Travellers flying from this UK airport may want to rethink packing one common food item after a recent incident revealed airport security scanners may flag it as potentially dangerous
Sophisticated CT scanners were installed at Gatwick airport this past March to help reduce security lane wait times.(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Travellers at Gatwick airport carrying one common snack may risk setting off security scanners. The airport’s new state-of-the-art Computed Tomography scanners are not able to distinguish this one fruit from another dangerous device.
In July, a British journalist was travelling through Gatwick’s North Terminal revealed that a long line of travellers looked bemused when security staff questioned whether anyone was carrying fruit in their cabin bags.
Apples are not the only thing mistakenly flagged by the new scanners(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The reporter said he didn’t realise he was carrying an apple but when the security guard took it out of his bag, the only explanation they received was: “The scanner doesn’t like apples”. Another similar incident last September also highlighted hiccups resulting from the CT scanners.
Children’s medicine was previously flagged by the new scanners designed to detect explosives. Calpol and liquid Nurofen were both rejected by the CT scanners, posing difficulties for families going abroad. While Calpol, which is liquid paracetamol, is legal to take through security, the software in the new systems hit a glitch, not picking up on them as everyday items.
The expensive kit was reportedly rejecting items with the medicines in, forcing passengers to wait in queues for further security checks causing agonising delays.
The CT scanners were introduced at Gatwick in March across all of its security lanes as part of a multi-million-pound project to cut security lane wait times and better safeguard against potential terrorist attacks. Thus, passengers travelling through London Gatwick no longer need to remove electrical items or place liquids in plastic bags.
The new scanners were meant to be implemented across all UK airports by June 2024(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It’s been over two years since the Department of Transport announced a “major shake-up of airport security rules” to better screen liquids and electrical items such as laptops. The sophisticated scanners utilise the same technology used for medical scanners to create 3D images of luggage to better detect potential threats.
The limit was initially implemented in 2006 after a foiled terror plot but was only ever meant to be a temporary measure.
Initially, there was a June 2024 deadline for UK airports to integrate the new security measure that would see the 100ml LAG limit scrapped. While some smaller airports across the UK were able to integrate the new scanning equipment by the June deadline, larger airports struggled to meet the deadline for reasons varying from post-COVID supply chain issues to the need for additional construction work.
Passengers who are not on their best behaviour could face jail time or a fine, according to a campaign led by the country’s biggest airports
Passengers have been warned (stock image)(Image: WSFurlan via Getty Images)
Brits jetting off have been warned to be on their best behaviour or their summer holidays could “ruined” this year, officials have warned. A nationwide campaign going around the UK’s airports is encouraging holidaymakers to “fly responsibly” or risk “paying the price”.
With experts predicting this summer to be one of the busiest ever for air travel, the One Too Many campaign is cautioning travellers that having too much alcohol before flying out could result in serious consequences. Promotional material even warned Brits they face jail time if they flout any rules.
Travellers who cause disruption on flights may find themselves denied boarding, hit with a lifetime band or fines of up to £80,000 should their conduct force an aircraft to change course mid-journey. “One too many is all it takes to ruin a holiday, cause a delay, land YOU in jail, cancel a flight, [and/or] divert a plane,” one of the campaign’s warnings said.
The One Too Many campaign resources have been deployed across more than 20 UK airports including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Bristol, reports the Liverpool Echo. The campaign said on its website: “The industry is committed to tackling disruptive behaviour through a voluntary Code of Practice.
“Signatories to the Code work together to prevent and minimise the number of disruptive passenger incidents, and promote a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour; the identification, pre-emption, management and reporting of disruptive incidents; the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol; and education and communication with passengers.”
Karen Dee, the chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, said: “UK airports are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers. We urge travellers to enjoy their journeys responsibly and not ruin their holidays or the holidays of others. Airports will continue to monitor and act against any disruptive behaviour to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The One Too Many campaign was first launched in 2018, with support from the Government and includes endorsements from the Department for Transport and the Home Office. The campaign came just days after police in the north launched their own campaign to curb boozy Brits who came back from their holidays.
Officers stopped drivers leaving Teesside Airport as part of ‘Operation Take Off’, which targeted passengers who had flown into the airport and had struggled to control their boozing during their flights.
Warnings have been placed in airports such as London Heathrow(Image: Ceri Breeze via Getty Images)
Only one person out of the more than 100 checked was found to have alcohol in their breath. The amount found was below the legal limit, according to police, who gave the person a warning after they admitted to having one glass of wine on board.
Earlier this year, Ryanair called for airports to limit passengers to having no more than two drinks before they board, claiming it would lead to “a safer travel experience for passengers and crews”.
At the time, a spokesperson for Ryanair criticised governments across Europe for what it saw as their “repeated failure to take action when disruptive passengers threaten aircraft safety and force them to divert”. They added: “It is time that European Union authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports.”
A security officer has revealed a common mistake the majority of passengers make when going through airport security, and doing this will get you stopped and searched.
Airport worker reveals top reason why passengers get stopped at security(Image: Getty Images)
An airport worker has revealed the most common mistake passengers make when going through security – that leads to them being stopped the majority of the time. Going on holiday is exciting, but it can also be stressful. A security airport for one of London’s busiest airports has shared advice to help you avoid delays getting to your gate.
On average, London’s Heathrow Airport handles approximately 1,300 flights per day across all four terminals. According to OAG, it’s also one of the busiest airports in the world. One important thing to note is that travel restrictions are different depending on the country.
London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the UK(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
It’s best to learn the rules beforehand to avoid getting stopped and getting second-hand embarrassment. He told Travel Radar: “Your bags will be rejected and have to be manually searched if you don’t remove certain items – these are CAA and DfT rules we have to follow, and we have no power to change or circumvent them.”
The security officer also explained that there’s always a reason why people have to empty their pockets or their bags. Whenever unsure, ask any member of staff. Otherwise, be prepared to have a ten-minute bag search.
Whenever travelling, it’s important to empty all of your pockets before passing through, as the scanners can detect anything that may seem suspicious. Even an extra pocket on your trousers could set the red alarm.
Most importantly, travellers are to pack smartly, considering the number of items they’re bringing with them and their shape. For instance, some countries have ditched the rule of putting all liquids under 100ml in a transparent plastic bag, and can now be spread in the luggage. However, some airports still ask travellers to do so.
As a former check-in agent, there was a time when a passenger had to have his luggage searched because he had a toy shaped like a gun, but it turned out to be a harmless water pistol. Those items are better off left at home – and I’m sure this passenger learnt his lesson for his next time travelling.
With Brits heading off to sunny destinations for the summer, it’s best to take precautions when it comes to travelling. If you’re a nervous flyer, it’s best to get to the airport with time to spare, but either way, it’s best to avoid getting stuck at security.
Have you ever had an encounter at the airport while going through security? Let us know in the comments below.
An airport worker has said you shouldn’t put anything on your bag to identify it – and there’s also one food item you should never take with you while travelling
Losing luggage is one of a plane passenger’s worst nightmares(Image: Craig Hastings via Getty Images)
A baggage handler has spilled the beans on why holidaymakers should think twice about using ribbons as suitcase identifiers. Many travellers attach some sort of marker to their luggage to swiftly spot it at the baggage reclaim, but an airport worker has highlighted why this common practice could actually be counterproductive – and might even risk suitcases not making their flights at all.
The worker warned: “Ribbons people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall. If the bag can’t be scanned automatically it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight. Take old stickers off the bag, it can cause confusion with the scanning process.”
Further to that, the insider advised against packing marzipan, as it shares a similar density with explosives and could lead to matched luggage and owners being removed from their flights.
It comes as the Department for Transport is yet to axe the 100mL liquid limit, despite the fact that advanced CT scanners have been installed in a number of UK airports. In addition to the strict regulations around liquids – which also include gels and aerosols – there are restrictions on a number of substances and electronic devices that passengers can carry into the cabin.
The UK government website outlines a full range of items that are prohibited from hand luggage and hold luggage. Here is a full breakdown of every item passengers may be asked to remove from their bags at security in UK airports.
Liquids
How much liquid you can carry in your hand luggage and how it should be handled depends on your departure airport. That said, the UK government website states: “Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.”
At most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This still applies if the container is only part full.
Liquids include the following:
all drinks, including water
liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups
cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
pastes, including toothpaste
gels, including hair and shower gel
contact lens solution
any other solutions and items of similar consistency
You cannot carry frozen liquids in your hand luggage – this includes frozen breast milk. Additionally you can only carry formula milk/cow’s milk, sterilised water for babies, soya milk for babies and baby food in your hand luggage if the baby is present.
Personal items
You should contact your airline in advance if you plan to travel with a large musical instrument. You may need to make special arrangements like buying an extra seat.
Mobility aids are permissible but will need to be security screened first. Other personal items like corkscrews, knives (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm), large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm), non-safety matches, fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps and cigarette lights are not permitted in hand luggage.
Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements
Travellers are allowed to carry essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers in their hand luggage. As well as medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey
However, you may need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it’s in liquid form and in a container larger than 100ml.
If you are taking medicine out of the UK, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains a controlled drug. If it does, check the rules for the country you’re going to with the embassy before you travel. Again, you will need to prove it’s yours with either a prescription or letter from your doctor.
Airport staff might also need to open the containers to screen the liquids at the security point.
Electronic devices and electrical items
You can only take certain electronic devices and electrical items on flights to the UK. Some airlines might also have different restrictions so you should check with your airline before you travel to understand what is permissible in your hand luggage.
Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft.
Sports equipment
Heavy bats and sticks (including baseball, softball and cricket bats), golf clubs, darts, walking/hiking poles, catapult, firearms (including replica firearms), harpoons or spear guns, crossbows, and martial arts equipment (including knuckledusters, clubs, coshes, rice flails and nunchuks) are not permitted in hand luggage.
Work tools
All the following tools are not permitted in hand luggage:
Tool with a blade or shaft longer than 6cm (for example chisel)
Drill and drill bits
Stanley knife
Saw (including portable power saw)
Screwdriver
Hammer
Pliers
Wrench or spanner
Bolt gun or nail gun
Crowbar
Blowtorch
Chemicals and toxic substances
You cannot take any of these items as hand luggage or in the hold:
oxidisers and organic peroxides, including bleach and car body repair kits
acids and alkalis (for example spillable ‘wet’ batteries)
corrosives or bleaching agents (including mercury and chlorine)
self defence or disabling sprays (for example mace, pepper spray)
radioactive materials (including medicinal or commercial isotopes)
poisons or toxic substances (for example rat poison)
biological hazards (for example infected blood, bacteria, viruses)
materials that could spontaneously combust (burst into flames)
fire extinguishers
Ammunition
You cannot take any guns or firearms (including air rifles and starting pistols) as hand luggage. You may be able to take them as hold luggage – check with your airline before you travel.
You cannot take any of these items as hand luggage or in the hold:
blasting caps
detonators and fuses
imitation explosive devices (including replica or model guns)
mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores
fireworks and pyrotechnics
smoke canisters
smoke cartridges
dynamite
gunpowder
plastic explosives (including black powder and percussion caps)
The governmental body has announced that mobile signal blackspots are set to be a thing of the past on many of Britain’s key train routes. This comes after Network Rail, owned by the Government, signed a deal with telecoms firms Neos Networks and Freshwave
Milo Boyd Digital Travel Reporter and Neil Lancefield PA Transport Correspondent
04:00, 27 Jun 2025
The investment could be a major boon for UK train passengers (Image: Richard Newstead via Getty Images)
The governmental body has announced that mobile signal blackspots are set to be a thing of the past on many of Britain’s key train routes. This comes after Network Rail, owned by the Government, signed a deal with telecoms firms Neos Networks and Freshwave.
Travellers frequently experience dropped calls and poor internet connectivity while on trains. Dubbed Project Reach, the new agreement will see Neos Networks lay down 1,000km (621 miles) of high-speed fibre optic cable along sections of the East Coast Main Line, West Coast Main Line, Great Western Main Line, and Chiltern Main Line as an initial step.
The DfT has expressed hopes to extend the cabling to over 5,000km (3,107 miles) in the “near future”. Freshwave is set to address signal issues in 57 tunnels spanning almost 50km (31 miles), including tackling the notorious Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol.
Heidi Alexander hailed the investment programme (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Additionally, mobile network operators are poised to pour investment into new 4G and 5G infrastructure at 12 major railway stations: Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Edinburgh Waverley, Euston, Glasgow Central, King’s Cross, Leeds, Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Paddington, and Waterloo.
The DfT has hailed the agreement as a fusion of public and private sector investment and infrastructure, which is anticipated to save taxpayers “around £300 million”.
The financial incentive to out connection issues on the UK’s rail network is clear. Economics Professor Daniel Susskind, from Kings College London, estimates that the total economic value tied up in time spent on board trains in the UK is around £18 billion a year.
If all trains in the country had fast, reliable internet, then either commuting white collar workers could put in extra hours rather than reading a book or looking out of the window, or time spent in the office could be made shorter by starting the workday from the carriage of a train.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has hailed a major development as “a game-changer for passengers up and down the country,” promising to transform trips from Paddington to Penzance and Edinburgh to Euston.
“By boosting connectivity and tackling signal blackspots, we are also ensuring a more reliable and efficient service,” she said.
Alexander highlighted that these improvements align with wider objectives, stating, “This means better journeys for passengers while supporting our broader plan for change goals of economic growth and digital innovation.”
Jacqueline Starr, the Rail Delivery Group’s executive chair and CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “We know how much customers value good mobile connections when they travel and we’re delighted that a digitally connected railway will soon become a reality.
“We know how much customers value good mobile connections when they travel and we’re delighted that a digitally connected railway will soon become a reality.”
Starr also pointed out the economic and environmental advantages of rail travel: “Travelling by rail drives economic growth by connecting businesses and communities, improving productivity, and supporting the transition to net zero.
“Travelling by rail drives economic growth by connecting businesses and communities, improving productivity, and supporting the transition to net zero.”
She further added that the telecoms upgrade across the network will enable everyone to stay in touch during their travels: “This vital upgrade to telecoms across the network will give everyone the opportunity to stay connected, wherever they’re headed.
“This vital upgrade to telecoms across the network will give everyone the opportunity to stay connected, wherever they’re headed.”
The rollout of Project Reach’s infrastructure is set to kick off next year, with completion targeted for 2028.
This one simple trick can save you a lot of time and effort when you open your luggage in your hotel and it only takes a matter of minutes to complete
Packing strategically can help you save time when passing through airport security(Image: Getty Images)
Anyone packing miniature toiletries into their hand luggage have been told to perform one handy trick before zipping up their suitcase.
A group of Travel Insider writers for Qantas have divulged their best space-saving hacks for packing hand luggage. And this tip not only saves space but a potentially messy eruption.
“Squeeze air out of toiletries” urges one travel writer for passengers attempting to pack sunscreen and other lotions and liquids in their hand luggage. The hack even comes with a guarantee that “you’ll thank yourself later”.
“Is there anything worse than getting to your hotel only to find that half–empty tube of sunscreen has erupted in your bag?” the expert writes. “Squeeze any air out of your toiletries bottles before you travel to create a vacuum effect that sucks lids and caps on tight.”
Avoid packing any generic essentials that you can purchase at your destination – this will help save space(Image: Getty Images)
It only takes an extra minute while packing can save you from losing your costly creams or having to replace them on arrival at your destination. It can also protect your clothes or other items in your hand baggage from being ruined.
That said, another travel expert provides another great idea for those worried about travelling with their favourite products. “I save up all my skincare samples (online store Adore Beauty and Aesop are generous with theirs) so I have a full suite of products for any trip – it saves so much space and weight.”
In addition to being space and weight friendly, these samples will also help you stay under the 100mL limit at UK airports. The limit is still in place despite the installation of new state-of-the-art scanners in a number of UK airports.
The Department of Transport previously announced a “major shake-up of airport security rules” to better screen liquids and electrical items such as laptops. The security update was eagerly awaited by travellers as it would finally end the 100ml limit on liquids, aerosols and gels (LAG) for hand luggage.
The 100ml limit was initially implemented in 2006 after a foiled terror plot but was only ever meant to be a temporary measure. But slow progress to modernise security technology has seen the measure extended.
You need to keep all liquid containers in a plastic bag when going through security(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The driving force behind the more relaxed security update was the availability of new state-of-the-art security scanners that would be better equipped for passenger screening. The Computed Tomography (CT) scanners—the same technology used for medical scanners—are capable of creating 3D images of luggage to better detect potential threats.
The superiority of these scanners are one way that airports are striving to modernise in order to reduce passenger queue times. Initially, there was a June 2024 deadline for UK airports to integrate the new security measure but it was later extended to June 2025.
Because of the continued delay, all liquid containers must be kept in a single clear, resealable plastic bag. The bag should not exceed dimensions of 20cm x 20cm and must have a maximum capacity of one litre.
Only certain liquids, such as essential medications, liquids for specific dietary needs, and baby food or milk, are exempt from the 100ml limit.
Airport security rules can be confusing for many travellers with liquid restrictions in place at many flight hubs – but there is one common food item that is banned
Don’t get caught out at airport security [stock image](Image: Getty Images)
Airport shops are hitting passengers in the pocket by charging up to a staggering 48 per cent more for snacks and drinks compared to high street prices. In a move away from complimentary in-flight refreshments, British Airways is one of the airlines now asking customers to splash out on food during short-haul journeys with their paid-for menu options.
But be advised, packing certain common food items might land you in hot water at security checks, potentially leading to a search or even confiscation of your beloved nibbles. Whilst some UK airports have started updating their security measures, the liquid restrictions linger stubbornly across numerous global terminals.
The official guidance on the UK Government’s website currently states: “If you do take liquids in your hand luggage containers must hold no more than 100ml.
“Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm and contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed.”
Beware, traveller: while it’s widely known that water and beverages are part of the liquid restrictions, many are unaware that certain foods, including hummus, also qualify under this category due to their consistency, reports the Express.
It’s not just the popular chickpea spread either; other favourites like guacamole and salsa are similarly subjected to these stringent security stipulations.
A travel guru from Ski Vertigo has issued a warning to holidaymakers: “Certain food items, especially those that are liquid or gel-like, such as peanut butter, jam, or yoghurt, are subject to the liquids rule.
“Solid foods generally pass through security without issues, but any food that can be spread, squirted, or poured may be confiscated if it exceeds the allowed liquid limits. Food items can also trigger additional screening if they appear suspicious on the X-ray.”
Despite some UK airports adopting cutting-edge CT scanners that could see the end of the current liquid restrictions, many still lag behind in this tech upgrade.
Even if you’re flying out from a UK airport equipped with these new scanners, remember that numerous international airports continue to enforce the traditional liquid regulations.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Passengers should continue to check security requirements with their departure airport before travelling.”
So, for now, it’s wise for travellers to stick to the established liquid guidelines until further notice, as there’s no confirmed date for when the rules will be universally relaxed.
