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‘Stick to current hand luggage rules’, advises Abta

Abta is urging half-term holidaymakers to stick to the current rules for liquids and laptops when preparing their hand luggage for airport security.

The association’s advice aims to avoid any potential delays and confusion at airport security during the upcoming half-term holiday caused by the delayed introduction of next-generation security scanners.

The new scanners, when fully introduced, will end the 100ml liquid rule and allow electronic devices to remain in hand luggage when going through security.

However, many UK airports will not be fully up and running with the new scanners by June 1 – the government’s original deadline.

Many overseas airports haven’t introduced the new technology yet either.

Just three of the 17 airports the Department for Transport ordered to install new 3D security scanners by this June have so far complied – Newcastle, London City and Aberdeen – and another two, Luton and Birmingham, report they will comply by June, a Travel Weekly survey earlier this month found.

The existing rules say that liquids can be no more than 100ml and be carried in a single, transparent, resealable 20cm x 20cm plastic bag, with just one bag per person.

Electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, are removed from hand luggage when passing through the security screening process.

Abta is also advising travellers to look out for signage and guidance at the airport about the security rules in place.

Luke Petherbridge, Abta director of public affairs, said: “Half-term is a popular time for families to get away for some guaranteed sunshine.

“To help everyone enjoy a stress-free experience this half-term, our message is simple – you can’t go wrong if you stick to the current rules around liquids and laptops when preparing your hand luggage.

“The new airport scanners will make things faster and strengthen security once they’re fully implemented, while we have this period whereby airports are still working to implement the changes, the best thing to do is travel as if nothing has changed.”

Further advice on airport security and the new scanners is at abta.com/airportsecurity.

Photo: Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

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