Thousands of holidaymakers 'rejected' at airport security over hand luggage change

Holidaymakers have been advised to familiarise themselves with hand luggage rules after a shake-up in some airports

By: irishmirror.ie

May 10 2024
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Thousands of holidaymakers 're

Holiday-goers have been urged to make sure they are familiar with the current liquids hand luggage rule as airport security are rejecting more bags.

Recently, passengers have reported experiencing delays, with a few even missing flights, due to non-compliant liquid products in their carry-on luggage in the UK, which could impact Irish holidaymakers who are headed to the UK and flying back to Ireland.

Airports around the country are prepping for a major change in security measures, with some airports in the UK set to switch up to a brand-new bag-scanning system. Although some airports, like Manchester, will not have them installed in time for the June 1 deadline, Birmingham Airport will.

This means that passengers will no longer have to keep to the 100ml liquids hand luggage rule, instead being able to head through security with up to two litres of liquid products in their carry-on.

However, Birmingham Live reports that the rule change has caused confusion for passengers who believe the changes are already in place, resulting in some major hold-ups for travellers as their bags get rejected.

Birmingham Airport explained that currently, 15 per cent of hand luggage is being flagged as 'non-compliant', with each bag that was refused adding around 10 minutes on to the screening procedure.

A spokesperson said: "We wish to remind our customers that existing security restrictions remain in place.

"This can be confusing to our customers and on average 15 per cent of bags are rejected as they are not compliant with current security restrictions. For each customer, a non-compliant bag adds 10 minutes on top of their security search time.

"As a reminder, customers taking liquids and electricals through security in their hand luggage should follow these instructions: Liquids, pastes and gels, up to 100ml, in 20 x 20cm in resealable bags should be taken out of bags and placed in the security scanning tray; All electricals are to be removed from their cases and placed separately in the security scanning tray."

Young woman standing at the airport security checkpoint and holding a small water bottle and passport in hands.

In terms of Irish airports, some have implemented new rules, while others have yet to introduce new procedures for security.

Shannon Airport launched a new passenger screening system meaning the old 100ml restrictions introduced in 2006 no longer applies for passengers heading out of the airport.

However, with Cork and Dublin airports, you cannot bring any liquids, lotions, gels or pastes over 100ml on board, but it is hoped when new scanners are introduced the 100ml rule will be scrapped.

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