Key dates Hand luggage rules change at Birmingham, Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow Airports

Going through airport security is the most stressful part of the vacation for many passengers. There are strict rules to follow and the potential for long queues, especially if you travel during peak times.

In a few weeks, some UK airports are set to roll out new security scanners that will change the way hand luggage is screened. The government initially set a June 1 deadline for airports across the country to upgrade, however some major airports have been given an extension.

It means that tourists traveling from June may have different rules to follow, depending on the airport they fly from. Confusion over the current security rules has caused problems at some airports in recent weeks, with an increase in the number of “non-compliant” carry-on bags presented for screening. Birmingham Airport recently said 15% of bags were rejected, adding to waiting times.

Read more: Top reason carry-ons are ‘rejected’ by airport security because ‘customers are confused’

British tourists heading abroad soon have been urged to familiarize themselves with the rules at their departure airport. See below for a breakdown of the new rules and when they will come into effect at Birmingham, Manchester and London airports.

What hand luggage rules are changing?

Passengers traveling by air are currently restricted from carrying liquids under 100ml in hand luggage. They must be kept in a resealable, transparent plastic bag when going through security and cannot exceed a maximum volume of one liter.

Electronics such as laptops and tablets must also be removed from the bag to be scanned separately. However, once the new state-of-the-art scanners are installed, this will no longer be the case. Passengers will be able to leave their liquids and electronics in their luggage and carry liquids in containers of up to two litres.

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham is one of the few major UK airports scheduled to meet the government’s initial deadline. The city’s airport underwent a £60m refurbishment of its security hall and some new scanners were installed at the start of April, meaning some passengers flying abroad before June could be directed to the new system.

However, Birmingham Airport has told all customers to adhere to current security rules until the official launch on June 1. A spokesman said: “We would like to remind our customers that existing security restrictions remain in place… As a reminder, customers taking liquids and electrical installations through security in their hand luggage should follow these instructions.

“Liquids, pastes and gels, up to 100ml, in 20 x 20cm resealable bags must be removed from the bags and placed in the security scanning tray. All electrical components must be removed from their housings and placed separately in the security scan tray. “

London Gatwick

Gatwick is currently trialling the new technology on one of its security lanes, meaning some passengers will not have to remove their liquids and electronics from their bags for screening. However, most will have to comply with the current rules, so anyone flying from Gatwick is urged to comply with the current rules for now.

The airport previously gave an estimate of spring 2025 for when all of its new scanners would be operational. A spokesman recently said: “At present, the vast majority of passengers at Gatwick will face security as normal, so they should continue to comply with all existing rules, ensuring that they do not carry liquids, gels, pastes or creams larger than 100 ml. their hand luggage.

“Any items under 100ml must be placed in a clear, resealable bag to be screened through security, while laptops, tablets, coats, watches and belts must also be removed and placed in a separate tray. By being prepared, we hope to get passengers through airport security quickly so they can go on and relax before their flight, enjoy a drink or sit down to a meal.”

Manchester and Stansted Airports

Manchester Airports Group, which runs Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted airports, said its scanners would be fully operational in 2025. A spokesman previously said the scanners would be introduced “lane by lane” but said s -they made good progress.

Bosses said the new scanners, which use computed tomography (CT) scans rather than X-ray technology, would be installed at “a large number” of security lanes by the June deadline, but urged passengers to respect the rules existing cabin baggage allowances until the upgrade is complete.

London Heathrow

Heathrow Airport is said to be aiming to have its new security scanners installed in all terminals by this summer. By the end of February, the upgraded computers were already installed in terminals two, three and five, however the airport confirmed it had 146 security lanes to replace in total.

Heathrow has previously said it is working with the department on timetables, while ensuring passengers travel smoothly through security during the transition.