SCOTS airport bosses have issued a major update regarding the end to the rule on taking liquids through security.
Holiday-bound travellers currently have to take all liquids and electronic devices from their bags while going through checkpoints.
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Passengers have to put all their liquids in clear plastic bags while going through security. And they aren’t allowed to take more than 100ml through to departures.
And travellers face binning items or having them confiscated by guards after they either forget or misjudge how much liquid they have with them, along with extra time at checkpoints emptying and repacking their hand luggage.
The rules were brought in after Al-Qaeda planned to blow up seven planes from Heathrow using liquid explosives.
The foiled 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot targeted flights to the United States and Canada.
Countless lives were saved when the terror plot was foiled – which if successful, would have been the group’s largest attack since 9/11.
The rules brought in place as a result are still enforced today.
But new advancements in tech could mean the end to tiny toiletries and passengers could soon be able to take up to two litres through security.
Brand new advanced scanners at set to be installed in all UK airports.
The new security devices operate like hospital CT scanners – and would remove the need for passengers to empty their bags and will bring an end to the 100ml limit.
Airports are also set to upgrade to advanced body scanners to help with security.
Ministers hoped the upgrades would be complete by this summer, giving bosses a deadline of June 1 of this year.
But air hubs have been plagued by issues getting the new devices installed.
Supply issues and building works have led to delays in the rules being scrapped.
Some airports are having to build whole new screening halls for the new scanners. While others need their floors reinforced so they can cope with the weight of the machines.
How do the new scanners work?
THE new scanners act like CT scans in hospitals.
They use x-ray technology to create a 3D image of your bag and the contents inside.
Once the new and improved security is up and running, the rules will change for passengers.
You will no longer need to remove lliquids from your bag, and the 100ml rule will be scrapped.
Passengers currently have to take any devices – such as laptops and e-readers out of their bags when going through security.
The new advanced scanners mean they can be kept inside the bag while going through checkpoints.
The delays saw ministers extend the deadline for some airports – meaning the same rules on 100ml will still apply.
Scots airports have issued warnings to passengers about the upgrade delays.
Bosses welcomed the extension but urged passengers to be aware that the new rules are still in place.
Passengers have also been urged to check the rules for the airport they are flying back to the UK from, so they comply with security rules on their way home.
‘Follow the already known and rehearsed rules’
A spokesman for AGS Airports, which owns and operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports, said: “We welcome this decision and will continue to work with the DFT on the roll-out of Next Generation Security Checkpoint (NGSC) scanners.”
Edinburgh airport chiefs said work is currently underway to upgrade their security in the capital but reminded passengers, the old rules still apply.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “This is a welcome announcement that will help provide clarity for passengers travelling through Edinburgh Airport this summer.
“Although work is currently ongoing to install the new scanners and a number will be in place in the coming weeks and months, passengers should continue to follow the 100ml rules and remove large electricals from their bags until we announce otherwise.
“Following the already known and rehearsed rules will allow everyone to move through the security process as quickly and safely as possible”
“These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening security even further.”
Mark Harper MP, Transport Secretary
But ministers are still considering financial penalties for air hubs that fail to meet new deadlines.
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: “These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening security even further.
“The UK is leading the world with its roll-out of this technology, but it’s important we give those airports yet to meet the deadline a second chance to get the job done. Until they do, passengers should continue to check before travelling.”
Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, the trade body for UK airports, Karen Dee, said: “Airports are making excellent progress in delivering these multimillion-pound investment programmes, which will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of aviation security in the years ahead.
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“As with any programme of this complexity, there are significant challenges, and we are happy the government has recognised these and agreed to extend timeframes for delivery where necessary.
“By adopting this approach, airports can ensure that they are ready to welcome passengers over the upcoming holiday periods and that their journeys are safe, secure and smooth as we make this transition.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “Delivering these changes throughout all UK airports will be key to improving airline passengers’ experience.
“The extension of the deadline for those airports who require it will ensure simplicity and ease for customers during this transition.”
