In late 2022, the UK announced plans to overhaul airport security by June 2024. Thanks to new screening technology, the plan is to increase the limit on liquids from 100ml containers to two liter containers, and to no longer require passengers to take large electronics out of their bags.
While we’re still over a year off from this becoming the policy across the country, we’ve just seen the first major airport in the UK implement this change.
London City Airport changes security rules
As of April 4, 2023, London City Airport (LCY) has become the first major airport in the UK to deploy next generation security scanners for all passengers. With this:
- Travelers no longer need to remove laptops, tablets, and mobile phones from their bags
- Travelers no longer need to remove liquids from their bags
- Travelers can take liquids in containers of up to two liters through security, rather than in containers of up to 100ml
The airport claims that this new technology will allow it to process 30% more passengers per hour, improving the travel experience ahead of the Easter holiday. The introduction of this permanent policy follows successful trials last year, which had positive feedback from passengers.
This is the end of an era… yay!
Since 2006, travelers in the UK have been restricted to bottles of 100ml, all of which have needed to go into a single, clear plastic bag. Also since that time, travelers have had to remove all electronics from their carry-on bags. So this marks the first time in 17 years that travelers don’t have to go through these steps.
I’m thrilled to see these restrictions end at one airport. A few thoughts:
- London City Airport seems like a good first airport for implementing this policy, since a lot of passengers are flying point-to-point, and aren’t connecting
- Keep in mind that you still have to comply with liquids restrictions at other airports, so plan accordingly; in other words, maybe you’ll want to bring some larger drinks with you on a flight from London City, buy don’t bring full size skincare bottles that you can’t take with you when you return
- I imagine this will cause some confusion until this is rolled out throughout the UK; people will get used to the rule at London City Airport, and then be surprised when the same rules don’t apply at other airports
Bottom line
The UK is working toward simplifying its airport security screening process by mid-2024, and we’ve just seen London City Airport become the first major airport to see restrictions eased. Travelers from London City Airport can now take containers of up to two liters through security, and also don’t have to remove electronics or liquids from their bags.
It’s awesome to see these changes. It’s just a shame that the US isn’t working toward a similar goal.
What do you make of London City Airport’s security changes?
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