SEVERAL UK airports have scrapped the 100ml liquid rule, just as the summer holiday rush gets underway.
The policy change comes in as airports prepare for their busiest time of the year.
Until this year, liquids in hand luggage were restricted to 100ml, with all bottles required to be removed to go through security.
However, seven UK airports are removing the 100ml liquid hand luggage rule in a major change to security measures.
Due to technology developments, a number of airports will accept containers of up to two litres in hand luggage.
This includes Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International, and Belfast City.
Heathrow Airport has confirmed that containers of up to two litres can be taken in hand luggage in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, but metal or insulated bottles must be emptied first.
Gatwick, Edinburgh, and Bristol similarly require metal, or double-walled containers, to be completely emptied before security checks.
Birmingham and Belfast City allow liquids, as well as gels and pastes of up to two litres to stay in cabin bags.
17 major airports, however, have reported to retain the 100ml liquid limit throughout the summer period.
Seven UK airports removing the 100ml liquid hand luggage limit this summer
The following airports will allow liquids of up to two litres to be kept in hand luggage:
- Belfast International
- Belfast City
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Gatwick
- Heathrow
The following airports still apply the 100ml liquid rule:
- Aberdeen
- Cardiff
- East Midlands
- Glasgow International
- Glasgow Prestwick
- Inverness
- Isle of Man
- Leeds Bradford
- Liverpool
- London City
- London Luton
- London Stansted
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Norwich
- Southampton
- Teesside
Airports not introducing the rule have made some changes, with Manchester, London Luton, London City, and Teeside allowing 100ml liquids to remain inside hand luggage, and not be put in plastic bags.
Passengers, however, have been urged to check the rules at overseas airports, as many may not operate on the same regulations as the UK.
Items that are commonly treated as liquids include drinks, creams and lotions, mascara, lipgloss, toothpaste, hair gel, shaving foam, and liquid-filled toys.
Before travelling, it is important to check the exact rules of your departure airport before packing any restricted items.