Liquid rules remain far from fluid

News that there will be no early relaxation of airport restrictions on liquids in carry-on bags is unwelcome but hardly unexpected. We reported a fortnight ago that the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had warned US passengers not to expect the restrictions to be removed until 2040. Hopefully, it will be sooner. 

This week, we report on efforts to return to the position on June 1 last year when it appeared “the day of the tiny toiletry” might soon be over, to coin the phrase of the government of the time.

Sadly, it turned out transport secretary Mark Harper – now a Tory life peer – had jumped the gun in imposing a deadline for UK airports to install the latest 3D security scanners. Harper must have thought he had found a sure way to deliver a good consumer news story going into the peak summer travel season and July 2024 general election, at no cost to the government.

Airports spent tens of millions of pounds to comply – costs inevitably passed on to passengers – yet all but the smallest airports failed to meet the deadline, whereupon just eight days later the government reimposed the 100ml restrictions. Harper’s name was absent from that announcement.

The restrictions remain in place. Fewer UK passengers have to remove laptops and miniature liquids from cabin bags at security now, at least on outbound flights. But the messaging remains confusing, and the overall experience largely unchanged.

Just be thankful no one ever cancelled a holiday to avoid travelling with only 75ml of toothpaste.

Comment originally from Travel Weekly, August 14 edition