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All of the UK’s airports were supposed to have new scanners installed by June 2024 so that passengers would be able to check liquids. This would remove the ban on anything larger than 3.4 ounces. This date has shifted and it now won’t happen until 2025.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule at airports was introduced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2006 to prevent liquid explosives from being brought on planes after a foiled terrorist plot spotted by British authorities. Chemicals concealed in water bottles would have been used to take down multiple flights. After that, the policy of liquids not being more than 3.4 ounces and stored in a one-quart Ziploc bag (one per passenger) was instituted.
The Times has reported that London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), and Manchester Airport (MAN) have all been given extensions on the June 2024 deadline to install next-generation CT scanners by the Department for Transport (DfT). Birmingham Airport (BHX) and London City Airport (LCY) are the only two to meet the deadline.
The plan to reverse the liquids ban in the UK was first introduced in December 2022. It said that passengers would soon be able to carry up to two liters in carry-on bags. The reasons for delays are numerous, but the cost of the new scanners, the space needed within security areas, and some floors needing reinforcement due to their weight are the biggest holdups.
Anthony’s Take: It will be great to be able to carry larger liquids on planes again. I have found the agents at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to be especially militant and had to throw away some toiletries last year because I had too many when they made me repack my quart-sized bag into an even smaller one.
(Image Credits: nadisja and PhotgraphyTTL.)
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