The UK government has announced new legislation for 2024 which will allow passengers at major airports to benefit from the latest technology through security.
Passengers currently have to remove large electronic items and liquids from their cabin baggage when passing through security. Liquids are also limited to a size of 100ml and must be in a clear plastic bag.
This requirement to remove items from hand luggage is now set to be lifted, and the 100ml liquid limit will be extended to 2 litres.
The new legislation states that airports have until June 2024 to upgrade their screening equipment to use CT X-ray technology to enable this change.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change. I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security.
By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats.
Of course, this won’t happen straight away – this is going to take 2 years to be fully implemented. Until then, passengers must continue following the existing rules and check before travelling.
The new scanners use CT X-ray technology to provide a 3D image of the contents of a passengers’ bags, while also deploying highly advanced threat-detection algorithms.
The deadline to install this technology follows several trials of the CT scanners at UK airports, which have demonstrated the effectiveness of this new screening equipment. In response, airports such as London City have already announced plans to upgrade their equipment prior to the new legislation.
Christopher Snelling, Policy Director at the Airport Operators Association (AOA), said:This investment in next-generation security by the UK’s airport operators will provide a great step forward for UK air travel, matching the best in class around the world.
It will make the journey through the UK’s airports easier and air travel itself more pleasant.
