EXCLUSIVE: Major UK airport 'waiting' for green light to remove 100ml liquid rule
Another major UK airport is expected to remove the 100ml liquid limit following recent upgrades to its security screening technology
A major UK airport is set to join the likes of London's Heathrow and Gatwick in ditching the 100ml liquid rule. It was confirmed in recent months that a number of UK airports had scrapped the requirement for passengers to remove electronics and liquids from their cabin bags.
The change was introduced following the rollout of new CT scanners, which give security personnel detailed 3D images of passengers' luggage. Once the system is fully up and running, travellers are expected to be permitted to carry liquids of up to two litres in designated containers.
Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham are among the airports that have already cleared government checks.
A spokesperson for London Stansted Airport confirmed it is still awaiting the green light to move to a two-litre limit, though it has already done away with the requirement to remove liquids of 100ml or less and electronic devices during security screening.
He said: "All our security lanes operate the latest technology, hence compliant liquids and large electrical items can now stay in hand luggage."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info
"Security regulations are set nationally and aren't decided by individual airports, so we'll continue to follow the national policy and update passengers if and when there are any changes.
"We are waiting on the government to move to a 2lt restriction rather than the 100ml limit." Clearing up any confusion over whether water can be brought through security - sealed or otherwise - the spokesperson added: "The 100ml rule is still in place so regardless of whether a container is sealed or not, if it is over the limit, it is not permitted through security.
"We already have a sink-type unit before security for passengers to dispose of any non-compliant liquids if they choose not to drink it and wish to retain the container. Alternatively, they can surrender the item in one of the bins also at the front of security."
With existing restrictions capping liquids at 100ml in hand luggage, Stansted urges passengers to stow larger items in checked baggage wherever possible.
Its website also makes clear that any containers used to carry liquids of 100ml or less must be clearly labelled with their maximum capacity. Travel-sized containers lacking printed measurements are not allowed, and handwritten labels or stickers will be rejected.
Passengers are still able to bring liquid containers exceeding 100ml through security at all UK airports if they are for essential medical purposes (accompanied by a medical note or prescription), special dietary requirements, or contain baby food or infant milk.
Additionally, electrical items can be left in your hand luggage for the security search. However the advice is to remove any items from your pockets and place them inside your hand luggage. You can keep all watches on, including smart watches, according to the website.
