 and £15, passengers could save hundreds of pounds by taking their full toiletries abroad . As the airport launches its “state-of-the-art” security hall upgrade, bosses are poised to introduce the two-litre liquid rule once regulatory approval is granted – which could bring even more savings.

READ MORE: Birmingham Airport’s liquid rules set as BHX prepares for final security overhaul

For more stories from across Solihull, including BHX, breaking news, politics and what’s on, sign up to our MySolihull newsletter

Travelers could save hundreds

Once the new liquid allowance comes into effect, passengers will be able to go through security with up to two liters of liquids in their hand luggage – which is a major change.

The most popular face, body and perfume and make-up creams are two liters or less, meaning travelers can transfer their entire skincare routine from home without having to decant them into 100ml containers or replace them with expensive travel minis. Sunscreen alone can be incredibly expensive abroad, but the new rule will mean travelers can bring all their bottles from home.

The cost savings will have an even greater impact on carry-ons, who have never had the option of storing larger liquids in a check-in bag. Factoring in the cost of make-up, perfumes and skincare, the savings could run into hundreds of pounds.

This is a welcome change when we consider the costs associated with going abroad, such as parking, baggage fees and accommodation.

Rules requiring liquids to be taken through security in 100ml or less and in a clear plastic bag were introduced in 2006 after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight was foiled. However, until the regulator approves BHX’s 2-litre rule, passengers will have to stick to bringing 100ml or less in hand luggage – albeit now freely in the bag.

While BHX’s new security scanners are now up and running, travelers are looking forward to a time when queues will ease, with the hope that this will happen before the summer holiday rush.

Airport bosses have promised a “world-class security experience” for tourists passing through the new concourse – but that’s not happening yet, with persistent queues and a long wait to get into the terminal this week-and-a-half.

Two-litre rule change to come ‘in due course’

Providing an update on 5 June, a spokesman for Birmingham Airport said: “Birmingham Airport is one of the first airports in the UK to meet the government’s June 1 deadline to implement the new passenger security screening standards and hand luggage. However, certain liquid restrictions will remain in place.

“In time, this new equipment will allow liquids of up to two liters to be carried in hand luggage, however some restrictions remain temporarily in place. Until further notice, passengers are advised that they can only carry liquids up to 100ml, although this can fit in hand luggage and no longer needs to be in a plastic bag when departing Birmingham Airport.

“The airport has invested £60 million in its new, larger security area. This area is purpose-built with simpler and more streamlined equipment and will future-proof Birmingham Airport from the current 12 million passengers per year in 2024 to accommodate 18 million passengers per year by 2033.”